United Way Regional Volunteer Center is encouraging seniors to join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for individuals age 55 and over that offers a full range of volunteer opportunities tailored for older and more experienced adults. RSVP allows its volunteers the chance to give back to the communities of Lake, LaPorte and Starke Counties.
RSVP is free to join and it’s open to anyone age 55 and over. Volunteers receive training, supplemental liability insurance, limited mileage reimbursement, a quarterly subscription to the Leading Times newsletter and the opportunity to attend social, educational and recognition events throughout the year.
RSVP is actively trying to fulfill the need of volunteers who want to be mentors, tutors and companions. Mentors work one-on-one or in small group meetings with students. A mentor acts as a student’s role model, helps the student grow and assists with mock job interviews, college prep and school readiness. This is a great volunteer opportunity for retired professionals with leadership, human resources, job training or college prep experience and/or past program directors.
Tutors assist students with their homework and studies. Students range from elementary, middle, high school and college levels through adults working on receiving GEDs or learning how to read. Retired teachers are encouraged to participate in this volunteer opportunity.
Companion volunteers provide caregivers with relief from the everyday care of their loved ones. Companion volunteers assist by visiting home-bound elderly and/or disabled individuals, playing games and even decorating their homes during the holidays. Companions can also act as a stand-in family member or friend.
If you are interested in joining and volunteering or would like more information about RSVP, please contact Michael Glorioso, the United Way RSVP Director for Lake, LaPorte and Starke Counties, at 219-464-3583 or via email at michael@unitedwaypc.org. You can also find out more about RSVP at www.nwivolunteer.org or www.facebook.com/unitedwayrsvp.
RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Consisting of over 500,000 volunteers throughout the country, RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities specialized for older and more experienced adults. Through RSVP in Northwest Indiana, volunteers match their skills, wisdom and talents with the needs of the community in Lake, LaPorte and Starke Counties.