[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9291-S9292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SALUTING THE ALABAMA NSSC DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, in 1981, the Alabama Association of 
Retired Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP] project directors developed a 
proposal requesting State funding for their projects as a supplement to 
their Federal budgets. During State budget negotiations, the funding 
was also extended to Alabama's Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent 
projects, marking the beginning of a collaboration among senior service 
corps programs in my State that has continued for 15 years.
  As a State association known as the Alabama National Senior Service 
Corps Directors Association, these three programs--RSVP, Senior 
Companion, and Foster Grandparents--have worked together to secure 
other funding. The Senior Corps' 35 State projects receive more than a 
quarter million dollars annually from the State budget to cover costs 
related to volunteers. These funds have been used to establish several 
programs, including a public housing mentoring program and training 
programs in prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse. The funds 
have also been used to conduct free

[[Page S9292]]

community intergenerational workshops at sites throughout the State. 
The association also contracts with the IRS to provide tax counseling 
services for the elderly.
  The association is now seeking Medicaid waiver funding and hopes to 
soon venture into the arena of private sector funding. Project 
directors have taken the first step toward seeking private sector 
support by incorporating as a 501(c)(3) organization.
  I am pleased to congratulate and commend the Alabama National Senior 
Service Corps Directors Association for developing an array of 
outstanding programs and for providing a model that illustrates the 
power and potential of these kinds of partnerships in providing 
important services to our senior citizens.

                          ____________________