Akron, OH (March 22, 2019) – VANTAGE Aging’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is giving the agency two reasons to celebrate this spring. First, the program was awarded $101,098 in grant funding. Second, it is hosting its 47th Annual RSVP Volunteer Luncheon.
In March, VANTAGE RSVP received funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service under Senior Corps. The program has been given three years to utilize $101,098 to continue strengthening RSVP in Summit and Medina Counties. These dollars allow RSVP to maintain administrative costs, recruit volunteers, provide volunteer benefits, and host its annual recognition event.
“This month’s funding news is an affirmation of the great work VANTAGE’s RSVP volunteers are doing in the community, and the timing could not have been better” said Erica Banks, Director of RSVP at VANTAGE Aging. “In just a few weeks, not only are we going to recognize these deserving individuals for their volunteerism, but we can now also celebrate knowing that we have the funding to continue making a difference for years to come.”
The 2019 RSVP Volunteer Luncheon will be held on April 9th from 11:30am-1:30pm and take place at Guy’s Party Center in Akron. This annual event honors active volunteers who dedicated their time to spreading positivity and change throughout their communities. The banquet also coincides with National Volunteer Recognition Day, on which Americans celebrate and express their appreciation for volunteerism.
Honorable Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer will join VANTAGE for the April 9th luncheon to address the RSVP volunteers and acknowledge their accomplishments from the past year. Local political leaders are also invited to attend and join in the celebration.
Aetna Inc. is the 2019 Leader Sponsor of the RSVP Luncheon; the agency is grateful to Aetna for providing valuable dollars to help RSVP continue making an impact in the community. Sponsorship opportunities for the RSVP Luncheon, and other VANTAGE Aging events, are available online at: https://vantageaging.org/ways-to-give/sponsorships/.
RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for individuals over age 55, and it helps link its volunteers with nonprofit agencies where their time, interest, talents, knowledge, and experience are most effectively utilized to meet important needs in the community. In Summit and Medina Counties, volunteers can help at the following volunteer stations: AARP Coventry #3820, AARP Portage Lakes #2213, Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron City Hospital, American Red Cross of Summit & Medina Co., Faith In Action, Good Neighbors-Green, Goodwill (Radio Reading), Heartland Hospice of Summit & Medina Co., Medina County Health Department, Medina County Parks, Medina Personal Care Pantry, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Oasis Tutoring, OPEN M, Salvation Army (Summit Co. Area Services), Second Baptist Church, United Way FEC, Vantage Aging, and YMCA Akron Area (CATCH).
“We currently have more than 300 active volunteers, but we are always looking for more,” said Banks. “If you live in Medina or Summit County and are over age 55, then this is the ideal way for you to connect with your community and give back through meaningful volunteer opportunities.”
To learn more about VANTAGE RSVP, please visit: https://vantageaging.org/programs-and-services/rsvp/ or contact Erica Banks at ebanks@vantageaging.org or 330-253-4597 ext. 166.
# # #
About VANTAGE Aging: VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age. Non-medical in-home care is provided by Home Wellness Solutions. Behavioral Health Solutions offers mental health counseling and treatment for alcohol and other drug use issues to adults age 45 and older. Job training for low-income adults age 55 and older is offered through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. Evidenced-based volunteering to meet local and national needs is provided by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio provides home-delivered and congregate meals to provide nutritional support to the homebound and disabled. Overall, VANTAGE’s programs come together to offer a path for positive aging. Founded in 1975 as a senior citizen program, VANTAGE has since become an independent, nationally respected organization with offices throughout the state. For more information, call 330.253.4597 or visit www.vantageaging.org.
About RSVP: The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.