Senator Collins Meets with Maine Senior Corps Board Member

Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins and Tess Scannell

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Tess Scannell, a board member of Senior Corps in Maine and a former National Director of Senior Corps, in her Washington, D.C., office.  Ms. Scannell was visiting our nation’s capital to receive the National Service Advocate of the Year Award at the 2019 Friends of National Service Awards.

“Tess’ work with Senior Corps in Maine has helped to build strong partnerships and encourage seniors to use the skills they have earned over their lifetime to volunteer in their communities,” said Senator Collins.  “I was delighted to speak with Tess about the hundreds of dedicated Maine seniors who mentor students, care for the elderly, and assist nonprofit organizations, and I congratulate her for this outstanding achievement.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service is the federal agency that runs Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and other service in grant-making initiatives.  There are three Senior Corps programs: Senior Companions help homebound seniors maintain independence in their homes; Foster Grandparents mentor young people with exceptional needs; and RSVP volunteers provide a variety of services such as tutoring youth, responding to natural disasters, renovating homes, and protecting the environment. 

In 2017, 1,500 Mainers volunteered through Senior Corps.  Last year, Senior Companions served 830 homebound seniors, Foster Grandparents tutored 1,710 young people, and RSVP volunteers benefited 150 local organizations.