The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Helping area seniors with RSVP is not all work
Being a Help on Call volunteer for RSVP is not all work — sometimes, volunteers get to have some fun, too.
They always play a vital role in supporting our senior community members with small tasks to make their lives a little easier, enabling them to remain in their own homes a little longer.
During the past four years, the senior population in Montgomery County aged 65-plus increased from 15.1 percent to 16.4 percent. Surrounding counties have similar numbers that are consistently increasing with the baby boomer generation aging up. It’s estimated that 70 percent of that population will need long-term support and services at some point, especially if it is their wish to remain at home for as long as possible.
RSVP, a multiservice nonprofit organization, has been placing volunteers into meaningful community-based opportunities for 45 years.
“We work closely with volunteers to learn what their interests are, what time constraints they may have and what their goals are,” said Michele Moll, RSVP’s executive director. “The one common thread with our 1,200 volunteers is that they all want to play an active role in improving their communities by giving back. During 2017, our volunteers had an impact on the lives of 11,000 vulnerable populations throughout Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties, as well as parts of Philadelphia.”
The primary role of Help on Call volunteers is to assist low-income seniors and the disabled with rides to doctor appointments, the pharmacy or the grocery store, assist with paperwork organizing, make very minor repairs or friendly visiting, all helping to establish a connection with someone outside of their families, many of whom are not living locally.
This flexible program allows volunteers to choose what tasks they prefer and how often they can help. Some volunteer one or two times a month, and others one or two times a week. Sometimes, they are asked to assist with something different, which really makes their volunteer experience special.
Several months ago, Justin began regularly helping two seniors in his neighborhood. He takes one shopping a couple of times a month, and he helps the other, who is sight impaired, organize paperwork and read.
“I’ve always felt badly for
By RSVP “We work closely with volunteers to learn what their interests are, what time constraints they may have and what their goals are. The one common thread with our 1,200 volunteers is that they all want to play an active role in improving their communities by giving back.” — Michele Moll, RSVP’s executive director
seniors who live alone or don’t have family nearby. Even just a pop-in visit means so much to them. It’s the least we can do,” Justin said.
He said he likes the relationships he’s building by consistently working with these two clients. Both are very grateful, as they have no family or friends living close by to assist with these tasks, and because of income limitation, neither can afford to hire a homecare service.
Tom also started volunteering for Help on Call several months ago. He said he likes to help seniors get to doctor appointments and occasionally to the grocery store or pharmacy. He prefers one-time type assignments so he can pursue other interests and volunteer opportunities. The HOC program is a perfect fit.
“I like volunteering for Help on Call because I can provide help to someone in need and do it when my schedule allows,” Tom said. “A win for both sides.”
Recently, Tom and Justin had the opportunity to work together to meet a need. While these two volunteers have chosen different ways to volunteer, they both agree that working together on a special project was fun and rewarding.
“The project we had was definitely a two-person job, and Justin did a great job,” Tom said. “We had never met before, and it was nice working with him and learning about him and his family.”
“We are different ages and have different lives, but we still worked well together and had things in common,” Justin said. “I enjoyed learning from him and about him.”
“People who are kind feel better about themselves and, as a result, generate feel-good vibes to those around them,” HOC program coordinator Maria Strohl said. “Being a positive role model is a powerful thing. Small gestures have big impacts. This program is always in need of additional volunteers who can spare an hour here and there.”
RSVP is consistently looking for volunteers to support literacy for adults and children, mentor atrisk youth, deliver or prepare warm meals, provide free Medicare counseling, support seniors, provide virtual math tutoring for struggling students and veterans returning to college and assist local nonprofits or cultural facilities. Volunteer information sessions provide those interested in volunteering with a perspective on where current opportunities are as well as where needs are greatest. Sessions are held regularly throughout the Greater Delaware Valley. For a listing of locations, visit rsvpmc. org or call 610-834-1040 ext. 123.