History of service
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program began in our
area in 1973 to serve the community in Montgomery County and Radford.
There are currently more than 250 senior volunteers, age 55 and older,
and more than 34 workstations. RSVP provides transportation to and from
volunteer assignments. Volunteers work at stations that best suit their
skills and interests. They are given an opportunity to apply skills from
past experience or to learn from new experiences.
Our services benefit the environment, nonprofit
organizations, community organizations and many people of all ages.
Volunteers have adopted Pandapas Pond in cooperation with the Blacksburg
Ranger District as a monthly clean up site. Nonprofit agencies such as
SHARE and the Christmas Store recruit our services for
newsletters and mass mailings, as well as volunteer participation at
the site. Volunteers operate a telephone assurance program called
Telecare. In conjunction with the Sheriff's Office, shut-ins and elderly citizens are called to make sure they are safe and
well.
RSVP volunteers visit, do errands, make comfort items and provide
transportation for elderly citizens, shut-ins and nursing home
residents. The "Kids and crafts" program works with preschool children. The RSVP Scholarship Fund raises money from local businesses to present two
scholarships to local graduating seniors who wish to continue their
education in the health care field.
In the past year, RSVP volunteers gave more than 54,000
volunteer hours to the community. At minimum wage standards, our community has received a
monumental return on their investment in RSVP. Volunteers received the 1995 Governor's
Award for Volunteerism Excellence, citing RSVP as "a model for
other volunteer organizations in the Commonwealth." In 1994, RSVP won the prestigious JCPenney Golden Rule Award for outstanding volunteer service by an agency.
The number of people age 55 and older in the United States
today is more than 32 million. In Montgomery County, the senior
population represents 35 percent of all citizens. The senior and retired population is one
of this country's greatest national resources. Seniors have much to
give and their talent and wisdom are needed at every level of American
life.
Like all volunteers, seniors gain by giving, and the
benefits of their efforts work both ways. Local communities receive valuable services, while older Americans feel
useful and needed, and can see the results of their efforts in the
improved lives of their neighbors. The challenges and activities of
their new careers as RSVP volunteers promote a longer, happier and more
meaningful life.
We are very proud of our volunteers and their hard work
given to the community over the last two decades. Your continuing
support of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program helps us help
others!