VERO BEACH- RSVP of Indian River County will join the nationwide celebration of the first Senior Corps Week, September 20-24, spotlighting the extraordinary work done by Senior Corps members in communities across Florida.
“We are proud to be part of Senior Corps and grateful for the members who are getting things done,” said Sara Bumgarner, RSVP Director.
To mark Senior Corps Week, RSVP is planning several events, allowing community residents to learn about and participate in Senior Corps programs, including volunteer features posted on their website and Facebook page every day that week.
Senior Corps works through existing organizations and helps them reach more people to better achieve their mission. For more than four decades, the three Senior Corps programs-RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions-have engaged age 55-plus volunteers in service to meet critical needs. Last year, nearly 500,000 Senior Corps volunteers provided 98 million hours of service estimated to be worth more than $2 billion.
More than 414,000 RSVP volunteers tutor and mentor children, assist victims of natural disasters, improve the environment, conduct safety patrols, mobilize other volunteers, and provide business and technical expertise to nonprofit groups. Last year RSVP volunteers mentored 103,000 children and served more than 500,000 frail elderly. More than 450 Indian River County RSVP volunteers served 61,716 hours in 2009.
RSVP, sponsored by the Senior Resource Association, is for individuals 55 or older. RSVP offers “one-stop” shopping for those seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can choose to serve at an agency of their choice, or be matched with a position that allows use of skills and interests. Volunteers can also get involved with community impact projects and special initiatives. There’s an RSVP match for everyone who wants to contribute to meeting community needs. Many RSVP partner agencies and organizations could not exist without the time, experience, skills, and dedication of volunteers. RSVP strives to make service purposeful and gratifying for all volunteers.
Senior Corps Week, September 20-24, celebrates the extraordinary commitment and contribution made by Senior Corps volunteers and recognizes their critical impact on addressing tough challenges in our nation.
Information: Call Sara Bumgarner at 772-469-2061 or visit www.seniorcorps.gov or www.rsvpir.org.