Senior Connections
We are currently accepting applications for the up coming program year. Click here for the application. Please fill it out, print, sign and mail to:
Brad Alley
300 GRADD Way
Owensboro KY 42301
Member Benefits
Members serve a minimum of 1,700 hours of community service at non-profits, faith-based organizations, and public agencies from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025.
AmeriCorps members are eligible for a variety of benefits.
Members serving full-time currently receive a living allowance of $18,700.
After successful completion of a term of a service, AmeriCorps members will receive an education award, currently $7,395.
Members aged 55 and older on enrollment date can transfer the education award to a child, grandchild or stepchild.
Members may receive limited health benefits and may qualify for childcare assistance.
As an Encore program we utilize the skills and experience of mature members, age 55 and over, to serve our clients.
You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien aged 18 to 99 to join.
What is AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs with a mission of improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical needs that have been identified in their individual communities.
Senior Connections
Our mission is to place and have Senior Connections members serve at non-profit, faith-based, and public agencies that offer services to senior citizens throughout the Green River Area Development District. Our goal is to reduce the rate of food insecurity for our senior citizens and assist them in their ability to live independently in their own homes, to have an effective social support system, a reliable and sustainable source of nutrition and ensure they are resilient
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food, and is an important national health problem and an underrecognized social determinant of health. It places a substantial burden on our society through health care and social costs. People experiencing food insecurity often consume a nutrient-poor diet, which may contribute to the development of a variety of chronic diseases.
Kentucky’s 10.4 percent food insecurity rate for seniors aged 65 or older is higher than the national average of 7.4 percent for the same demographic. Additionally, Kentucky’s 10.4 percent food insecurity rate ranks the Commonwealth as having the third highest food insecurity rate in the United States among senior citizens over the age of 65. It is estimated that 14.8-percent of residents 65 years and older in the GRADD region are suffering from food insecurity.
Better Nutrition /Health: Some of our locations, particularly our senior centers, offer Congregate Meals at their site, participate in Home Delivered Meals. Sites are encouraged to create and maintain food pantries and community gardens. Other services include regular exercise programs, transportation to and from doctor appointments, grocery stores, banks and other important errands. Senior Connections and our members are also very much involved with the annual events such as “Feed Seniors” and “Senior Games.”
Socialization: Studies have shown that among Medicare recipients, those experiencing the worst health are those who report being isolated and having little to no social interactions. Organized group Activities (overnight bus trips, bingo, crafts, friendly visits in the home, welfare checks, routine telephone calls) and the list goes on and on.
Disaster Preparedness: Our program also places members at sites where they assist in disseminating information regarding disaster preparedness. Members routinely visit senior centers and make presentation and participate in other events in order to keep our seniors knowledgeable about Disaster Preparedness. We feel this offers our senior citizens a certain peace of mind in knowing they are part of a bigger community and are not being forgotten and prepared to survive disasters that affect the region.
The Serve Kentucky website has information on other programs in the Commonwealth.
For more information on the AmeriCorps family of programs go to AmeriCorps.gov.
Brad Alley – Program Director
Mary Ashford – Program Assistant
Green River Area Development District
300 GRADD Way
Owensboro, KY 42301
270-926-4433