RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program)

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is a part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provides older Americans the opportunity to apply their life experience to meeting community needs. RSVP volunteers serve in a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based groups. Among other activities, they mentor youth, act as Citizens on Patrol for the local police departments, provide critical social and nutritional services to senior citizens, run community/faith based thrift stores, staff information desks, provide services in community hospitals and convalescent facilities and help at our community museums and libraries.

Over 1069 RSVP volunteers serve 132 sites in Fresno, Madera and Merced Counties. Programs include non-profit, civic, health, and school-related programs. Participation ranges from a few hours a month, to nearly 40 hours per week RSVP volunteers determine their own level of participation, and may volunteer in more than one location at a time. Volunteers may choose locations where they use existing skills and life experience, or locations where they have the opportunity to learn new skills.

Since January 2006, RSVP volunteers in our three counties reported over 184,000 hours of service.

There are over 30,000 RSVP volunteers in California, working at 3,900 volunteer sites.

In 2005 nationally, over 480,000 volunteers served an average of four hours a week, in 65,000 volunteer sites.

Seniors make a difference!

Eligibility
RSVP welcomes volunteers age 55 and older living in Merced, Madera and Fresno Counties. There is no income requirement.

Volunteer Benefits
RSVP volunteers engage in social interaction in a variety of settings, a membership in a national program, the Corporation for National and Community Services, free supplemental accident and liability insurance coverage, quarterly newsletters, an invitation to the annual recognition event and a choice of an array of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are not paid, but sponsoring organizations may reimburse them for some costs incurred during service. RSVP provides appropriate volunteer insurance coverage, and volunteers receive pre-service orientation and in-service training from the agency or organization where they are placed.

Senior Corps Network
RSVP is part of Senior Corps, which also includes the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs. Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. Together, the programs of the Corporation engage more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities each year.

Recognition
RSVP provides an annual recognition event for all volunteers reporting at least 30 hours in a May/April year cycle. RSVP staff and Advisory Council arranges a catered luncheon including entertainment, gifts, door prizes, and a raffle for all in attendance. The luncheon is supported in part with contributions from local businesses and individuals, and by the Volunteer Center.

Newsletter
Our local RSVP newsletter has a circulation of 1100. It contains announcements of volunteer opportunities, cameos of volunteer sites and of volunteers, notices of upcoming events of interest, and short feature articles. Our newsletter is mailed quarterly to RSVP volunteers, volunteer sites, community leaders, and other RSVP programs.

Staff
Our program is staffed by Program Director Robbie Cranch (rcranch@vcfresno.org), Field Coordinator Michael O’Hare (meohare@vcfresno.org), support staff from the Volunteer Center and from the SER/Jobs For Progress Program, and RSVP volunteers.

How To Reach Us
For more information, and to find just the right volunteer opportunity, please call Robbie or Mike at (559) 237-3101 or (866) 476-7787 (toll free).