867 Pairs of Hands Work Miracles Through RSVP

Nov. 23, 2011

What can 867 pairs of hands do? During 2011, when working as part of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Marion County, these hands have contributed 118,776 hours of service to make a difference in our area.

Opportunities for service abound through RSVP, which is sponsored by the College of Central Florida. RSVP partners with local nonprofit agencies to pair adults, age 55 and better, with numerous projects.

During 2012 RSVP will focus its volunteer recruitment efforts in the areas of health services; services to veterans and military families; improvement of reading readiness for pre-elementary, economically disadvantaged children; education on conservation of energy and natural resources; and improving access to services and benefits for homeless individuals in Marion County.

There is an immediate need for volunteers to serve as reading partners for 3- and 4-year-olds and as peer partners/mentors for residents in transitional housing settings. These opportunities require just a two- to four-hour commitment per month.

Volunteers are also needed to teach energy conservation and how to live in the green environment, and to work with veterans and military families. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities.

For additional information about RSVP, contact RSVP Program Manager LuAnn Haywood at HaywoodL@cf.edu or 352-291-4444.