Are you 55 years of age or retired and looking for a volunteer activity? RSVP helps seniors and newly retired individuals stay active and involved. RSVP volunteers discover that when they give, they gain a lot too!

RSVP is a unique program. It allows people of various skill levels and areas of expertise to tackle problems that directly affect their communities. As an RSVP volunteer, you might support homebound seniors, provide medical transportation, mentor youth. The number of hours you serve is flexible. You will receive a pre-service orientation, followed by appropriate on-the-job training from the agency or organization you are assisting.

Volunteers can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyle. You can us the skills you have honed throughout your life and job experiences, or try your hand at something completely new and different!

RSVP volunteers bring a diversity of interests and a uniformity of dedication to community service projects that can change lives. As a volunteer, you will enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference, building stronger and safer neighborhoods, and getting back even more than you give. You will meet new friends who share similar interests.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Provide medical transportation for those unable to drive
• Assist with tutoring/mentoring of students
• Read in daycare centers/Head Start classrooms
• Assist with mailings for non-profit organizations
• Visit nursing home residents
• Deliver meals to shut-ins
• Provide assistance at the hospital gift shop and registration desk

Safety Program

Seniors Own Safety (SOS) is a program of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program that "recycles" donated, unused or outdated cell phones to provide access to 911 in the event of an emergency. There is no charge for the cell phone. RSVP is encouraging the adoption of these cell phones; this is a wonderful safety measure for you or your elderly parent, next door neighbor or friend!

Elder Resource Group

The State of Iowa requires each county to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment/Health Improvement Plan. The RSVP members participated in this task, identifying the growing number of elderly as a priority issue. As a result of the assessment, the Elder Resource Group became the RSVP advisory board. It meets monthly to address identified issues and design work plans and timelines for improving the quality of life for Henry County seniors.

Accomplishments

• Provided 498 round trip medical transports for 212 individuals
• Distribution of 11,592 home delivered meals from Henry County Congregate meal sites
• 1,224 hours of visitation and advocacy to nursing home residents
• 230 recycled cell phones for Seniors Own Safety (SOS)
• 3,072 hours of entertainment by the Rhythm Rockers
• 117 hours of knitting and crocheting mittens, hats & scarves given to children in need

Resources:

Nutrition Services: Southeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging Elder Resource Group Members