Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Rock County
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Rock County, Inc. seeks to enrich the lives of volunteers, age 55 and older, through meaningful service opportunities that match their life skills and interests to community needs.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Rock County, Inc. is one of 17 Wisconsin Programs sponsored by AmeriCorps. Nationally there are over 760 RSVPs with over 460,000 volunteers. RSVP of Rock County Inc. was organized in 1973 and was sponsored locally by Voluntary Action Center. In 1987, RSVP of Rock County Inc. became incorporated in the State of Wisconsin as an independent non-profit agency.
We need your help!
RSVP currently assists more than 350 Rock County residents who are in need of transportation assistance. Unfortunately, some are unable to receive rides because there are not enough volunteer drivers.
Senior isolation and loneliness are serious issues in our community. RSVP helps seniors remain independent for as long as possible by providing rides for the necessities of life including medical appointments and grocery stores. Additional benefits include increasing socialization, preventing isolation, loneliness, and providing seniors with valuable connection to their community. Studies have shown that volunteering works to improve long term memory by providing connection to others and improves socialization that may decrease depression and anxiety for the aging population.
RSVP also partners with the local school district to provide intergenerational programs supporting youth in our community. Volunteers provide mentorship and tutoring to elementary students through education in literacy and math.
You can make a difference. Several RSVP volunteer opportunities are available for those who are ages 55+ and reside in the Rock County area.
RSVP works to:
- Increase the variety of volunteer opportunities for older adults.
- Involve senior volunteers in planning and decision-making in programs, on community boards and committees.
- Increase public awareness concerning contributions and needs of older adults.
- Improve the image of aging.
- Provide opportunities for intergenerational projects and activities.
- Offer senior volunteers the opportunity to make a positive impact in their community.
Public Notice:
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Rock County hereby provides notice of intent to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the following transportation project under Section 5310 to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities in Rock County.
This project will provide transportation at no cost to seniors and individuals with disabilities to and from medical appointments and other necessary appointments. The grant will request funds for reimbursement to volunteer drivers for direct mileage and trip expenses to and from medical and other basic need appointments.
It is projected that over 150 seniors and individuals with disabilities who do not qualify for other programs will receive transportation services from RSVP free of charge for travel related to medical appointments, trips to pharmacies, banks and other basic needs. This program includes services provided to veterans.
Individuals or agencies wishing to comment or receive additional information about this application should contact Cindy Browning, Executive Director of RSVP of Rock County at (608) 362-9593, by mail to 2433 S Riverside Drive, Beloit, WI 53511, or by email at cbrowning@rsvp-rock.org. Formal comments or requests for additional information must be received in writing or by email 14 days after publication.