Volunteering

For two years, AARP Missouri has fought for legislation that could help family caregivers when a relative is in a hospital or about to come home. The bill stalled in committee in 2016 and 2017.

By Tim Poor

AARP Missouri successfully blocked a bill in 2016 that would have made consumers bear the risk of weather-related changes in utility costs. AARP members flooded their elected officials’ email inboxes and phone lines with messages opposing the legislation. Thanks to their efforts, and several state senators from both parties, the measure was defeated.

In support of Veterans Day (November 11), AARP Driver Safety will offer the AARP Smart Driver™ online course for 30% off for the entire month of November. From November 1 – 30, AARP members and non-members can save 30% when they take the online course by entering the promotion code VETFB during registration and checkout. Participants can register at bit.ly/adsSO.

Caregivers Together, a local support group in Carthage, meets monthly to offer family caregivers in the area an opportunity to share stories with others facing the same challenges. Founded by AARP volunteer Jinny Hopp, the group also shares tips on how to balance your own life and work with the tasks required to meet an aging loved one’s needs.

Sharon Wells of Florissant has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2016 AARP Missouri Andrus Award for Community Service – the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP in Kansas City volunteers created a stir with Fraud Watch Network resources at the 2016 Carver Day Celebration held at the Freedom School at Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church on July 9. The event was in celebration of the 1943 establishment of the George Washington Carver National Monument and also recognized the 100th birthday of the National Parks Service.

By Tim Poor

Founder and director of Sage Metro St. Louis Sherrill Wayland was recently honored as the 2016 Dennis W. Hostetler Advocate of the Year during the “All That Jazz” summer celebration on June 12. The event was sponsored by SAGE of PROMO Fund and held at The Focal Point and Maya Café in Maplewood.

A neighborhood isn't made of houses and streets. A neighborhood is people. Across St. Louis, age, disability and a lack of resources can erode communities as houses fall into disrepair and force our neighbors out of the places they call home.