Aim of program is
to ‘give back to
the community’
By Alicia Colombo
The auditorium of Philadelphia Senior Center (PSC), at Broad and Lombard Sts., is adorned with a tree mural, bearing the words ‘We are all connected to the flow.’
It is a visual representation of the philosophy behind the civic engagement program, Ready to Serve, launched by PSC last spring. Ready to Serve offers the center’s 2,800 members a range of volunteer opportunities that use their varied talents to serve others in the community.
“Senior centers have always provided services to older adults. Now, we’re encouraging them to give back and serve the community as a whole,” said Bob Groves, CEO of PSC.
PSC held a Ready to Serve kick-off event on Nov. 3 with ‘A Step Along the Way: Seniors Combating Crime,’ a program engaging senior volunteers to help stop the cycle of criminal behavior by offering friendship to former prison inmates.
Deputy mayor speaks
“It is clear that you can’t improve public safety if you keep offenders outside society,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison, the keynote speaker, but “if you give people a chance, they can become a benefit to society and not a cause for fear.”
Through ‘A Step Along the Way,’ seniors aim to help transition ex-offenders into the community. The Mentoring Program for ex-offenders assists with the transition out of prison.
The Prisoner Pen Pal program is another option for providing inmate support that does not require a large time investment.
“Providing hope to an inmate is as easy as sending a letter or a card,” said Phyllis Taylor, chaplain at Philadelphia Prison System. Inmates receive few visitors, she said, so pen pal letters offer a connection to the outside world.
One inmate wrote, “All I have is hope for another day and a chance for freedom.” Through ‘A Step Along the Way,’ senior volunteers offer that hope.
Other initiatives
Additional civic engagement initiatives address environmental concerns and personal finance.The Senior Green Team addresses ways to improve the environment. Information is provided on environmental issues and volunteers advocate for positive changes that will improve the environment.
Programs focus on the safe disposal of unused medications and the use of non-toxic cleaning products.Financial management services are provided by senior volunteers, who possess basic Internet skills.
This program helps low-income seniors manage their finances in this uncertain economy. Ready to Serve offers many opportunities to serve. Training and ongoing support are provided to all volunteers.
For more information or to volunteer, you may contact Helen
Sunga at 215-546-5879, ext. 241, or hsunga@philaseniorcenter.org.