WINSLOW — A unique opportunity is allowing older residents to serve others, be active and become an invaluable member of their community. The Retired or Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a volunteer organizing group that has taken root in Winslow.
Program Coordinator at RSVP Michele Lytle explained the program. “RSVP is part of Senior Corps, which has been around since the 1960’s. Senior Corps was started so that seniors could be involved in their communities and also earn a small stipend.”
According to Lytle, when the program started it was just to provide some companionship for those in the community that were isolated in the older population. It has since evolved to include many other volunteer opportunities.
“There is the senior companion program that is for friendly visits, the foster grandparent aspect for service in the school system tutoring and mentoring students, and the RSVP program which is a traditional volunteer opportunity,” said Lytle.
Navajo County does not currently offer the senior companion arm of Senior Corps, but the foster grandparent program is offered in Winslow. Those are the two areas that offer money to volunteers. Eligible seniors are encouraged to apply for the programs. “The only requirements are that you are willing to give and that you are at least 55 years old,” said Lytle.
Funding for these programs comes from grants from the federal government and is facilitated by the Civic Service Institute at Northern Arizona University. “I think its extra important for folks that are a little bit older to have something important to do and to teach the young people that community effort is necessary,” Lytle said. Currently, 20 seniors are volunteering in the Winslow area with RSVP, but Lytle is hoping to encourage more.
“You can get exercise and build community, it is overall so good for your health to volunteer. The big picture of why we are encouraging enrollment is that we are keeping track of the impact that people of our generation is having on our communities. Last year, volunteers in Winslow logged 5,000 hours. That was strictly working with the Active Adult Center. We are hoping that with our new partners we will see even more work being done,” stated Lytle.
RSVP partners with organizations within communities that need volunteers. Currently, they are partnered with not only the Active Adult Center, but also with the Winslow Unified School District and Alice’s Place. Lytle is also working on partnering with the Winslow Police Department and the Winslow Animal Control Facility.
“We cover you with volunteer insurance at no cost to you. It is a secondary insurance, so if something happens to you at your volunteer service, or on your way to or from service, our insurance would kick in after yours.” For more information on volunteer opportunities through RSVP, call Lytle at (928) 523-5039.
