OPINION: AmeriCorps Seniors help others enjoy fuller, more independent lives

For over 10 years, Rosalba Salazar has been a volunteer with the AmeriCorps Seniors Companion Program through Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs.

A retired senior herself, she serves 10 or more hours a week, selflessly providing support to her senior clients and helping them feel connected to the community. She has dedicated herself to ensuring that these folks enjoy a fuller, more independent life. She inspires all of us with her passionate, authentic concern for the well-being of her clients. This is what being an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer looks like.

This year is the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps, a federal agency dedicated to national service and volunteerism. This marker is a highlight of AmeriCorps Week from March 10 through March 16, when volunteers are recognized for their dedication and commitment to service. As part of this celebration, the city is privileged to recognize our own AmeriCorps Seniors, like Rosalba, whose value and contributions are a major resource to our community.

As Albuquerque ages along with the rest of the country, the Department of Senior Affairs remains steadfast in providing activities and opportunities to our older adult community. This includes social services, transportation, nutrition services, recreation and fitness; along with a variety of programs for all ages through our multigenerational centers.

Volunteers play an important role in all of this. Whether it’s by teaching a fitness class, preparing meals, assisting a homebound senior with household chores, or simply helping keep our centers clean and organized, our volunteers make a meaningful impact each and every day.

The Department of Senior Affairs actually has the rare advantage of hosting all three AmeriCorps Senior Programs: Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired Senior Volunteers. Each program offers adults 55 years and older the opportunity to give their time and talent to better our city. This not only helps leverage their skills and wisdom, but provides outlets for them to expand their social networks and opportunities to help others while feeling engaged and valued.

For those who possess the passion to answer this important call to become part of AmeriCorps Seniors, or volunteer in any other way, we are more than ready for you. Nearly 150 older adults are on the waitlist for a Senior Companion, multiple schools are seeking Foster Grandparents to help in the classroom, and volunteer stations across our city are in need of dedicated Retired Senior Volunteers willing to donate their time, expertise and compassion.

AmeriCorps Week is an ideal time to visit any of our senior or multigenerational centers to learn more about how you can get involved. You can also contact our Volunteerism office at 505-764-1009 or visit our website, cabq.gov/seniors.

Together, we can achieve more. Thank you Rosalba, and to all our outstanding volunteers making a real difference in our community. We hope you join us in continuing to make Albuquerque the best place for families – of all ages.