RSVP - Volunteer Program

RSVP enlists individuals age 55 and better to use their life experiences to help their communities.  With a Programming for Impact approach for designing volunteer assignments, the community is priority while the lives of the volunteers are enriched.  RSVP is one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation.  Since 1971, RSVP has linked the skills of older American volunteers with identified community needs to create a better world.

RSVP Mission Statement: To recruit, orient, and coordinate the interests of volunteers age 55 and better with rewarding volunteer opportunities which enrich the lives of volunteers and those they serve by providing services which impact the community.

Director: Johnalyn Platt

RSVP Newsletters October 2007 January/February 2008 March/April 2008 May/June 2008

Volunteer Application Volunteer Application

Benefits of Volunteering?

When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others - you’re helping yourself.  Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends.  Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. 

In addition, with RSVP you’ll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with RSVP Volunteer Program.  RSVP is a program that helps individuals age 55 and better use their life experiences to help their communities.  There are a number of volunteer possibilities available and it is our goal to provide you with volunteer opportunities that reflect your interests and abilities.

Below are descriptions of some of the opportunities that are available through RSVP.  Program brochures are available by contacting Center For Siouxland at 712-252-1861 ext 21 or by e-mail at .

If you are 55 years of age or better, and live in Woodbury County, then “Come on”.  We challenge you to not just leave a legacy, but to live a legacy of service…right here, right now.

Volunteer Opportunities

Business Assistance

SAIF - Seniors Against Investment Fraud

The Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF) Program is a statewide outreach campaign created by the Iowa Insurance Division. The primary purpose of SAIF is to alert and educate Iowans about investment nd telemarketing fraud crimes and how to avoid being victimized by scam artists.  RSVP is the key outreach partner for the SAIF program.

AARP - Tax Aide Program

This is a partnership between RSVP and AARP to provide free tax assistance and preparation with a priority on the elderly, minority populations, and low income residents.

Health and Nutrition

Meals on Wheels

Volunteers deliver nutritious meals daily to approximately 200 frail homebound seniors.  The overall goal of Meals on Wheels is to keep seniors in their own homes for as long as possible.

Center For Siouxland’s Food Pantry

RSVP volunteers will serve Center For Siouxland’s food pantry, providing up to 5 hours of service per week.  Food pantry volunteers serve in one or more of the following capacities: interviewing and registering clients; purchasing food from the Food Bank; picking up food from churches and businesses, who have conducted food drives on behalf of Center For Siouxland; and sorting, packing, and distributing food packages.  Food packages are given to individuals and families in need, who meet agency guidelines.

Siouxland District Health Department-Immunization and Oral Health Clinics

Volunteers assist the Siouxland District Health Department in two areas, the immunization clinic and the oral health clinic.  The Siouxland District Health Department offers free immunizations to those that qualify.  They also provide oral health screenings with the goal to reduce the percentage of children with evidence of untreated decay in primary teeth by providing education along with screening opportunities and preventive fluoride varnish applications for those who qualify. 

SHARE

1 in 11 people in Iowa are classified as ‘food insecure’ by the USDA, meaning that they lack money to adequately feed themselves or their families.” With the assistance from the Self-Help And Resource Exchange (SHARE) program, residents have the opportunity to purchase healthy and nutritious food at a substantially lower rate than at the grocery store.  The SHARE program is two fold.  The participant is able to buy food at a reduced price and in return volunteers 2 hours a month in their community.

RSVP volunteers serve one day a month for 2-3 hours to sell, collect, assemble and deliver the SHARE units each month.  Seasoned RSVP volunteers orient new volunteers each month before they start sorting the units.

Human Services

Gospel Mission

This is a newly formed partnership in which RSVP volunteers will become mentors to Sioux City Gospel Mission residents.  The goal is to provide residents with an opportunity to building a trusting relationship (friendship) with volunteers in hopes that it might help rebuild the resident’s self-worth and value. 

Iowa Radio Reading Information Services

RSVP volunteers will read local news events, feature stories, and magazine articles to approximately 227 residents who are blind or print handicap.  The goal for this project is to assist the blind or print handicap to lead as much of a normal life as possible.

Education

Seniors in Schools

RSVP volunteers at schools throughout Woodbury County to provide activities that focus on helping children reach reading, math, and ELL goals.  The assistance is provided to students who have been identified by their teachers as needing improvement in the areas of math, reading, and ELL.  RSVP volunteers provide 1:1 and small group assistance 1-2 hours per week each month.  RSVP volunteers help with academic enrichment activities, provide calm and nurturing support during the one-on-one and small group interactions, and run activities that promote students’ social development.  Each volunteer works with an average of 4 children during the school year.