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Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast. Community Presentation of Legacy Corps Program. Goodwill Easter Seals is guided by:. Our Mission: “Together, we Empower people through Encouragement, Education, and Employment”. Our Values:
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Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Community Presentation of Legacy Corps Program
Goodwill Easter Seals is guided by: • Our Mission: “Together, we Empower people through Encouragement, Education, and Employment”. • Our Values: Integrity, Compassion, Unity, Respect, Excellence • Our Vision: “Strengthening Individuals, Families and Communities”
Children’s Services: • Early Intervention • Child Development Centers (2) • Special Education Preschool Program • OSR First Class PreK Program • Early HeadStart • Family Support Services • Recreation Programs • AF/Navy Respite Services
Support Services: • Medical Assistance • Equipment Loan • Support Groups • Down Syndrome • Autism • Stroke Survivors • Post-Polio • Camperships • Community Assistance
Education Services: • Adult Literacy • Adult Basic Education • GED Instruction • GED Testing • Financial Literacy • At – Risk Youth programs
Workforce Development Services: • Vocational Rehab • SCSEP • Youth Mentoring (GoodGuides) • Transitional Youth • TANF • Business Services • Ability One Programs
Legacy Corps Program An AmeriCorps Project Provided through a Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service and University of Maryland Health Services Administration
AmeriCorps Background: • America’s version of the PeaceCorps • Established in 1993 to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and nation • Four Common Goals of all AmeriCorps programs and members: • Getting Things Done • Strengthening Communities • Encouraging Responsibilities • Expanding Opportunity
Purpose of Legacy Corps Project • Provide Respite and Support Services to Veterans and Active Duty Military Families • Assist in reducing Caregiver Stress • Empower the Caregiver and Care Recipient through education and linkages to community resources
Why the Need? • By 2025 62 million Americans will be considered senior citizens (the fastest growing cohort will be those 100 years+) • A growing and specialized need for caregiver support exists among veterans and military families • 96% of those caregivers are women and more than 30% have been providing care for over 10 years • Caregivers of veterans report more than twice the emotional stress of caregivers of adults nationally • As service members, Veterans have the opportunity to become civically engaged and increase their employability within the community
Legacy Corps Service Members: • Volunteers - not employees! • Will provide at least 450 service hours /year (includes training/in-service hours) • Preference to veteran service members (60% of enrollment) • Thorough interview, screening and evaluation process • Monthly Stipend - $200 • Educational Award - $1,468/year • In-service Training/Professional Development Opportunities
Members provide Community-Based Services for Veterans/Military Families: Services provided by Legacy Corps Members: • In-home Respite – Average 9 -12 hours per week to allow Caregiver break, rest, time to attend to personal health and well-being • Information Sharing/ Peer-to-Peer Networks – Member will provide information on topics and issues common among Veteran Caregiver situations; facilitate linkages to social support opportunities • Child Care Respite – Respite to parents of children facing deployment or those caring for a special needs child (active or retired) • Caregiver Transitional Services – provided to families transitioning to/from medical facilities and home-based care
Legacy Member Requirements: • Must be 18 Years or older • Have a High School Diploma or GED • Obtain Clearance on Federal and State Criminal Background and National Sex Offender Registry Checks • Commit to at least 450 hours for one year
Service Member Enrollment • Written Application • Check Driving Record/Insurance • Criminal History, Sexual Offender Registry • 2 Personal References • Interview • 20-hour Orientation / Pre-Service Training (Typically 4-5 days)
Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities: • Attend required pre-service, monthly in-service training and reflection sessions • Adherence to Program Guidelines, Policies and Procedures • Complete reporting requirements (monthly progress notes, for example) • Have reliable transportation and telephone communications • Flexible Schedule for providing service activities and attending training events/meetings
Ways to Partner with GES Legacy Corps Project • Refer potential service members who meet the minimum requirements and qualifications (60% veterans) • Refer potential recipients (90% families with veteran or active duty member in home) • Provide resource/referral information related to veteran/caregiver needs • Provide workshops/guest presentation sessions for Legacy Corps monthly in-service sessions • Spread the word to help us Recruit Qualified Service Members!
Contact: Caroline Dixon, Program Coordinator caroline.dixon@gesgc.org 850-659-7188 Stacey Griffith 850-474-0030