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Managing editor

Federal dollars continue to flow to Anoka County for two programs that benefit senior citizens.

The county has received $60,000 in a one-year federal grant with a two-year renewal option for its senior caregiver network. That is a 9 percent increase or $5,000 over the previous allocation.

In addition, the Anoka County Board has applied for an ongoing $36,637 federal grant for 2010 for its retired senior and volunteer program (RSVP), funding it fully expects to receive, according to Bill Pinsonnault, county social services and mental health director.

The senior caregiver network offers services for caregivers, family members and those for whom they care.

Services include The Gathering, out-of-home group respite; in-home respite; needs assessment; educational forums about caregiving issues; and caregiver support groups.

The Gathering has locations at Brooklyn United Methodist Church, Brooklyn Center; Church of the Epiphany, Coon Rapids; Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka; and Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony.

Through the in-home respite service, a prescreened and trained volunteer provides companionship for care recipients two to four hours a week, relieving caregivers who provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week care.

Senior caregiver support groups meet at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, Fridley; Brooklyn United Methodist Church, Brooklyn Center; Church of the Epiphany, Coon Rapids; Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony; and Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka.

Through the county’s RSVP program, people age 55 and over who wish to volunteer are connected with nonprofit and social service programs in the county that need volunteers.

To enroll, volunteers complete a skills and interests checklist and these are matched to needs in the community, then the senior picks the area in which they want to volunteer.

For more information on the senior caregiver network call 763-422-6960; to become a volunteer with RSVP call 763-422-7090.


Peter Bodley is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it