50+ Lifestyles

RSVP: Lead With Experience

By Dave Layton
RSVP Program Director
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

What’s Going on in the RSVP Office

Between March of 2015 and March of 2016, RSVP staff provided services to over 1,300 RSVP members. RSVP staff and in-house volunteers processed over 126,000 hours of service reported by our members. RSVP staff interviewed, oriented and processed 108 new RSVP members and RSVP staff placed exactly 400 new and current members in
volunteer positions that were new to them. Most years RSVP staff provide over 200 volunteers to meet an average of 90 new volunteer requests.

    Any way you add those numbers up, RSVP staff have worked incredibly hard making sure that RSVP members and partner agencies have been well served.  Unfortunately I have no idea what those numbers will be in 2016, because we have received no state funding from Illinois since July of 2015 due to the budget impasse. That funding has been a large part of our required match to receive Federal dollars. At this time, all RSVP staff including myself are taking many days of furlough if no Illinois budget is passed by November and if we cannot find other funding to make-up for the loss.

If you wish to support RSVP financially, now would be an optimal time to do so. There are several ways that can be done. Individuals can designate a Birdies for Charity
donation to RSVP/WIAAA. They can also shop at Schnucks in Bettendorf and get a Schnucks Community Card designated for WIAAA/RSVP. A portion of their purchases will go to RSVP. Of course, we’re always happy to take a direct tax deductible donation paid to RSVP, 729 34th Avenue S., Rock Island, IL 61201. Another way that businesses and non-profits can support RSVP and get their name out to nearly 800 seniors weekly is by sponsoring our weekly E-news. Call the RSVP office – (309) 793-4425 for sponsorship details.

We want to thank all the RSVP members whose valuable service is the reason RSVP staff are so dedicated even in the face of cuts. We also want to thank the many businesses agencies and individuals who already generously donate to RSVP. Our staff are proud and honored to serve our wonderful members and we are committed to continuing that service long into the future.