RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is 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.

Volunteer with Bruce Stevens, Manager Of the RSVP program  www.seniorcorps.gov

RSVP volunteers serve in a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based groups. Among other activities, they mentor at-risk youth, organize neighborhood watch programs, and lend their business skills to community groups that provide critical social services. In fiscal year 2001, approximately 480,000 volunteers served an average of four hours a week at an estimated 65,000 local organizations.

Eligibility

RSVP is open to people age 55 and over. We recruit seniors to serve from a few hours a month to almost full time, though the average commitment is four hours a week.

Volunteer Benefits

RSVP volunteers are not paid, but the Office On Aging does 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.

RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

• SAS (Senior Assisted Services) An assisted Transportation Program for Seniors 60 and older that don't have their own transportation.
  If you need help with transportation to your medical appointments
  Or to the grocery store
  Or doing other basic needs
  Please call us. We can help
  
  There is no charge for this program, but as always – donations are gratefully accepted.
  (our drivers are not equipped for wheelchairs)
  
  This program is operated with Volunteers. Treat them with the respect they have earned and deserve.

To receive transportation:

• give us 48 hour advance notice
• give us the time you need to leave and your destination
• give us your address for pick up and phone number where you can reached
• then call us:
  

EDITH WARD –    West End Coordinator    Phone: 208-736-4764    Email: eward@ooa.csi.edu

KITTY ANDREWS –    East End Coordinator    Phone: 208-677-4872 ext. 3

Dial-a-Break Respite Program

Most caregivers are "on duty" 24-7. Our Dial-A-Break Respite volunteers give the caregiver a much-needed break. The Client or Caregiver must be 60 years or older. Having a volunteer can prevent depression, exhaustion and burnout for the caregiver.

Our volunteers have limited training.
They are NOT housekeepers, gardeners or errand runners.
They are NOT required to prepare meals, give medications or do personal care.
They ARE there to give you, the caregiver, a BREAK!
Our volunteers can stay between 2-4 hours per session.
They visit with the client, read to them, play games (cards, puzzles, checkers, etc.) and watch TV with them.

Would you like to BE a volunteer?
The Office on Aging RSVP office is always in need of volunteers!
You need to be 55 years of age or older
Contact Edith Ward at 736-2122 ext. 4764 or 736-4764
Contact Kitty Andrews (Mini-Cassia) at 878-0725

If you would like Edith or Kitty to give a presentation to a group on the wonderful benefits of these volunteer programs, just give them a call!

AMERICA READS Program

America 's children need our help!

To be a volunteer for this program you:

• Must be 55 or older
• A registered member of the RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program)
• Work a minimum of 4 hours per week
• You will receive a pre-service orientation
• Appropriate on-the-job training
• You will receive excess accidental, personal & auto insurance while on duty

This year we are focusing on Kindergarten through Third grade children.

Come join our team, let's help these children build a better future for them as well as for us. Let's help them READ!

For more information, call Ken Whiting at 736-2122 ext. 2394 or email at kwhiting@ooa.csi.edu.