RSVP: 55+ Initiative

By investing your time in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – a 55+ initiative of United Way – you are a key contributor in solving problems in our community. Your life experience, knowledge and skills are valuable in making a difference to others.

Below are opportunities in Linn and Jones counties broken down by interest areas.  For more information contact Kayla Paulson at 319-398-5372 ext. 37 or kpaulson@uweci.org

Healthy Futures

  • Help seniors navigate Medicare supplemental drug and health plans through SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program).
  • Free mobility impaired seniors from being prisoners in their home by building ramps through WRAP (Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program) Coalition.
  • Provide warm meals and a friendly face to homebound seniors through meal delivery programs.
  • Drive seniors to necessary medical appointments by providing non-emergency medical transportation.
  • Visit with homebound seniors to improve their quality of life.

Financial Stability

  • Educate seniors and low income families about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
  • Distribute food at local food pantries.
  • Tutor and mentor adults that are working towards a GED.
  • Teach someone English as a second language.
  • Provide tax assistance to seniors and low income families through 211’s Tax Assistance Program.
  • Restore and build affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity.

Education

  • Rebuild computers at REACT (Rockwell Educational Access for Computer Technology) that are distributed to schools & nonprofits working with children.
  • Provide one-on-one mentoring with children in reading and math.
  • Write pen pal letters to children to help with reading and writing through Kid’s on Course’s Pen Pal Program.

Community Support of Non-profits

  • Learn how to help staff the Emergency Volunteer Center in the event of another disaster.
  • Provide support to many non-profits in our community through a variety of roles from being on the Board of Directors to clerical work.

RSVP: 55+ Initiative Volunteers are encourage to utilize their talents, skills, and passions to make a difference in our community by investing an hour at a time.