AARP’s Community Service Programs
There are many different ways that AARP volunteers are helping others in their communities. They help older persons complete their tax returns, learn defensive driving techniques, get a job, and apply for public benefits for which they qualify. In doing so, our volunteers help others maintain their dignity, independence, and sense of purpose. Here's an overview of some programs that may be in your community.
AARP
Benefits Outreach Program: Low Income Help
Our volunteers inform older persons with limited incomes and
resources about federal, state, local and private benefits
programs and services. As a volunteer, you can help make it
possible for some of the most vulnerable persons in your
communities to secure life's basic necessities - good health
care, food and shelter. Between 1998 and 2000, the program helped
nearly 9,000 low-income older persons receive the benefits they
needed to strengthen their financial security.
Find more information online or call toll free: (800) 424-3410. This program may be available in your community.
AARP
Chapters
There are 2,700 AARP chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. They offer a variety of community service,
education, leadership and fellowship opportunities. AARP Chapters
sponsor a variety of local community service projects. In any
given year, Chapters have chosen to sponsor mentoring projects,
food and clothing drives, friendly visits, and other projects.
They have also worked in partnership with organizations like
Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels
to address local needs.
For more information on AARP chapter activities in your state or area, contact AARP Community Networks, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049, email chapters@aarp.org, or call our toll-free number, 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Use our online chapter locator to find a chapter near you.
AARP Driver Safety Program
Our volunteers deliver this 8-hour classroom refresher course
designed specifically for drivers 50 and older. It covers current
rules of the road, defensive driving tips, proper use of vehicle
safety mechanisms, and practical tips to compensate for normal
changes in vision, hearing and reaction. A variety of volunteer
positions are available, including bilingual (English/Spanish)
instructors. Training is provided. Over 700,000 older drivers are
now served annually.
This program is available nationwide and is taught in many convenient locations. You too can join this network of 10,000 volunteers who are helping older drivers learn ways to avoid collisions and injuries to themselves and others in their communities by applying driver safety techniques. Find more information online or call toll free: 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW).
AARP Money Management
Program
Volunteers help low-income or disabled individuals manage and
keep track of their financial matters so that they may remain
independent. Our volunteers help organize and keep track of
financial papers, establish a budget, write checks, and balance
their clients' checkbooks. Some also serve as a
representative payee, with greater responsibility. The program
works with state and local community service agencies to help
people maintain their financial independence and remain in their
homes, and to provide an added level of protection against
financial exploitation.
Find more information online, or call toll free: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). This program may be available in your state.
NRTA: AARP's Educator
Community
NRTA (formerly known as the National Retired Teachers
Association) is a division of AARP, and the largest national
organization that represents the interest and issues of 50+
educators. Its membership consists of more than one million
active and retired educators and school personnel at the local,
state and national level. If you are a retired educator, you too
can help school children reach their potential. Through
partnerships with local retired educators' associations, NRTA
members are volunteering to do one-on-one reading time with
primary grade students and to help high school students prepare
for writing exams. They also collect school supplies, books,
canned goods, clothing and toys for the holidays.
Find more information online or write to: NRTA, 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049.
AARP Senior Community Service Employment
Program (SCSEP)
This work-training program for low-income job seekers age 55 and
older provides training, paid temporary work assignments with
non-profit organizations, and placement assistance with local
employers. New volunteer opportunities are now being offered at
several sites which involve helping job seekers develop resumes,
learn interview skills, and obtain job leads. Volunteers are also
helping with volunteer coordination, training, and community
outreach.
Find more information online, or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). AARP SCSEP is administered through the AARP Foundation.
AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide is the nation's largest, free tax counseling
and preparation service for middle and low income taxpayers, with
special attention to those 60 and older. With over 32,000
volunteers and 36 years of continuous service, AARP Tax-Aide is
AARP's oldest and largest volunteer program. In 2005, AARP
Tax Aide served over 1.94 million taxpayers at over 8,000 sites,
including 4,600 e-file sites. Program volunteers also answer tax
related questions year-round online. This free, confidential
service is available nationwide. There are a variety of volunteer
positions available; and training is provided.
Find more information online, e-mail taxaide@aarp.org, or call toll free 1-888-227-7669. AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation.
AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation
