RSVP Information
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, is supported in kind by Jones Regional Medical Center. The mission of RSVP is to engage people 55 and older in volunteer services to meet critical community needs that impact and benefit citizens of all ages while providing a high quality experience that will enrich the life of the volunteer.
Rachel Menard is the Program Coordinator in Jones County. Currently RSVP is recruiting volunteers to visit individuals in nursing homes, transport seniors to medical appointments, clerical duties in non-profits, deliver meals, assist at seniors dining sites and provide entertainment, counsel Medicare recipients (SHIIP), assist with free tax preparation service (VITA), help in food pantries, and local museums. The organization is also looking for individuals willing to serve on the RSVP Advisory Board or on the Jones County Task Force. With the expansion of the Volunteer Center, RSVP is now able to help with group placements for one time events, and linking younger volunteers to single or revolving volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering please call Rachel at 1-319-560-0811 or e-mail Rmenard@uweci.org. To check out current volunteer opportunities, please visit https://volunteer.truist.com/united-way-of-east-central-iowa. The RSVP office is located at the Jones County Broadway Annex Building, 105 Broadway Place, Suite #12, Anamosa. This is up High Street, past the Anamosa State Penitentiary, south of the same parking lot as the former Jones Regional Medical Center.
Volunteers receive an orientation to the program and training specific to their volunteer job. In addition to being covered by RSVP's insurance while they are serving, volunteers receive ongoing assistance, support, recognition and may be eligible for mileage reimbursement.
An amendment to the Older Americans Act in 1969 created the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP expanded into Jones County in 2005 thanks to grants provided by the St. Luke's Rural Healthcare Foundation and the United Way of East Central Iowa. In July 2010, United Way of East Central Iowa became the sponsor of RSVP of Jones County. RSVP of Jones County now includes a Volunteer Center for all ages thanks to the Volunteer Generation Grant United Way of East Central Iowa received in 2011.
The main sources of funding are United Way of East Central Iowa, The Heritage Agency on Aging, Jones Regional Medical Center, St. Luke's Rural Health Care Foundation, Mercy Medical Center, the Volunteer Generation Grant, and both public and private donations. All donations made to RSVP are tax deductible.
