RSVP seeking a few good people

SEEKING A FEW GOOD PEOPLE…BABY BOOMERS, SENIORS and RETIREES to have fun, and make a difference in someone’s life!

There is a tremendous need for volunteers to serve throughout our community. Although Idaho ranks second in the nation when it comes to volunteering, many local organizations are in dire need of additional volunteer help. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking a few good people to supplement our current army of volunteers. Volunteering as little as 1-2 hours per week can help a struggling family; offer hope to a child; assist local law enforcement agencies; advocate for the rights of Idaho’s most vulnerable seniors; ensure that aging and disabled adults have access to at least one hot and nutritious meal each day; assist seniors in combating healthcare fraud; help seniors to enhance their balance and agility; welcome visitors to our community; bring smiles to the face of homebound seniors; ensuring social interaction to help lessen loneliness and depression; provide warmth to the homeless and families in shelters; gain necessary job skills, participate in Veterans serving Veterans; care for abandoned and abused animals; assist at local non-profit thrift stores; or serve in a host of other ways to improve our community, and improve our quality of life!

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is currently celebrating its 42nd anniversary. Sponsored by The Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho and NIC; program funding is provided by CNCS (Corporation for National & Community Service).

ADULT TUTORING… Assisting adults to improve their reading, language, or math skills so that they can obtain their GED; and help them to succeed in life, and today’s competitive job market. Volunteer worksite is North Idaho College.

YOUTH TUTORING and MENTORING… Assisting children K-third grade to improve their reading skills. Children who fail to read at their grade level by the fourth grade; often face the prospect of failing in school, and in life! Opportunities available at most Kootenai County Elementary Schools.

FRIENDSHIP CORPS… Visiting lonely and isolated seniors in their homes, or in long-term care facilities. “Putting a smile on the face of a senior.”

SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL… Empowering seniors to help prevent healthcare fraud and abuse. Making group presentations to area seniors, and occasionally meeting with them individually. Teaching MEDICARE recipients how to PROTECT themselves from fraud and abuse; DETECT errors, fraud, and abuse; and REPORT such concerns to the proper authorities

OMBUDSMAN ASSISTANT… Advocating for residents of long-term care facilities. Protecting the rights of some of our community’s most vulnerable population; and ensuring that their voices are heard, and their concerns addressed. This extremely rewarding position requires 40 hours of initial training, and 20 hours of additional training each additional year. Training and ongoing support is provided by friendly, professional staff in Coeur d’Alene.

FOOD BANKS… Helping to ensure that all residents have access to basic food items. Duties may include loading, unloading, transporting, sorting, stocking shelves, bagging, and distributing food to those in need. There has been a marked increase in the utilization of area food banks; and volunteers can help to ensure that nobody goes hungry!

POLICE AGENCIES… Preparing for emergencies and natural disasters, traffic control at accident scenes, patrolling our neighborhoods, and assisting with data entry; these men and women represent the eyes and ears of our local law enforcement agencies. These volunteers help to keep our neighborhoods safe, and enhance the effectiveness of sworn officers and paid administrative staff.

FIT & FALL PROOF LEADERS… Volunteers are trained to lead seniors in exercise classes designed to help them avoid falling; which is the No. 1 reason why seniors have to leave the comfort and security of their own homes, to reside in an assisted living or long-term care facility.

MEALS ON WHEELS… Delivering hot and nutritious meals to homebound aging and disabled adults.

ANIMAL SHELTERS… Assisting pets that have been abandoned or abused. Volunteers walk dogs, serve as foster care pet homes; or assist with feeding, grooming, cleaning cages, etc.

EMERGENCY and DISASTER PREPAREDNESS… Assisting with the planning, coordination, and dissemination of information necessary to prepare and/or respond to any disaster.

And there are countless other volunteer opportunities available. Depending on your personal interest, simply contact one of the following individuals at the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho (208) 667-3179: Bob Small, RSVP Director, Ext. 235; Dave Hoover, VISTA Friendship Corps Coordinator, ext. 227; or Patricia Glenn, VISTA Tutoring/Mentoring Coordinator, Ext. 241.