RSVP Marshals Volunteers to Battle Health Crisis
For county and community emergency services responding to the coronavirus pandemic, RSVP has become a vital volunteer screening and recruitment hub.
In normal times, the nonprofit connects volunteers to dozens of community service opportunities, primarily in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Now with stay-athome orders in force and its own office closed, RSVP has sharpened its focus to provide volunteers who address critical needs such as staffing food pantries and grocery shopping for seniors and people with compromised immunities.
“The needs are continually changing, very fluid,” said Jacqui Baxter-Rollins, RSVP’s Director of Programs. You can view a current list of location-specific, urgent volunteer requests at www.rsvpmc.org.
“From their homes, several of our program coordinators have shifted to volunteer recruitment,” said Baxter-Rollins. Prospective volunteers receive a telephone interview and RSVP conducts state-required background checks. “We’re also reaching out to our own volunteer base for well check-in calls,” she said.
Food Pantries
With thousands of people out of work, area food pantries have experienced a surge in demand. That has created a need for volunteer helpers. “We pre-screen volunteers for risk factors, following CDC guidelines,” said Baxter-Rollins. “And the food banks have changed their operating practices to provide frequent cleanings and to safely handle the food. Volunteers wear gloves and masks.”
“And they’ve modified the way they handle food donations and distribution. Most pantries have shifted to pre-packaged bags that go straight into the clients’ trunks to minimize contact. I know of one pantry that quarantines food donations for three days.”
At least one food bank need drivers to pick up food provided by Philabundance and other organizations. These volunteers should have a van or truck and be physically able to help load and unload the food. Grocery Shopping Before the pandemic struck, an existing RSVP program, Help on Call, provided grocery shopping, medical appointment transport and other services to low-income seniors and other at-risk clients. Now the need for grocery shopping has greatly increased.
“It’s a rapidly evolving need,” said Baxter-Rollins.
RSVP has begun partnering with two groups, Shopping Angels and Covaid that have online platforms where people can request grocery and pharmacy pickup assistance. “They have the technology piece. We have the volunteer recruitment and screening,” she said.
Volunteer Steve Sherman has gone grocery store shopping for one of his Help on Call clients. “Instead of taking her to the bank and the food markets, I went shopping for her at two supermarkets,” said Sherman, a retired teacher. “I followed the same protocols I do with my own shopping – like sanitizing when I got back to the car. I’m using a mask. I dropped off the food at her building and two friends carried it up for her.”
A retired strategic sourcing consultant, volunteer Joshua Sun has made three grocery runs for sequestered clients. “I bring along surgical masks, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer and chloride wipes,” he said. “That’s not any different than if I go shopping for myself. There’s some anxiety, but it can be mitigated through PPE (personal protective equipment) and heightened alert. My anxiety is more about bringing the virus to clients unknowingly.” Medicare Counseling In times past, RSVP’s Apprise volunteers provided assistance at numerous Montgomery County locations to people signing up for and switching Medicare plans. Now, the program has been converted to an online and telephone service.
“When I have a conversation with someone new to Medicare who uses a computer, I can take them through the Medicare.gov website using screen-sharing,” said Douglas Keene, RSVP’s Apprise coordinator. “I’ve also talked to people on the phone without doing that.” Apprise counselors usually explain the difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and explain how to choose supplemental and drug plans.
“Though this is a scary and confusing time, the counselors have been ready to serve and willing to adjust,” said Donna Uhler, an Apprise counselor and program advisor. “We have had counselor meetings using the Zoom app and have set up a schedule to monitor incoming calls to make sure that we don’t miss someone needing help.” People seeking Medicare help should call 610-834-1040, ext. 120 or email Apprise-FAQ@rsvpmc.org.
Online Reading Coaches RSVP continues to recruit volunteer reading coaches for 1st through 3rd graders. This United Way program, originally launched to work with students while at school, has now been redesigned to read with students while learning from home.
Students have access to a library of e-books selected for their reading level. Children choose a book to read with a volunteer through a secure screen-sharing program with audio. Tutors and students read together, complete comprehension quizzes and write summaries.
Other Needs
The pandemic is creating rapidly arising needs. Through RSVP, The Medical Reserve Corps is seeking volunteers trained in medicine, public health, safety, logistics and communications and RSVP can connect volunteers with regional MRC contacts.
Some RSVP programs, such as online math tutoring for college-bound veterans, and virtual STEM Career Presentations continue to operate and seek volunteers.
To learn more about urgent volunteer needs and ongoing programs, visit www.rsvpmc.org. You can also enroll online by visiting the website or by calling 610-834-1040 x.123.