Staying active is both enjoyable and good for our health as we age. Now that the weather is getting warmer, you might be looking for new ways to stay active outside of your house.
VANTAGE has a variety of exciting activities for older adults through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Check out all of the ways you could get involved in your community!
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
There are more ways to stay active than ever for older adults in the community. But first, let’s talk about the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP.
RSVP is a national network of volunteers 55 and older. It is a program of AmeriCorps Seniors under the Corporation for National & Community Service. Volunteers use the skills and talents they have learned over the years or develop new skills while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within the community.
VANTAGE oversees the RSVP program in Summit, Medina, Wayne, Geauga, Hamilton, Delaware, and Franklin Counties. We partner with community-based organizations and match volunteers to opportunities based on their interests. Since RSVP is an outcome-based program, volunteers and community members can see a quantifiable impact being made by RSVP volunteers.
Volunteers also receive special perks such as secondary liability insurance and an annual recognition luncheon. There is no minimum commitment to RSVP. Volunteers can volunteer as much or as little as they please.
If you would like to get involved with RSVP, please call RSVP at 330-253-4597. The only requirements to join are you have to be 55 or older and live in one of the seven Counties we serve.
Ways to Stay Active With RSVP Volunteer Opportunities
VANTAGE’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has activities to match all interests, availability, and skill levels. Check out ways to stay active with our current opportunities!
YMCA CATCH
The Summit County CATCH Collaborative helps kids develop and maintain healthy habits that are critical to long-term developmental success during childhood. Backed by 25 years of research, CATCH has been proven to launch kids and communities toward healthier lifestyles. This opportunity is great for active older adults who enjoy teaching youth.
Goodwill Reading Radio Program
Goodwill’s Radio Reading Program serves the vision and print impaired community. Volunteer to read on the radio program to help those with print impairments gain access to in-depth coverage of local newspapers along with readings from magazines, and best-selling books presented in series.
Summa Patient Experience and Maternity Volunteers
Visit with hospital patients to brighten their day. Volunteers welcome newly admitted patients to the hospital by providing friendly visitations and assisting clinical staff with any comfort items patients may request.
We are also looking for dependable and friendly volunteers to assist at the Summa Maternity Information Desk. You will get the chance to interact with patients and visitors and help them find their way.
Open M
Volunteer with food programs to help feed families in your community with emergency food assistance, hot lunches, and monthly food giveaways.
Green Good Neighbors
Green Good Neighbors is a non-profit organization serving southern Summit County. The agency works to provide area families with a monthly emergency food order, gently used clothing, and miscellaneous household items.
Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank
There are a variety of opportunities at the Foodbank, including warehouse, office, and special events. The Foodbank’s normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 4:00pm. A typical volunteer shift lasts 2-hours.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio has been providing home-delivered meals and congregate dining in senior facilities for over twenty years. Volunteer to help prepare and pack food to deliver more than just a meal!
Telecare Phone a Friend Program
Everyone deserves a friendly voice. Be the warm friend on the other line of the phone by volunteering to check in on an isolated senior. Want to find more ways to stay active but don’t have an easy way to get out of the house? You can do Telecare from your home, and it only takes a few minutes!
Medina County Park District Land Steward
Enjoy the outdoors? Help Medina County Parks maintain garden beds, remove invasive species, plant trees, and collect seeds at various locations.
Professional Mentor
Mentor older adults on their journey to successful employment through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Build a supportive and empowering relationship with a job seeker by guiding your mentee through employment-related issues.
American Red Cross
The vital work of the American Red Cross is made possible by people like you who contribute their unique backgrounds, talents and skill levels. Our needs change based on current events, adding flexibility to get you involved in an area that inspires you!
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army not only provides for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter but also invests its time in the human spirit by offering counseling, education programs, recovery/support programs, and spiritual support. Volunteers play a crucial role in The Salvation Army’s ability to provide quality social services for the entire community.
Join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers fun and flexible ways to stay active in your community. You might be inspired by one of the opportunities above, or see something that would be great for your friends, group, or church.
However you want to get involved, RSVP has plenty of ways to make a difference in the community. If you are 55 or older and live in Summit, Medina, Wayne, Geauga, Hamilton, Delaware, or Franklin County, call us at 330-253-4597 to get started or visit this page to let us know your interests.
*The information in this article is intended solely to provide general information on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use. This article should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, medical, or other competent advisors.