Most people spend their entire career preparing for retirement. Spending more time with "the kids" and the grandchildren in theory sounds like a great idea. But the reality is you need time for yourself as well. If you have recently made the move to the Dallas area, either seeking more time with family or the warm weather, you may find yourself lost in the vast DFW Metroplex.

The Senior Source: Senior Citizens of Greater Dallas, www.theseniorsource.org may very well be your solution for filling up your days in meaningful and enjoyable ways when you are not with the grandchildren. According to their Web site, "The mission of The Senior Source is to improve the quality of life of older adults in the greater Dallas area." The goal is to cultivate the best quality of life for adults over the age of 55. There are nine programs that comprise this organization that serve the very frail to the very active.

Underneath The Senior Source umbrella, there are nine programs. As an affiliate of the United Way, the Senior Source is able to provide the following services to its members:

- Provide help to caregivers of aging loved ones

- Offer financial management services and consultations

- Advocate for nursing home residents

- Educate the community on issues affecting older adult

- Coordinate volunteer activities for retirees

- Assist with employment opportunities

- Place older adults as elementary school tutors and mentors

- Protect the health and well-being of vulnerable elderly

The following is a sampling of the programs available for mature seniors.

Elder Support Program
This program meets the needs of individuals in the unfamiliar position of caring for aging loved ones. Eldercare specialists are available to listen, provide information and help in planning ahead.

Senior Employment Source
The program is designed for those mature seniors who would like to re-enter the workforce, job search techniques, skills assessment, seminars as well job leads are provided.

Many seniors seek opportunities to give to the community. After spending the first 55 years of life working "for a living" many people feel it is a blessing to be able to "give for a living." The Senior Source provides many opportunities that suit the skill sets and time requirements to accommodate most active adults. Below is a sampling of the volunteer programs available.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
The RSVP program partners with over 220 nonprofit agencies in the Greater Dallas area that need volunteers. RSVP matches the skills, needs and desires of the volunteer and connects him/her with a volunteer job. Positions are available that allow the volunteer to share professional skills, tutoring and mentoring children or working on various projects from home, RSVP has a volunteer job for just about every active adult!

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