In Honor of Interfaith Older Adult Programs

IN HONOR OF INTERFAITH OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 29, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. GWEN MOORE OF WISCONSIN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2006

* Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Interfaith Older Adult Programs as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, Interfaith Older Adult Programs has contributed greatly to enriching the lives of older adults and their caregivers in Wisconsin's Fourth Congressional District, advocating for the needs of senior citizens while also providing them with concrete ways to participate in and enhance their communities.

* Interfaith Older Adult Programs grew out of an effort by several faith congregations to reach out to isolated older adults on Milwaukee's east side. From that humble beginning

in 1973, Interfaith Older Adult Programs has grown to a comprehensive countywide program. With the mission of linking older adults to a caring community, Interfaith Older Adult Programs has worked to find innovative and concrete ways to engage local residents in the work of caring for older adults, while ensuring that they have meaningful opportunities to continue contributing to their communities.

* Interfaith Older Adult Programs provide the crucial support needed to enable older adults to continue living in their homes, while building a safety network that assists them with specific challenges. The Neighborhood Outreach Program, for example, provides transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping as well as companionship to frail and isolated elders. Other programs match seniors with neighborhood volunteers who provide help with snow removal and other outside chores or provide a daily telephone check-in.

* Interfaith has also been a primary conduit for enabling senior citizens to serve their communities. Key programs link seniors to volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations throughout Milwaukee County, and connect them with foster children who need tutoring, mentoring, nurturing and counseling. Participating in these programs ensures the wisdom and expertise of our older adults is not lost, providing support for the community while also energizing older volunteers.

* I am delighted to recognize Interfaith Older Adult Programs for their efforts on behalf of the older adults in the Fourth Congressional District. I thank them for their compassion, their vision, and their commitment to serving our elders, and I wish them another 30 years of success.

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