HealthReach RSVP

Adult Literacy volunteers spent more than 455 hours helping people learn to read as well as reading to nursing home residents.

14 Born to Read volunteers served 16 day care centers and Head Starts. Since Born to Read started in 1999, volunteers have read to more than 1,400 young children and opened their minds to the wonder and wisdom of books.

35 RSVP volunteers delivered 22,872 meals through the Agencies on Aging Meals on Wheels Program.

97 volunteers devoted 17,237 and served 28,534 individuals in area food banks, food kitchens and food cupboards.

12 volunteers helped rural public libraries remain open, thanks to their efforts. One of these libraries is completely RSVP volunteer driven -- even the librarian.

Telephone Pioneer volunteers cleaned and repaired cassette players so Maine's visually impaired or legally blind people could borrow them through the Maine State Library's Talking Books Program.

RSVP's courtesy boat inspection program continues to grow: fire volunteers completed 15 boat inspections last summer.

66 volunteers serve as friendly visitors in long-term care facilities, providing social contact, a listening ear and general support. They made 28,713 visits last year.

Volunteers conducted 5 Matter of Balance classes to help people learn to maintain proper balance and reduce their risk of injury from falls. RSVP is holding informational meetings and volunteer trainings in all three counties in an effort to expand the program.

Required training: RSVP serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities. Orientation packets are provided to each volunteer. Individual agencies provide training.

Benefits of RSVP:

Developing a variety of opportunities for community service for older people willing to share their experience, abilities and skills for the betterment of their community and themselves.

Ensuring that volunteer assignments are made consistent with the interests and abilities the volunteers and the needs fo the community served.

Ensuring that volunteers are provided needed orientation, in-service instruction, individual support and supervision, and recognition for their volunteer service.

Providing mileage reimbursement to and from their volunteer assignment, as well as supplemental accident/liability insurance if an accident occurs at the volunteer site, or while traveling to and from the site.

Providing targeted recruitment of volunteers.

Providing information on the management of volunteers.

Providing an annual recognition event for volunteers and station supervisors.

Collaborating with agencies to address the concerns of seniors and community needs.

Time requirements: A minimum of 1 hour per month.