What is RSVP? It is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ... a nationwide volunteer program that invites adults age 55 and over to use their life experience and skills to answer the call of their neighbors in need. Giving anywhere from 4 to 40 hours per week, RSVP volunteers put their experience to work solving problems close to home. Whether teaching children or adults to read, serving meals to seniors or providing much-needed support to nonprofit agencies, RSVP volunteers are making their communities stronger.
Nationally, RSVP was established in 1971 and is now one of the largest volunteer organizations in America. RSVP is part of Senior Corps, a network of national and community service programs. Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The mission of the corporation is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
Locally, RSVP of Auburn was established in 1973, as the result of a grant written by Jean Maywalt, senior citizens director at Schwartz Towers, and Mike Oropallo, the director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Auburn as the local sponsor. Norma Donnelly was selected as the first director for the program with offices located at Schwartz Towers. At that time, 75 to 100 individuals were enrolled in the program, volunteering at various sites including Schwartz Towers, Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center and Auburn Memorial Hospital.
In 1976, Thomas Corcoran succeeded Norma Donnelly as the director, and in November of 1980, the RSVP office moved to the E.T. Boyle Center. Subsequent program directors included Carol Kenny, Mary Lynn Lauckern, Karen Vanderpool, Michael Farrell and Cassie Catto, who retired in December 2006.
The City of Auburn RSVP has grown to a volunteer force of more than 570 volunteers performing services for 62 volunteer stations. RSVP volunteers have donated thousands of hours and have a reputation for making a difference in the community where they serve.
RSVP volunteers are eligible for reimbursement for expenses, such as transportation and meals. They are provided with a supplemental accident and life insurance policy that covers them while volunteering and while traveling to and from their volunteer site. There are opportunities available to persons who are handicapped or want volunteer projects to complete at home. RSVP will arrange a ride for those volunteers who no longer drive or do not want to use their vehicle to get to volunteer sites, and RSVP will reimburse volunteers who do use their own vehicle to drive to and from sites.
As an RSVP volunteer, you choose your own hours and days of availability. RSVP will provide placement and orientation, in-service training and recognition for your volunteer service by hosting an annual luncheon celebration.
To those reading this article who are currently active RSVP volunteers, many, many thanks. As volunteers, you face the growing needs and challenges of our community. Your community service truly depicts the essence of volunteering: that you are very remarkable people who share a genuine concern for helping others and making a difference in our community.
To everyone else age 55 and over, consider becoming an RSVP volunteer. Call our office at 255-1733 to get involved. Your community needs you.
Maria DelloStritto is the project director for the City of Auburn RSVP.
Locally, RSVP of Auburn was established in 1973, as the result of a grant written by Jean Maywalt, senior citizens director at Schwartz Towers, and Mike Oropallo, the director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Auburn as the local sponsor. Norma Donnelly was selected as the first director for the program with offices located at Schwartz Towers. At that time, 75 to 100 individuals were enrolled in the program, volunteering at various sites including Schwartz Towers, Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center and Auburn Memorial Hospital.
In 1976, Thomas Corcoran succeeded Norma Donnelly as the director, and in November of 1980, the RSVP office moved to the E.T. Boyle Center. Subsequent program directors included Carol Kenny, Mary Lynn Lauckern, Karen Vanderpool, Michael Farrell and Cassie Catto, who retired in December 2006.
The City of Auburn RSVP has grown to a volunteer force of more than 570 volunteers performing services for 62 volunteer stations. RSVP volunteers have donated thousands of hours and have a reputation for making a difference in the community where they serve.
RSVP volunteers are eligible for reimbursement for expenses, such as transportation and meals. They are provided with a supplemental accident and life insurance policy that covers them while volunteering and while traveling to and from their volunteer site. There are opportunities available to persons who are handicapped or want volunteer projects to complete at home. RSVP will arrange a ride for those volunteers who no longer drive or do not want to use their vehicle to get to volunteer sites, and RSVP will reimburse volunteers who do use their own vehicle to drive to and from sites.
As an RSVP volunteer, you choose your own hours and days of availability. RSVP will provide placement and orientation, in-service training and recognition for your volunteer service by hosting an annual luncheon celebration.
To those reading this article who are currently active RSVP volunteers, many, many thanks. As volunteers, you face the growing needs and challenges of our community. Your community service truly depicts the essence of volunteering: that you are very remarkable people who share a genuine concern for helping others and making a difference in our community.
To everyone else age 55 and over, consider becoming an RSVP volunteer. Call our office at 255-1733 to get involved. Your community needs you.
Maria DelloStritto is the project director for the City of Auburn RSVP.
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