RSVP

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program quilters

Making the life experiences of those age 55 and
over count through volunteer service to their community.

RSVP is a national volunteer program sponsored by ADVOCAP and funded by the State of Wisconsin, The Corporation for National and Community Service and local, private donations. RSVP promotes volunteerism in those age 55 and over. RSVP works with local nonprofit agencies to recruit senior volunteers to assist them in their missions

RSVP Volunteer Stories
One RSVP volunteer, a 90 year old homemaker, took her knitting bag to the Oshkosh Correctional Center every week. She taught the inmates there how to knit. The inmates knitted caps, booties and mittens which were given to the human services department for new babies on their caseload. The inmates looked forward to the volunteer's visit. They were able to learn a new skill and do something meaningful for the community during their incarceration. At the same time, the volunteer found fulfillment in the fact that she could share her skills with the inmates, even at age 90.

Another volunteer puts almost 1,000 miles a month on her car driving people back and forth to appointments, shopping and visits. This volunteers works hundreds of hours a year shuttling people who cannot drive. When asked why she volunteers so much she responded, “it makes my life have meaning and gives something to look forward to each day.”

Through RSVP, retired principals who never lifted a hammer in their pre-retirement lives are now teaching teams of other volunteers to construct homes for Habitat for Humanity. Retired construction workers now read to children each week.

These are just a few of the many stories of older Winnebago and Green Lake County residents making their experience count for the community.

Joining RSVP
Eligibility
Anyone age 55 and over is eligible to become an RSVP volunteer.

Advantages of being an RSVP Volunteer

Customized Volunteer Consultation & Placement

Exciting and Varied Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Training

Individual Volunteer Support

Volunteer Recognition

Mileage Reimbursements for Low-Income Volunteers

Secondary Accident and Liability Insurance

Signing Up
For more information or to register as an RSVP volunteer please contact:

Oshkosh-Kara Klein
karak@advocap.org
2929 Harrison St
Oshkosh, WI 54901    (920) 426-0150 or 1-800-323-0150

Neenah-Laura Harvey
laurah@advocap.org
181 E North Water, Ste 210
Neenah, WI   54956          (920)725-2791 or 1-800-631-2791

Berlin- Lori Aron
loria@advocap.org
237 Broadway, Suite C
Berlin, WI 54923 (920)361-9880

RSVP staff will make an appointment to visit with you to find out your preferences and tell you about volunteer positions in the community that you might like.

Click here to see a list of RSVP volunteer opportunities

Flagship Programs

RSVP has several programs in which it is especially proud to sponsor and coordinate. These are the flagship programs.

Project READ

Did you know 28% of Wisconsin 4th graders scored below the basic reading level in 2002? We need you! Project READ is looking for adults to help tutor children in reading during the school day. All you need is a love of reading and a half hour (or more!) each week to share with a child at HB Patch, Omro Elementary Schools, Menasha or Winneconne/ Winchester Schools. All tutors will receive training. For more information contact:
Laura Harvey in the Neenah Office at 1-800-631-2791 or email laurah@advocap.org.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE TODAY!!

Home Safety Check Program

The Home Safety Check Program was developed to help individuals identify of safety concerns within their residence. Volunteers known as Safety Consultants will assist residents to look for potential health and safety hazards. Consultants will be trained to determine common household dangers, such as improper wattage in light fixtures, non-working smoke detectors and overloaded electrical outlets.

ADVOCAP's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is working closely with agencies in Winnebago County to get these volunteers trained and working. This Homeland Security program is designed to help seniors and other vulnerable individuals feel safer in their homes. Through the Home Safety Check Program, RSVP volunteers are making seniors more aware of unsafe situations in their homes, and helping them find ways to correct these hazards.

To become a Home Safety Consultant, or request a home safety check for your household, contact Kara Klein in the Oshksoh office at 1-800-323-0150 or email karak@advocap.org.

Phone Buddy Program

The Phone Buddy Program is a service designed to match seniors living alone in Green Lake County with volunteer "buddies" who call each day to check on them.

The Phone Buddy Program Offers:

Reassurance to participants that others in their community care about their well-being.

Daily socialization and meaningful conversation for both volunteers and buddies.

Peace of mind to family and friends concerned for the safety of their loved ones.

For more information about the Phone Buddy Program contact Jamie Lawrence in the Berlin Office at 920- 361-9880 or jamiel@advocap.org.

Fall & Spring Clean-Up

Each Fall and Spring ADVOCAP RSVP offers a "Clean-Up" program, in which volunteers will assist elderly and disabled homeowners with outside yard chores. If you and your volunteers would like to participate in "Fall or Spring Clean-Up," at the day and time of your convenience, please call or e-mail Kara Klein at 426-0150 or 1-800-323-0150, karak@advocap.org.

Office Locations/Contact Information

Berlin- Jamie Lawrence
jamiel@advocap.org

237 Broadway, Suite C
Berlin, WI 54923 (920)361-9880