RSVP Reaching out to Help our Neighbors
King of Prussia, PA - RSVP improves the lives of vulnerable populations in the community with programs focusing on education and wellness all of which utilize a dedicated corps of 1,200 volunteers.
Since the onset of the US COVID-19 pandemic, RSVP has responded to emerging priorities by recruiting and screening more than 200 motivated new volunteers 18 and older to deliver meals, groceries or medications to isolated seniors and staff food pantries. These volunteers have been referred to 18 area nonprofits directly responding to the needs of their communities.
Norm Jordan, Food Manager at the Chester Eastside Foodbank said “I want to thank you for sending Deb and Mike to Chester Eastside to assist with our food distribution today. They were a tremendous blessing. Each one pitched in without hesitation, warmly greeted our guests AND readily assisted with helping them to access their food. I have expressed our thanks to both Deb and Mike and, should their time permit, I have indicated that they are invited to assist us whenever they are available. Many thanks to you and RSVP for your kindness.”
To ensure the well-being of their volunteers, RSVP staff has been reaching out by phone to conduct well checks and to abate the loneliness felt by so many during our stay-at-home period. Janet Murphy, RSVP’s youth mentoring program coordinator has been checking in with volunteers. She spoke with Rita, a volunteer assigned to the Wayne Senior Center. Rita said “I really miss being at the Center but I’ve been able to help by making calls to members at their homes.”
RSVP’s Executive Director Michele Moll responded “We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of people who want to volunteer during this scary time. We’re making it easy to sign up and go through the screening process so they can be assigned quickly. Those interested in volunteering can visit www.rsvpmc. org and click on the urgent needs button to learn more and sign up.”
RSVP recently formed a partnership with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, to help launch Vello, a new Virtual Reading Program for 1st through 4th grade students. Students who are home from school and have access to home computers are waiting for a reading partner. “This is more important than ever” said Moll “Governor Wolf has mandated that schools remain closed for the rest of the year. Students will need all the support and guidance they can get in order to stay on grade level with reading.” This innovative program pairs a volunteer with a student with assistance from the teacher to practice reading skills by accessing an e-book library. Thirty minute sessions provide another opportunity to break the isolation felt by so many and keep students on track. Sessions are slated to begin during the week of April 20 and volunteers are needed.
To learn more visit www. rsvpmc.org or email volunteer123@rsvpmc.org.