Community Issues and Volunteering / Public News Service

Respite for ME Grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, provide caregivers up to $5,171 to access needed services and can be accessed through the state's five Area Agencies on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 1, 2023

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Advocates for unpaid family caregivers in Maine say they'll need continued support beyond the recently passed paid family and medical leave program…

The Thrive Indianapolis Annual Report 2022 says Indianapolis has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 35 consecutive years. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 1, 2023

Indy, Bloomington recognized for environmental action plans

Bloomington and Indianapolis are getting some international recognition for the work they're doing to help the environment. The two have been named …

A report from AARP found expanding the use of innovative, effective models for nursing homes can improve both quality of care and quality of life, such as with smaller facilities and private rooms. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

MS ranks low among states for long-term care services, supports

A new report finds Mississippi could be doing a lot more to better serve the people in the state who need long-term care. AARP's Long-Term Care …

The 17th annual 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces list includes a diverse group of organizations, representing 22 industries. The companies offer an average of $14,831 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs and an average of nine weeks paid leave. (deagreez/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

MI families begin new futures as National Adoption Month ends

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

A growing body of research shows younger adults report higher levels of mental-health issues, while older adults say they feel more isolated. A North Dakota project has brought together these generations for mentorships tied to housing work, with hopes of building community connections. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Cross-generational housing mentorships close community gaps in ND

As the weather turns colder, two groups of people in one North Dakota city that are generations apart appear to be in good shape to navigate housing …

Volunteers for Big House Books distributed 557 packages containing more than 1,671 books to Mississippi correctional facilities in September and October. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Prison Book Program fosters literacy behind bars in Mississippi

A Mississippi-based organization is providing free books to incarcerated individuals to promote literacy and pave the way for prison reform. Prison …

Utahns lace up on Thanksgiving Day to fight hunger

Today, nearly 4,000 Utahns are lacing up their running shoes and putting on a costume for the Utah Food Bank's 18th annual Utah Human Race. Ginette …

Maine's four-year climate plan aims to decrease the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. (Adobe Stock)

ME towns share plans, resources to build climate resilience

Community groups across Maine are helping small towns with fewer resources better prepare for the growing threat of climate change. They are …

The Recompete Pilot Program provides financial assistance and flexibility to revitalize rural economies through economic development strategies, according to the Rural Policy Action Report. (Gary L Hider/Adobe Stock)

PA town, college partner to write grants for community projects

CLARIFICATIONS: Mayor Jaime Kinder was not the coauthor of the report mentioned, and her office was not the source of the interviews with 700 …

An aerial view of Lincoln, Neb., which received an Overall Livability Score of 63 on the 2023 AARP Livability Index, compared with the average city score of 48. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Lincoln, other NE communities rate high for 'livability'

The city of Lincoln scores high for "livability," both in Nebraska and the nation as a whole. In the new AARP Livability Index, Lincoln ranks number …

South Dakota's Thunder Valley Development Corporation is recruiting teens and young adults to help mentor children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The organization's summer leadership academy also gives local youth a chance to learn critical thinking skills. (Photo courtesy of Thunder Valley)

Some SD Native American youth get a helping hand from peers

November is Native American Heritage Month, and a South Dakota organization is working to help establish leadership skills for Indigenous youth…

For more than 25 years, Will Wallace, pictured, has worked with at-risk youth in North Minneapolis. He now leads the Community Peace Builders effort for Nonviolent Peaceforce in the area. (Photo courtesy NP)

New healing space, outreach efforts highlight community safety work in MN

A Minneapolis neighborhood celebrates the opening of a centralized location for community safety initiatives today. The nonprofit behind the effort …

Just like community libraries, Wisconsin's school libraries blend traditional reading with technology. The Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium says more than 200 K-12 school districts provide more 50,000 e-books and audiobooks to over 400,000 kids, for $1.65 per student. (Adobe Stock)

School libraries no longer just defined by Dewey Decimal System

American Education Week is underway, and those who work with Wisconsin school libraries are highlighting the value they provide to students. School …

Caregiving duties differ based on the medical conditions of the person being cared for. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Family caregivers reminded to take care of themselves

November is National Family Caregivers Month and a few tips can help people with these duties. Executive Director of the Oregon organization Aging …

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers resources for caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care through the VA Caregiver Support Program. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky Veterans' caregivers financially overburdened

Veterans Day happens once a year, but all year round, Kentuckians provide care for the veterans they love. According to data from AARP, they spend on …

