RSVP volunteers making a difference for generations

Senior Corps Week, September 19-23, was created by the Corporation for National and Community Service to shine a spotlight on the impact that the Corporation’s Senior Corps programs make in our communities.  RSVP is the Senior Corps program sponsored by the United Way of Madison County. RSVP provides opportunities for those 55 and over to make a difference through volunteer connections.

Older Americans bring a lifetime of skills and experience as parents, workers, and citizens that can be tapped to meet challenges in our communities. At a time of mounting social needs and growing interest in service by older Americans, there is an unprecedented opportunity to harness the talents of 55-plus volunteers to address community challenges.

Our local RSVP program provides volunteers for community projects and agencies including Born Learning and the Youth Mentoring Initiative of United Way, Operation Weatherization and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). RSVP volunteers work to help improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, strengthen our educational system, protect our environment, serve in our hospitals and contribute to our public safety.

This past spring RSVP volunteers helped with the Blast Off to Kindergarten events held in partnership with all the county schools.  These events welcome new families into the school community and encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education.  Joanne Hadley, Born Learning Coordinator, said “Having the RSVP volunteers was a big help this year. The extra hands to help guide the people through the process was huge for us.  We love having community involvement.  It’s great to have people involved in the positive side of education.” RSVP volunteer Patty Hamilton said, “The children were so enthused, so excited that this night was just for them.  I didn’t realize there were that many kindergarteners these days.  Helping makes you feel good and worthwhile.  When you retire you get out of the loop.  Volunteering brings you back and keeps you a part of the community.”

Service by older Americans helps volunteers by keeping them active, healthy, and engaged; helps our communities by solving local problems, and helps our nation by saving taxpayer dollars, reducing healthcare costs, and strengthening our democracy.

RSVP volunteers are making a difference for generations.  Thank you to all who serve as RSVP volunteers.  If you would like to make a difference and become a part of RSVP call Kim Rogers-Hatfield, RSVP Director, at 765-608-3067 or by email rsvp@unitedwaymadisonco.org.