President George W. Bush will meet Ana Cooper upon arrival in Miami, Florida, on Monday, June 30, 2003. Cooper volunteers 20 hours each week through the Senior Companion program, offering assistance to older Americans in the Miami community.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Cooper, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since 1998, Cooper has volunteered through the Senior Companion program. The program is administered by the Corporation for National & Community Service. As a senior companion, Cooper visits with and comforts seniors who are not able to leave their home regularly. Through Project Good Help, sponsored by St. Mary’s Cathedral, Cooper also helps seniors with daily needs such as grocery shopping. During the holiday season, Cooper volunteers with the North Miami Foundation for Senior Citizens’ Services, which helps seniors maintain personal independence.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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