50+ Lifestyles

RSVP: Lead With Experience

By Bill Sedlacek
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

Alzheimer’s Association: A Great Place to Volunteer!

RSVP Director’s note: We now work with Alzheimer’s Association in Knox and Warren Counties too. This is a start of a new series on top notch agencies to volunteer at. The agencies in this series all work closely with RSVP to insure their volunteers are safe, respected and serve in meaningful ways. – Dave Layton

Jerry Schroeder

Before I met with Jerry Schroeder, the Senior Program Specialist with the Davenport office of the Alzheimer’s Association, I looked at their website and saw they have been rated as a “Best” non-profit employer for the last 7 years and have a “Standard of Excellence” rating from the National Health Council Certification program. It also spends a very low 6 percent of its budget in administration/salaries. For all the good the Davenport office does, it has only two paid employees. Important information since we all want to be sure of a non-profit’s integrity before we help or contribute.

The association began 30 years ago as a grass roots effort to organize support groups for Alzheimer’s victims and their family members. It sought to recognize Alzheimer’s as a disease that was shattering far too many lives with far too little help or information available. Since then, the organization has grown a nationwide presence while allowing local control of programs in a manner that best meets local needs. Although the disease eludes a cure, thanks to people like Jerry, there is a greater understanding of it, more information and coping mechanisms available to family members and a devoted search for effective medications to slow its progression. The medical community accepts that a healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, prompt treatment for medical conditions and a satisfying social life are keys to good health. They are beginning to believe following these guidelines for general good health could possibly slow Alzheimer’s progression and maybe even prevent it.

Jerry’s office provides one on one meetings with families affected by or concerned with members who may have the disease, organization of support groups, fund raising for research, and presentations to groups and organizations.

One of their flagship fundraisers, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, this year has already raised $145,000 to fund research, operating expenses and outreach, with more expected. The goal for the greater Iowa chapter is $1.5 million. As with all non-profit activities, volunteers played a large part in the walk with 1000 participating. RSVP and Jerry’s office have a close relationship, with RSVP providing as Jerry says, “Any volunteers when we need them” adding that all are “Top notch people”. Any volunteers Jerry himself assigns are screened for suitability and to insure that they have the knowledge to help.

If you or someone you know is affected by or concerned about Alzheimer’s, Jerry’s association has a wealth of information that they will gladly share with you. They can also help you with support groups and direct you to resources in the community. It’s good to know that while there may not be a “Magic Bullet” to cure the disease, there are caring people ready to help you.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Alzheimer’s Association contact the RSVP office: (309) 793-4425 or email rsvp@wiaaa.org.