Call-In Conference

ALBANY, NY (07/15/2008)(readMedia)-- MEDIA ADVISORY

Who: NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)

What: Call-in conference

When: Wednesday, July 16, 1:00 PM

How: Dial 1-888-454-8022, then dial in code 3054773#

Governor Patterson announced that New York has been awarded a technical assistance grant by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices "Policy Academy on Civic Engagement of Older Adults." The Academy will focus on helping states improve the health and lives of older adults and strengthening communities statewide by developing strategies for training, retraining and retaining older adults who are in the workforce or retired and want to engage in a second career. The grant will also work to develop strategies to utilize more effectively the skills, knowledge and talents of older adults by enhancing meaningful volunteer activities That can help address many community problems Only 5 other states received acceptance from the NGA- Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

As a result of the award, Governor David Paterson has designated NYSOFA as the lead agency for National Governor's Association (NGA) Policy Academy on Civic Engagement. NYSOFA Director Michael Burgess and his staff will host a call-in session to discuss how the grant will increase employment and volunteer opportunities for older New Yorkers.

To participate, using a touch tone phone, dial 1-888-454-8022, and put in pass code 3054773#

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