WHAT IS RSVP ?

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The RSVP Program was created in 1973 with bipartisan support of Congress through the Volunteer Services Act. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) helps individuals age 55 and older put their skills and life experience to work for their communities. RSVP volunteers can serve from a few hours a week to many hours a month. They do just about everything - from tutoring teens and renovating homes, to planting gardens and programming computers. However they choose to serve, RSVP volunteers meet community needs and make a lasting difference.

WHAT DO RSVP VOLUNTEERS DO?

RSVP volunteers choose how and when they want to serve. Many continue the type of work they enjoyed earlier in life, while others try something completely different. As an RSVP volunteer you might work in offices, teach adults to read, deliver meals to a homebound person, or do gardening. You might commit to serving in one or more ongoing efforts. The number of hours you serve is flexible. You will receive a pre-service orientation, followed by appropriate on the job training from the agency or organization where you are placed.

WHAT DO I GET?

When you join RSVP, you join a nation-wide organization devoted to helping others. You will be covered by a volunteers accident insurance policy. The policy covers you while volunteering and while traveling to and from your volunteer site. It is provided at no cost. You will be invited to a Recognition Luncheon at a reduced cost, and if you volunteer at least 60 hours, from July 1st to June 30th, you can attend for free. You will begin receiving The Senior Years, a county newspaper published by the Lorain County Office on Aging. RSVP news and information is included in this paper. And of course, you will enjoy the warm feeling that comes from helping others.

WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER?

There are many good causes throughout Lorain County. We have over 100 places you can volunteer. You can talk with a staff member to find one that matches your interests. For your hours to count, the organization must also be enrolled in RSVP. From time to time we get "work orders" from sites. These are special projects that do not require a volunteer on an ongoing basis. Some examples include newsletters, mailings, Christmas events, fairs and festivals. A staff member may call you to see if you are interested. If you would like to do temporary assignments, please call the office. To request more information click here