Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER WITH RSVP?
The volunteer must be 55 years of age or older. There is no special education or skill required, just a sincere desire to be of useful service to the community and a commitment to serve neighbors and friends. Each volunteer is asked to complete an enrollment record. Each month a simple form to record the number of hours served by the volunteer is signed and turned in to the RSVP County Coordinator. Volunteers choose how and where they want to serve.
WON'T THE VOLUNTEER BE TAKING A JOB FROM SOMEONE?
No, volunteer stations are designed to serve public service agencies, non-profit organizations and/or institutions which provide health care or related services to the elderly, the disadvantaged and the handicapped.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS ?
Yes, volunteers are covered under an accident insurance plan while they are doing their volunteer work. Insurance coverage includes use of the volunteerŐs automobile in going to and from the work sites and/or during the provision of services. Accident Insurance, Personal Liability Insurance and Excess Automobile Insurance are provided at no cost to the volunteer. Also, a special recognition event is planned each year to recognize all volunteers for their community service.
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE RSVP PROGRAM
RSVP members in Clay, Effingham, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties serve their communities in a myriad of ways. Schools in each county use volunteers to assist with reading activities, write letters (Pencil Pals), mentor students, and help in school libraries. These intergenerational opportunities make a difference in the lives of students who need additional reinforcement with their education and are very rewarding to the volunteers as well. Also, special school programs and events such as GrandparentŐs Day activities offer other unique opportunities in which volunteers share their life with a child and help bridge the generation gap prevalent in society today.
RSVP volunteers make and distribute items for low-income and at risk people in the area. They make items for young children such as quilts to use in preschool classrooms. Other items include book bags, painting shirts, and specialty items as requested. In addition, lap robes are made for elderly residents in each of the counties. These are available through the local C.E.F.S. Outreach Offices, veterans' agencies, county health departments, nursing homes and other community service agencies that serve handicapped, disabled and needy persons upon request. Afghans, lap robes, wheel chair/walker caddies and other comfort items are made and provided for the veteran hospitals at Danville and Marion each year.
Visiting and assisting elderly residents in nursing homes and healthcare facilities is another community service activity. RSVP members talk with residents, assist them in writing letters, read to them, and listen to their concerns. Programs such as The Friendly Visiting Program and The Telecall Program provide support services and help ensure safety of individuals who wish to remain living independently in their homes as long as possible.
Other services that volunteers assist with include senior nutrition services, management of food pantries, operation of thrift stores, and provision of transportation. Volunteers perform many volunteer roles including helping organize food drives, sort and repair items for thrift shops, transport seniors to medical appointments, assist with blood mobiles, assist with cancer drives and flu clinics, and promote special events and activities.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
RSVP was an outgrowth of efforts by private groups and government agencies to create opportunities for engagement, activity, acquaintanceship, and growth for older Americans. In 1961, the White House Conference on Aging called attention to the needs of older people for useful activity. One of the outcomes of the Conference was the passage of the Older Americans Act of 1965. In the same year, the Community Service Society of New York launched a pilot project on Staten Island that involved a small group of older adults in volunteer service to their communities. It was named SERVE (Serve and Enrich Retirement by Volunteer Experience). The success of this program, which demonstrated the value of the services older volunteers, led to amendment to the Older Americans Act, creating the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in 1969.
RSVP was launched in the spring of 1971 under auspices of the Administration on Aging (AoA). In July of the same year, RSVP was transferred from AoA to ACTION (Domestic Volunteer Program). Eleven projects were started in the summer of 1971. In October of 1993 the name was changed to Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. ACTION was merged into the Corporation for National and Community Service. RSVP became part of the National Senior Service Corp under the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has been sponsored locally by C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation since 1974. In addition to federal funding, the program also receives funds from the Illinois Department on Aging, United Way and other local donations. RSVP is a true partnership of CNCS, state and local government and the private sector in each community.
For further information call (217) 342-2193 extension 125 or contact the C.E.F.S. Outreach Office in your county and ask for the RSVP Coordinator.
Volunteer Timesheet (Adobe PDF Format)