Mission Statement
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Southwest Missouri has a dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers.
Vision Statement
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Southwest Missouri is an organization of senior volunteers of diverse backgrounds dedicated to providing service that impacts their communities. Recognition and training for RSVP volunteers, and coordination and cooperation with organizations serving as RSVP stations are integral parts of RSVP operations. The primary goal of RSVP’s partnerships with its volunteer stations is service that impacts the most pressing community needs. Achieving this vision will be a team effort of staff, advisory council members, and RSVP volunteers.
Focus
In 2010, the Independent Living Center received a special grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to involve more retired and senior volunteers to meet the communities’ most important needs.
WHAT IS RSVP?
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or over. The purpose of RSVP is to enrich retirement for older adults through significant community service work. RSVP encourages seniors to bring a lifetime of talent, experiences, skills, and hobbies to community projects and organizations needing volunteer talent.
A national program, RSVP is partially funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency. In joining the program, you become part of a national movement striving to help their communities.
The local program is sponsored by The Independent Living Center. RSVP serves Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald Counties in Missouri.
WHO CAN BE AN RSVP VOLUNTEER?
Any person 55 years of age or older, who wants to share the benefits of a lifetime of living is eligible. There are no restrictions based on education, income, or experience. Anyone who wants to feel useful, needed, and appreciated will profit from becoming a part of the RSVP network.
WHAT DO THE RSVP VOLUNTEERS DO?
RSVP volunteers serve, without pay, on a regular basis on community assignments at libraries, senior centers, social service agencies, nursing homes, schools, and many other not-for-profit organizations. They visit shut-ins, assist in the delivery of meals, and work with children and youth. They act as office workers, tutors, and volunteer coordinators. Some provide other seniors with transportation.
Each volunteer contributes an average of four hours per week – a figure that reflects the dedication of RSVP volunteers. We do not require a minimum number of service hours. (However to remain an active RSVP member, you must volunteer at least once every 3 months.) You decide the hours and the days that you want to volunteer. We value whatever contribution of time you can spare, and we will tailor the assignment to fit your needs and preferences. If you later find that your volunteer work is conflicting with other commitments, simply call the RSVP office and make arrangements to alter your assignment schedule.
For further information please contact:
RSVP
2639 East 34th St
Joplin, MO 64804
Telephone: (417) 659-8086
Toll Free Line: 1-800-346-8951
Fax: (417) 659-8087
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