Nearly 26,000 aging network volunteers give an estimated 1.6 million hours of service a year with an estimated value of more than $53.4 million.
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) this week showcased the services and resources it makes available to older Pennsylvanians during a two-day Aging Network Volunteer Conference, which presented information to individuals who give their time and talent to deliver aging services offered by PDA the Department through Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
The Department welcomed more than 200 volunteers and staff from 47 counties to Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square for the conference, which also provided an opportunity to celebrate the work accomplished by volunteers.
“This conference is a unique forum for our volunteers to meet with their fellow volunteers from across the Commonwealth in the same program areas while engaging, recognizing and strengthening their skill sets. Our aging network couldn’t deliver the services that it does without the support of nearly 26,000 volunteers. This year’s conference theme is ‘Volunteers are Everyday Heroes,’ and the caring individuals who volunteer are heroically making a difference in older Pennsylvanians’ lives. They help older adults stay informed, healthy, independent and in their communities” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “I commend all the Pennsylvanians who devote countless hours to volunteering. I also invite anyone who may be thinking about volunteering to join our robust group of aging network volunteers. It’s an opportunity to make a difference not only in the lives of older adults, but also in their own lives.”
The Shapiro Administration and the Department’s early, bold action on behalf of older adults is reflected in the development of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services. In early 2025, the Department launched the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE) – a complete overhaul of the Department’s system for monitoring the performance of the 52 Area Agencies on Aging. First results of the new monitoring system are now publicly available here. In May 2025, the Department will launch a comprehensive Caregiver Toolkit to support the needs of PA’s 1.5 million unpaid caregivers. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes $2 million to increase accountability and oversight of the AAA network, and a $20 million investment for those AAAs so they can continue to provide key services to older adults.
The nearly 26,000 aging network volunteers across the Commonwealth donate an estimated 1.6 million hours of service a year with an estimated value of more than $53.4 million. These volunteers support PDA and its services for older adults in various program areas including PA MEDI, Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Pennsylvania Council on Aging, Health & Wellness, Senior Community Centers, Home-Delivered and Congregate Meals, Senior Companion, Foster Grandparent, Retired Senior Volunteer, Family Caregiver Support Programs, and Transportation Services.
The conference kicked off with welcoming remarks from the Honorable Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive; and Steve Rodgers, Education and Outreach Director from PDA.
The conference was also held as part of Global Volunteer Month to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in their communities. To commemorate this work, Acting Deputy Secretary Jonathan Bowman hosted a Volunteer Recognition Dinner to honor all volunteers and to celebrate the commitment of those who have served less than a year, and those who have served between one year and 25 years. The dinner also featured a performance by the Pittsburgh Girls Choir.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities within the aging network or to sign up to volunteer, visit the Department of Aging's website.
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