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

The National Medal of Honor Museum, currently under construction, will tell the history of the Medal of Honor and the courageous Americans who earned it. (Medal of Honor Foundation)

Medal of Honor recipients to be honored at Sunday's Cowboys/Giants game

More than a dozen Medal of Honor recipients will be honored at halftime of the Cowboys-Giants National Football League game this Sunday, in honor of …

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, almost three out of five home fire deaths are caused by fires in dwellings with no smoke alarms. (Adobe Stock)

MN fire expert: Don't let smoke detectors become an afterthought

The fall season, especially around the end of daylight saving time, prompts plenty of reminders regarding home fire safety. A Minnesota official says …

In 2021, clinicians at Community Health Centers in Colorado treated nearly 950,000 patients in 2.7 million visits for primary care as well as dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Colorado's community health centers that serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay are already one month into their new fiscal year…

Statewide, about 60% of registered voters participated in the last election, but in Montana's four majority-Native American counties, turnout was significantly lower. Advocates for Indigenous Montanans are trying to change that for the upcoming election. (Adobe Stock)

MT advocates party like it's Election Day

Indigenous voting activists are throwing parties around Montana this weekend to encourage citizens to vote, but especially to encourage Native …

Anne Bellegia, center, is the recipient of an award recognizing volunteerism in Oregon. (AARP Oregon)

OR Andrus Award winner volunteering for social connections

A volunteer active in Ashland has been recognized for her service in the community with a prestigious award from AARP Oregon. Anne Bellegia is the …

Timeliness of care is critical for veterans, and delays in health-care access contribute to poorer physical and mental health and can exacerbate these conditions, according to research from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians recognized for work to improve community health

In communities across the state, Kentucky residents are coming up with innovative ways to improve community health. Jeremy Harrell is the founder …

The website 'governing.com' says according to recent assessments, three-quarters of American students lack sufficient understanding of civics concepts to apply them. (Adobe Stock)

National Civics Day encourages leadership, community engagement

Today is National Civics Day, rooted in history and a reminder of the importance of learning the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. On this …

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

Child advocates say Halloween doesn't have to be a scary time. It can foster healthy social engagement. (Christin Lola/Adobe Stock)

Halloween offers chance for families to connect with community

Halloween is coming up and for kids and parents, the holiday provides an opportunity to connect with their community. Kim Hemmert, grants manager …

Pipeline Number 5 lies beneath the Straits of Mackinaw. Opponents claim the aging oil line threatens the largest freshwater system in the world. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Fast-track Line 5 permitting push met with protest

Michigan's Senate GOP pushed for fast track of Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel construction at a press conference this week. Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor …

At the federal level, hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of the victim's perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. (Argus/Adobe Stock)

Kansas City reassures residents after MO spike in religion-based hate crimes

Some Missourians fear an increase in hate crimes in the wake of a six-year-old's murder in Illinois this week - an incident authorities say was motiva…

Nearly 2 million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2023 in the U.S. (SEVENNINE_79/Adobe Stock)

Groups work to empower families with financial knowledge for navigating cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month when people unite in support of those impacted by this prevalent disease. However, the financial burden that …

About 3,700 students attend Western Oregon University in Monmouth where the summit will be held. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

'Making communities work for everyone' focus of Age-Friendly Oregon Summit

Supporters of efforts to make Oregon cities more livable and accessible for people of all ages are meeting this week. The Age-Friendly Oregon …

Michigan is among 20 states to receive a multiyear grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative. (SneakyPeakPoints/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI coalition helps get cash influx to improve childcare

The coalition known as "Think Babies Michigan" has advocated for more than $36 million in funding to offer grants to child-care providers for infants …

Some of the warning signs of suicide include increased use of drugs or alcohol, talking about wanting to die or talking about being a burden to others. Concerned family and friends are advised to seek help by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the New Hampshire Rapid Response hotline at 1-833-710-6477.(Adobe Stock)

Annual walk builds support, awareness of suicide prevention

New Hampshire's largest mental health awareness event takes place this weekend and organizers said it is a chance to remind lawmakers mental health ca…

Montana has more than 30 million acres of state and federal lands, nearly one third of the state. Conservation advocates are holding a photo contest featuring people and their dogs to celebrate being outdoors. (Adobe Stock)

MT advocates promote conservation through photo competition

This is the last weekend to get involved in a photo competition designed to encourage Montanans to explore the wilderness with their pets. There …

