Overview
One of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) partners with area organizations to help meet their volunteer needs. You can use the skills and talents you’ve learned over the years, or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community.
Reducing Social Isolation
Many of our service activities around the greater Richmond area are focused on reducing social isolation in seniors. Currently, there are over 42,000 seniors in the greater Richmond who live alone – more than 1 in 4 seniors. Older adults living alone are at risk for social isolation and reduced quality of life. Recent research has focused on the connection between social isolation and poor health. Studies show that social isolation negatively impacts a person’s health equal in consequence to smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. RSVP is partnering with area organizations to reduce social isolation to allow seniors to live independently for longer.
Other RSVP Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to helping to reduce social isolation among seniors, RSVP offers many other volunteer opportunities including:
- Mentoring young people to help them make better life choices
- Preparing, packing, and delivering meals to homebound seniors.
- Providing aid to those affected by natural and/or man-made disasters
- Assisting older adults with managing their finances
- Serving military veterans and their families
- Helping patients at area hospitals
Benefits of serving with RSVP
As an RSVP volunteer, you will join a network of over 245,000 Americans who are stepping up to make a measurable impact in their communities. In addition, RSVP members receive:
Mileage reimbursement
Volunteer insurance
Recognition for your service
Helpful information from Senior Connections
Contact
Have questions? Want to learn more? Think a group you are part of could benefit from learning about these opportunities?
Please contact:
Lee Owens, AmeriCorps Seniors Program Coordinator
lowens@youraaa.org
(804) 343-3050
RSVP is a program of AmeriCorps Seniors. Americorps Seniors improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. To learn more about AmeriCorps Seniors, watch the short video below.