By Kyle Siegel
Staff writer
VISTA Volunteer Coordinator Brenda Moore is currently looking for volunteers for various programs associated with the Sedalia Senior Center and other groups.
The VISTA Volunteer program is a part of Americorp Vista and their goal is to end poverty, homelessness and hunger in the United States.
“We help people that need food or nutritious food. We try to promote educational programs to help people make their dollars go further,” Moore said.
She added, “In the case of the senior center, we try to provide a social life for the seniors. It gets them out among their peers.”
This is the second year of a three-year grant for the Sedalia Senior Center to have a VISTA volunteer coordinator and it is the first year of service for Moore.
“The VISTA grant pays a cost of living stipend for each of the VISTA volunteers. They classify us as volunteers,” Moore said.
There are currently three Vista coordinators in Sedalia, with one at the Sedalia Senior Center, another at the Salvation Army and another at Amigos de Cristos Lutheran Church.
There is also a grant writer for VISTA and a public relations person that specializes in public speaking to area organizations and service groups.
“In this building we deal with mostly seniors. The Salvation Army does wonderful things for kids, and Amigos de Cristos have multiple programs for children,” Moore said.
Moore was asked about the programs that are provided that are short on volunteers.
“We have a home meal delivery program here at the senior center. It is about a two hour commitment of time everyday. We have volunteer drivers to take around the food. Right now I am short about four volunteers,” Moore explained.
“We are looking for two or three volunteers at least for our Beverage Bar. We serve tea, coffee and drinks to our seniors. We need people to make and serve the drinks, as well as restocking items,” Moore said.
Moore was asked if there were volunteers needed for any other programs.
“In March we are going to start our senior dances at Convention Hall in Liberty park.
“We are looking for people to help organize and plan those. It is once a month,” Moore said.
She added, “We are starting to work with Head Start. We are looking for people to read to the Head Start students, Head Start Reading Mentors. It is about a one hour commitment.
“I am looking for as many volunteers as I can get for that. They can do it however many times a week that they want,” Moore said.
County Services Director for the Sedalia Senior Services Courtney Anstine mentioned another program that is in need of volunteers.
“We are looking for volunteers for our PAR (Provide a Ride) Drivers. It is basically folks who can’t find other transportation and need rides to doctor appointments and the grocery store. We are looking for a couple more drivers who are willing to take these individuals to primarily doctor appointments,” Anstine said.
The Sedalia Senior Center currently serves meals in their facility to 50-100 elderly every day.
The home delivery meal program serves on average 100 people a day.
Those interested in volunteering can call Brenda Moore at (660) 826-0713 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday though Friday.