Damage seen on Maui after catastrophic, wind-driven fires swept through the area. (Brea Burkholz/Direct Relief)

CA Paradise Fire survivors help in Maui recovery

A California group formed after the firestorm that leveled the town of Paradise is stepping up to help Maui recover from its own disaster last month…

The 78th session of the U.N. General Assembly included a speech from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke of peace with Saudi Arabia. The annual meeting's focus was the global warming crisis. (RawBeautyPixels/Adobe Stock)

Why Israeli politics matter in NYC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United Nations General Assembly sparked major demonstrations in New York City on Friday…

According to the EPA, tropical storms and hurricanes have become more intense during the past 20 years.(Adobe Stock)

Alabama group helps communities bounce back from severe storms

In rural Alabama, where hurricanes and tornadoes are a constant threat, communities often struggle with damage and limited resources for extended …

In 1981, the United Nations adopted a resolution encouraging the need for an International Day of Peace. The celebration was observed for the first time in 1982. (ananaline/Adobe Stock)

Honoring peace in polarized times: Midland marks International Day of Peace

In cities across the globe, including the Michigan city of Midland, various organizations are commemorating International Day of Peace today…

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy. It has gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012. (Robert Yap/Adobe Stock)

Today is National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day. Michiganders have many locations where they can register to vote, such as community colleges, universities…

About 1 in 3 Missourians Isn't Registered to Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and Missourians have many locations where they can register to vote - from community colleges and …

Pennsylvanians have until Oct. 23 to register to vote before this year's Nov. 7 election. <br />(Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

PA Needs 40,000 Poll Workers for Upcoming Elections

Election Day is less than two months away, and for the process to go smoothly, Pennsylvania needs a lot more poll workers. Many of the 8.7 million …

Civic knowledge is drastically low, with just 56% of Americans able to identify the three branches of government and nearly 20% unable to identify any, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Agreement on Need for Greater Civics Education

Gov. Chris Sununu aims to inspire a revival of civics education nationwide as surveys show Americans lack a solid understanding of just how our …

Food to Power, a group in Colorado Springs, has redistributed more than $6 million of healthy groceries to struggling families since 2013. (Adobe Stock)

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

This year's Food to Power Harvest Festival marks 10 years since Colorado Springs residents launched a food rescue project to get fruits and vegetables…

The AARP's Andrus Awards are held once a year in each participating state, and also nationally.(piter2121/Adobe Stock)

Last Call for Nominations for AARP-Michigan Volunteer Award

Anyone can nominate a Michigan resident over age 50 for one of AARP's most prestigious awards, but it must be done by Friday. The Andrus Awards are …

Washington state food banks are expressing concern about the drop in volunteers since the height of the pandemic. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Lack of Volunteers Hurts WA Food Banks at Crucial Time

A shortage of volunteers is taking its toll on food banks in Washington state. Joe Gruber, executive director of the University District Food Bank …

The Ready Campaign's 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is

Following Extreme NV Weather, Are You Prepared for Next Disaster?

The state of Nevada has gotten its fair share of intense weather in recent weeks - and with September being National Preparedness Month, experts are …

The 15 confirmed weather and climate disasters that affected the U.S. in 2023 created around $32.7 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Is your household ready to survive one? (Adobe Stock)

Experts Guide NYers During National Preparedness Month

Experts are advising New Yorkers about how to stay safe during natural disasters as part of National Preparedness Month. New York has been preparing …

The Indiana Literacy Organization says children who lack good reading skills in their early years are prone to leaving school without a diploma, which can lead to perpetuation of a cycle of poverty and illiteracy. (Adobe Stock)

State Kicks In to Help Boost Literacy Rates for IN Children

Reading may not be a favorite activity for some kids, but a new program aims to change that - by sending books directly to their homes. The Dolly …

A University of Illinois report says such factors as climate change, fluctuating markets and the cost of operations are major stressors that farmers can't always control. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Expands Farmers' Access to Mental-Health Services

Research shows that farmers die from suicide at a rate twice as high as the rest of the population, and Illinois officials are taking steps to help …

Maine had one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country for the 2022 midterm elections with 73% of registered voters taking part. (Adobe Stock)

State Officials Warn of Threats Ahead of 2024 Election

Election officials nationwide are urging Congress to provide the funding needed to ensure a safe and secure 20-24 election. They've asked for at …

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