The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Help on Call supports community members
So many low-income seniors and disabled people, many of whom are veterans or family of veterans, struggle with getting rides to their doctor appointments and their pharmacy to pick up critically needed medications. Some also need help sorting through their mail or making very minor repairs around the house. Others are lonely and would benefit from companionship.
In Montgomery County, RSVP’s Help on Call program has volunteers who help meet these needs. Delaware County has a similar program to which RSVP provides volunteers, and this program helps local seniors with rides to doctor appointments, making minor repairs and grocery shopping as well.
This year, Help on Call assisted 133 people with over 1,200 tasks. Since 2012, the program has assisted 387 clients, of which 24 were veterans and an additional 24 had a veteran in their household. Help on Call has several volunteers who are veterans as well.
Craig, a Vietnam War veteran, has helped many low-income seniors with minor repairs. He has helped with securing stair railings, caulking around doors, painting and yard work. One man he assisted with home repairs was a Korean War veteran whose home was in very bad shape. Craig worked with a team of volunteers to thoroughly clean and paint the house and make it livable once again.
Jim, another Korean War veteran, is a Help on Call client who needed help with yard work. His volunteer, Doug, is always willing to assist with trimming back bushes and keeping the lawn under control.
Jim said, “Doug is wonderful! I don’t know how we’d get along without such kind and helpful people in the world.”
Victoria’s volunteer, Steve, drives her to doctor appointments.
“He says he’s just transportation, but he’s more than that. He’s also a mentor. He’s awesome, and I love him to death!” said Victoria.
Jack said he doesn’t know how he can ever thank his friendly visitors, JoAnn and Sharon.
He said, “They brought me from depression to a normal person again.”
RSVP’s Help on Call Program receives client referrals from local social services community groups such as Aging and Adult Services (610- 278-3601), Montgomery County Association for the Blind (215661-9800), VNA Community Services (610-272-3373) and Access Services (215540-2150) to name a few. These referrals are for lowincome (below 300 percent of federal poverty level) seniors and disabled people who live in Montgomery County.
Unfortunately, RSVP receives many more client referrals then volunteers, and there is a waiting list that can often include over 100 requests for their services.
“Without additional volunteers,” relayed program coordinator Maria Strohl, “I’m afraid our waiting list will continue to grow, leaving our frail and elderly without assistance.”
She also explained, “Help on Call is so flexible. We let our volunteers choose the types of service (visiting, driving to doctors or the grocery store, paperwork organizing or minor repairs) and the schedule that works best for them. If they only have an hour or two a week, or even a month, that’s just fine. If they plan to travel often, that’s OK, too. Our clients are just so thankful for any help we are able to provide.”
RSVP currently has 75 active volunteers who are veterans. They serve as Help on Call volunteers, virtual math tutors through the My Free Tutor Program, STEM presenters, Volunteer Executive Consultants, America Reads Volunteers and much more.
Veterans and active duty military families get help from RSVP volunteers through several programs, not just Help on Call. Some volunteers provide math tutoring through the Veterans Upward Bound program. Others are pen pals for active military and veterans. Several meet at senior centers in Delaware County to collect and mail money-saving coupons to active service members and their families, a program called Troopons, which just this year has saved military families over $330,000. And SAP employees write thank you cards to veterans that RSVP distributes to active service members and veterans throughout the United States and overseas.
Are you ready to improve the life of a senior or disabled person in your community? If you are looking for something meaningful to do and you are available here and there during the week or the weekend for an hour or two at a time, but you don’t want to take on a responsibility that requires you to be anywhere at a specific time on a specific day, RSVP has the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Please contact Marguerite Cunning at 610-8341040 ext. 10 to reserve your spot at an upcoming volunteer information session in Pottstown, King of Prussia, Bala Cynwyd, Glen Mills, Media, Lansdale or Exton. For dates and times, or to learn more about any of the other diverse volunteer opportunities, check rsvpmc. org.