Kenai commission sets volunteer outreach and intergenerational programming as top goals

The Kenai Council on Aging agreed to prioritize two objectives for 2025: (1) improving the volunteer program, including intergenerational activities with local schools, and (2) supporting implementation of the commission’s site‑specific emergency plans for senior centers.

Staff told the commission a volunteer handbook and short application form have been prepared and sent to the city attorney for legal review. The handbook will be returned for the commission’s review so members can provide recommendations; staff emphasized that background checks and training are required for volunteers who drive or interact one‑on‑one with seniors, as grant rules demand.

Commissioners discussed examples of intergenerational activities — visiting classrooms, hosting joint events, and seniors participating in hospital newborn or childcare programs — and asked staff to inventory existing programs before drafting specific partnerships. Members also asked staff to clarify age and supervision rules for under‑16 volunteers and to ensure volunteer roles align with grant requirements.

On emergency‑planning work, commissioners agreed to serve in an advisory role as staff and a hired consultant develop site‑specific procedures for each senior center. The commission requested that staff bring a draft of the plan and specific tasks the advisory body could help with at a future work session.

Why it matters: volunteers and intergenerational programs can expand capacity for senior services while supporting community engagement; aligning volunteer roles with grant and safety requirements is necessary to preserve funding and protect clients.

Next steps: staff will return the volunteer handbook after attorney review, compile a summary of potential intergenerational partners, and schedule a work session to refine the commission’s goals and advisory role on emergency planning.