September 19, 2022 – United HomeCare is pleased to announce that it was selected by the Community Care Corps to receive $180,000 to launch a new AVUS Connect Tech Pals Volunteer Program to assist local family caregivers, older adults, and persons with disabilities in South Florida to have access to the Internet with a computer tablet and technical training. The grant is for the period of October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024.
United HomeCare is among the awardees of Community Care Corps. This unprecedented program is a momentous leap forward in facilitating older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers with much-needed non-medical assistance. United HomeCare’s aid will benefit countless local individuals and families, generating a lasting impact on those served, as well as the volunteers serving our community.
United HomeCare will use the funds to launch a new program called AVUS Connect Tech PalsTM. Student volunteers from the South Florida area will help older adults and persons with disabilities setup and troubleshoot computer tablets purchased through the program. This initiative will benefit the individuals by increasing social interaction and minimizing isolation.
Carlos L. Martinez, President and CEO of United HomeCare, noted that “This grant is a testament to the impact that our intergenerational volunteer program, AVUS Tech Pals, is having in our community to address isolation, loneliness in older adults. It also allows United HomeCare to bring additional partners, like River of Grass Technologies and other community partners, as well as the continued engagement of youth and young adults collaborating with older adults through the use of technology.”
“We are pleased to make this award to United HomeCare. Their excellent volunteer model was chosen over other outstanding programs across the country,” said Paul Weiss, President of The Oasis Institute which administers Community Care Corps.
Community Care Corps grants are being awarded to local organizations across the country to establish, enhance, and grow innovative volunteer models. Community Care Corps is granting $2.85 million to 23 innovative local programs nationwide, including United HomeCare. The program was extremely competitive. In all, 171 organizations requested funding for their programs. The organizations selected serve a mix of urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities from across the country.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring AVUS Connect Tech Pals and access-to-technology to our community’s most vulnerable older adults to empower them to be connected to the communities in which they live,” said Alina Palenzuela, Marketing and Volunteer Director of United HomeCare.
Tens of millions of Americans are in critical need of non-medical assistance to continue living in their homes. Many also need companionship to avert the devastating effects of isolation. Volunteer support is vital for individuals to maintain the ability to live independently and stay connected within their communities.
“We look forward to bridging generations by fostering meaningful friendships between young adult volunteers and homebound older adults, and teaching seniors to use technology to communicate virtually with their volunteer pal and the world around them. Volunteers make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, especially for individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation,” said Blanca Ceballos, Community Relations Manager of AVUS Connect Tech Pals.
Community Care Corps, through a cooperative agreement with the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL), is led by four national non-profit organizations: The Oasis Institute, Caregiver Action Network, and USAging. For more information about Community Care Corps and a list of the 2022 grantees, please visit www.communitycarecorps.org.
