News Release

For Immediate Release

RSVP receives Senior Corps grant through competitive process

SHERMAN, February 25, 2013 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced today RSVP Senior Corps, which is a part of TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging, has been awarded a competitive grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This is the first grant competition for RSVP funds since 1971, and TCOG is one of 205 organizations in 35 states to receive the award. Through this grant TCOG will help leverage the experience and talents of local volunteers in schools, conservation projects, disaster response, veterans’ services, and other projects.

For twenty-five years local RSVP volunteers have donated their time and talents to local organizations and agencies. Volunteers can be seen painting houses for Habitat for Humanity, cooking meals at the Grand Central Station Dining Car, sorting clothes at ABBA Women’s Center Thrift Store, or crocheting blankets for the local Crisis Center. Last year 681 RSVP members contributed 128,146 hours of volunteer service to 77 Texoma area nonprofit organizations and public agencies representing a total of $3,088,319 in economic value to Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.