Legacy program seeks adults 50 and older
Faith in Action McHenry County is looking for adults, age 50 and older, to participate in the Legacy training program, April 7-9.
The Legacy training program offers a $2,000 yearly living allowance, $1,250 educational award as well as opportunities and training for skill development.
Legacy members are expected to volunteer about 10 hours of service to the organization each week.
The Faith in Action partnership with Legacy Corps of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois has existed since 2005. Legacy is one of the first AmeriCorps programs that specifically uses the skills, experiences and talents of adults age 50 and older. About 24 Legacy Corps members have served caregivers in McHenry County through FIAMC.
The primary service of Legacy Corps members is to provide caregivers for McHenry County seniors living at home a break from their care giving responsibilities each week. Legacy volunteers also provide an array of support and informational services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the identified caregiver.
The FIAMC training will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7 and 8 and 9 a.m. to noon April 9. The training will be held at the American Community Bank, 381 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake.
FIAMC began on Nov. 1, 1998, with receipt of $25,000 from the Robert S. Wood Johnson Foundation to establish an Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program for the elderly in McHenry County using guidelines from the national Faith in Action program. FIAMC began under the umbrella of Family Services and became a stand-alone nonprofit organization in 2000.
In addition to 24 Legacy volunteers, FIAMC uses about 200 volunteers from faith congregations and the community at large to provide services to care recipients, 60 years of age and older, living in their own home, apartment or with a family member in McHenry County. Such services include friendly home visits and phone calls, shopping and errands, home maintenance and repairs, light yard work, light household chores, respite services and daily assurance calls.
For information about Legacy training or FIAMC, call Rhonda Anderson at (815) 455-3120 or e-mail Rhonda@ fiamchenrycounty.org.