Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan- Senior Outreach

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan- Senior Outreach

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM) created the Senior Outreach Program. This program helps low-income, homebound seniors age in place with dignity. Our first goal was to support seniors who were food insecure. We created a pantry and developed the infrastructure and processes to deliver a complete set of groceries to 80-100 households per week. As the program progressed through the summer of 2020, we learned that the pandemic did not create difficulties in obtaining healthy food for seniors but merely highlighted it. By the middle of 2020, we took the outreach program from a reactionary initiative to a full-fledged part of the CCSEM collection of social services. Each delivery our clients receive includes enough food for, at minimum, 21 meals plus snacks that all add up to meet USDA recommendations for healthy eating. We work with our clients to cater to any dietary needs and include not only traditional shelf stable pantry supplies, but a variety of fresh, perishable items. We also supply household cleaning and personal hygiene supplies, all of which lead to our clients' improved physical and emotional states. We continue to grow as robust referral system for our clients. The next step is to expand into offering our clients transportation, chore, and social/emotional support services. The AmeriCorps member will help us realize our programmatic goals through direct support, improving the referrals system, and creating a volunteer corps, all to benefit the seniors of metro Detroit. This position will require a candidate with strong interpersonal skills in working with people across a wide variety of social, racial, ethnic, and economic categories. A good candidate will possess the ability to speak to and manage large groups of people. Basic computer skills are a must, as are the ability to drive to various locations, and to participate in community events where the candidate will represent CCSEM and its goals.

Member Duties : The AmeriCorps member will utilize the Disaster Case Management Model to assist those affected by COVID-19 with matching resources to needs as laid out in their individual recovery plans. This position is a part of Catholic Charities USA's COVID-19 Response Program, a national intermediary project. As a member, you will meet virtually with other members serving throughout the country, all focused on serving populations affected by COVID-19. The position focuses on the low-income senior population of metro Detroit and seeks to support clients so they may age in place with dignity. 70% of seniors wish to stay in their home, yet only 40% manage to. The member will work with clients, volunteers, and staff so seniors can reach that goal. Daily responsibilities include case management support through the grocery and referral programs, working with volunteers at one of the food pantry/delivery hub locations, and networking with volunteers, like-minded organizations, and potential suppliers.

Program Benefits : Training , Health Coverage , Living Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service , Childcare assistance if eligible .

Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .

Service Areas :
Elder Care , Community and Economic Development , Community Outreach .

Skills :
Fund raising/Grant Writing , Social Services , General Skills , Recruitment , Writing/Editing , Communications , Community Organization , Computers/Technology , Public Speaking , Team Work , Non-Profit Management .