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Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Needs Volunteers

January 15, 2008

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is actively recruiting volunteers.  The need for volunteers in the Sioux City School System, Meals on Wheels, and the Sioux City Gospel Mission is urgent.  Currently, more than 130 RSVP volunteers dedicate their time, skills, and passion to make a positive change to our community by providing over 12,000 of service a year.  RSVP is a federally funded non-profit program, sponsored by Center For Siouxland for over 25 years. 

Volunteering for the Sioux City School System will require going into an elementary classroom to work with children on their literacy or math skills.  Seniors in Schools volunteers can choose the school, the times and days of the week they wish to volunteer.  Volunteers not only help a child read, but encourage and in many cases, rebuild a child’s self-esteem. 

Volunteers are needed to deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors.  Delivering meals usually takes an hour a day and is rewarded by the many comments provided by the homebound residents.  A resident stated I “want to thank you all for the meals…I am thankful for the program they have here in Sioux City.”

Volunteering for the Sioux City Gospel Mission will entail being a mentor to both male and female residents. Mentors will spend about 1-2 hours a week talking with and listening to residents.  The goal is to have volunteers establish a positive friendship which in turn will rebuild the resident’s attitude and self-worth. 

Persons, 55 years and older, who are interested in volunteering may call (712) 252-1861, ext. 21.  Center For Siouxland is a local non-profit that provides vital services to the community including a food pantry, utility assistance, prescription assistance, transitional housing for the homeless, 2-1-1 information and referral line, Consumer Credit Counseling, Senior Companion Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and representative payee program.

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