Jim Wilson
Publisher
Chris Zoeller
Assistant Director of
Advertising
Joanne Patranella
Special Projects Manager
Heather Deviney
Graphic Designer
Nicholas Roznovsky
Internet Coordinator
Senior Resource is a
special publication of The
Eagle Advertising Department.
For more information about
this section, please contact
the Advertising Department at
979-731-4739.
RSVP - An Invitation to Serve!
Americans over 55 have a lifetime of experience to share, and the desire to make a real difference in their world. They’ve managed households, been business owners and nurses, farmers and salespeople, artists and executives. Now they are ready to put their unique talents and expertise to work in their communities, and enrich their own lives in the process.
Senior Corps connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. We help them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Conceived during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, Senior Corps currently links more than 500,000 Americans to service opportunities. Their contributions of skills, knowledge, and experience make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout the United States.
The local RSVP is a part of something bigger - a nationwide commitment by Seniors to address and help solve community needs. Locally, RSVP Senior Corps is sponsored by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging. While serving, the volunteer receives the following benefits; pre-service orientation, on-the-job training from the agency or organization where they serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty. Additionally RSVP volunteers receive annual recognition, and contribute to the needs of the communities in which they serve in an immeasurable capacity.
That’s not all. Benefits of volunteer service can be directly linked to better health! A 2007 report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, “The Health Benefits of Volunteering,” found a significant link between volunteering and greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.
This program offers flexibility and choice to its volunteers as we match your personal interests and your skills with opportunities to serve your communities in locally identified need areas. Who can be an RSVP volunteer? Our volunteers are at least 55 years in age and currently in the Brazos Valley we work with over 1,000 volunteers who last year served 181,958 hours! All volunteers are working with local area not-for-profit and medical facilities that are significant to the volunteer. An RSVP volunteer can serve from a few hours a week to 40 hours a week. RSVP Current service projects for the Brazos Valley include disaster preparedness; blood drives; thrift stores; Driver Escort Program (volunteer drivers take homebound seniors to medical appointments); congregate meals; food distribution and collection; companionship outreach; senior citizen assistance; tutoring; museum guides; library; tax aid assistance; advisory board council; hospital auxiliary staff and more.
RSVP - An invitation to serve! Our invitation to serve your community continues for at the end of the Senior Guide are volunteer opportunities in which our volunteers serve. Please look through these opportunities and give us a call if you see something of interest.
Serve for your community, serve for your health, and serve for yourself!
Contact 979-595-2800 and ask for the RSVP program or visit our website at www.bvcog.org, click on “programs” then “RSVP” for more information.
Kristin Schultz
Special to the Eagle