Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Community

Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Community Presentation of Legacy Corps Program

Goodwill Easter Seals is guided by: o Our Mission: “Together, we Empower people through Encouragement, Education, and Employment”. o Our Values: Integrity, Compassion, Unity, Respect, Excellence o Our Vision: “Strengthening Individuals, Families and Communities”

Children’s Services: o Early Intervention o Child Development Centers (2) n Special Education Preschool Program n OSR First Class Pre. K Program n Early Head. Start o Family Support Services o Recreation Programs o AF/Navy Respite Services

Support Services: o Medical Assistance o Equipment Loan o Support Groups n n Down Syndrome Autism Stroke Survivors Post-Polio o Camperships o Community Assistance

Education Services: o Adult Literacy o Adult Basic Education o GED Instruction o GED Testing o Financial Literacy o At – Risk Youth programs

Workforce Development Services: o Vocational Rehab o SCSEP o Youth Mentoring (Good. Guides) o Transitional Youth o TANF o Business Services o Ability One Programs

Legacy Corps Program An Ameri. Corps Project Provided through a Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service and University of Maryland Health Services Administration

Ameri. Corps Background: o America’s version of the Peace. Corps o Established in 1993 to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and nation o Four Common Goals of all Ameri. Corps programs and members: n n Getting Things Done Strengthening Communities Encouraging Responsibilities Expanding Opportunity

Purpose of Legacy Corps Project q Provide Respite and Support Services to Veterans and Active Duty Military Families q Assist in reducing Caregiver Stress q Empower the Caregiver and Care Recipient through education and linkages to community resources

Why the Need? o By 2025 62 million Americans will be considered senior citizens (the fastest growing cohort will be those 100 years+) o A growing and specialized need for caregiver support exists among veterans and military families o 96% of those caregivers are women and more than 30% have been providing care for over 10 years o Caregivers of veterans report more than twice the emotional stress of caregivers of adults nationally o As service members, Veterans have the opportunity to become civically engaged and increase their employability within the community

Legacy Corps Service Members: o Volunteers - not employees! o Will provide at least 450 service hours /year (includes training/in-service hours) o Preference to veteran service members (60% of enrollment) o Thorough interview, screening and evaluation process o Monthly Stipend - $200 o Educational Award - $1, 468/year o In-service Training/Professional Development Opportunities

Members provide Community-Based Services for Veterans/Military Families: Services provided by Legacy Corps Members: n n 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: o Must be 18 Years or older o Have a High School Diploma or GED o Obtain Clearance on Federal and State Criminal Background and National Sex Offender Registry Checks o Commit to at least 450 hours for one year

Service Member Enrollment o Written Application o Check Driving Record/Insurance o Criminal History, Sexual Offender Registry o 2 Personal References o Interview o 20 -hour Orientation / Pre-Service Training (Typically 4 -5 days)

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities: n Attend required pre-service, monthly in-service training and reflection sessions n Adherence to Program Guidelines, Policies and Procedures n Complete reporting requirements (monthly progress notes, for example) n Have reliable transportation and telephone communications n Flexible Schedule for providing service activities and attending training events/meetings

Ways to Partner with GES Legacy Corps Project o Refer potential service members who meet the minimum requirements and qualifications (60% veterans) o Refer potential recipients (90% families with veteran or active duty member in home) o Provide resource/referral information related to veteran/caregiver needs o Provide workshops/guest presentation sessions for Legacy Corps monthly in-service sessions o 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