The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Changes Lives
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has a new family. We are now under the Information and Assistance (I&A) Section of the Elderly Affairs Division (EAD), Department of Community Services (DCS). We also proudly welcome and congratulate Ashley Muraoka as the newly hired director for this great new program. We previously knew her as the coordinator for the Medicare for Participants and Providers Act.
With the support of the Elderly Affairs Division and under Muraoka’s direction, RSVP will focus on enhancing the lives of older adults. RSVP recruits and matches adults, age 55 and better, with community volunteer opportunities that capitalize on their wisdom, skills and experience. There are more than 450 active volunteers on O‘ahu serving in more than 50 non-profit organizations and public agencies. In 2010, they contributed more than 85,000 hours of service to the community, which amounts to $1.5 million in service. These volunteers vary greatly in age, background, status, ability, interests, ethnicity, and professional and educational level.
RSVP is currently recruiting volunteers to help meet the most critical needs in our communities. With Hawai‘i having one of the fastest growing elder populations in the nation, we have many seniors who need help and many seniors who can help. RSVP keeps seniors healthy in their own homes with services, such as telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparations, respite, transportation, health promotion, and information and assistance outreach. RSVP hopes to make a huge impact in increasing the health, well-being and quality of life of O‘ahu’s seniors.
RSVP is also in the process of creating a Senior University. At the university, volunteers will be able to conduct a class or take a class. This will give our volunteers the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills and talents with all generations. We will capture historical and institutional knowledge to enhance our community planning, growth and services.
The ultimate goal of RSVP is to build capacity in communities across O‘ahu.
Elite Membership Eligibility:
- You must be 55 years or better
- Interested in learning new skills
- Eager to make a difference in a person’s life
For information, call 768-7700 or 643-2732.
