Eras Senior Network

Engaging seniors: the retired and Senior volunteer program in milwaukee county and waukesha county is part of a national movement of americorps Senior programs that engages adults age 55+ to respond to community needs. Eras maintains partnerships with school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to identify local needs, and develop high-impact, meaningful service opportunities for rsvp volunteers. Annually our agency places 350 retired and senior-age volunteers in two waukesha county public school districts to provide one on one tutoring, small group activities, and classroom support in public schools. We measure the impact of this work through pre-tests and post-tests of students who are impacted by the volunteers' efforts, with the districts providing the data to show the gains made in math, reading, writing, and critical thinking. Service activities include tutoring school children, helping with math, assisting in classrooms, and serving as pen pals. Seniors support other nonprofit agencies by serving as program assistants, volunteering as drivers, delivering meals to homebound individuals, serving on boards of directors, and helping at fundraisers and educational events. In milwaukee county, rsvp volunteers assist seniors who need support to live independently.

Mobility: a program helping seniors with transportation to healthcare appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and other basic-need rides.

Supporting seniors: the faith in action program supports the growing number of milwaukee county and waukesha county seniors who do not qualify for government entitlement programs, who lack sufficient income to purchase services, and who do not have an informal support system to help with daily activities (grocery shopping, transportation, home safety projects, and managing finances). Services are offered at no charge to seniors, helping them to live on a fixed income. By supporting seniors who have no other options for their care, the program assists them in living meaningful lives. Services provided by trained volunteers ensure that each Senior has time needed for completing tasks without concern of paying an hourly fee.

Community awareness: the s.t.o.p. Seniors frauds & scams programs brings timely information to seniors and family caregivers to help decrease victimization of frauds and scams. The program has provided presentations to over 2,000 community members since its start in 2016. Presentation modules include computer scams, caregiver scams, financial fraud, telemarketing scams, power of attorney and investment scams, and charity scams.supporting family caregivers: Eras is co-leading a multi-sector initiative to create a healthier system for family caregivers and seniors. With financial support from the advancing healthier Wisconsin endowment, a partnership of public, private, and academic sectors will implement strategies to identify family caregivers, provide timely and relevant support, and share information between organizations.