In the Spotlight - January Edition

In the SPOTLIGHT this month

RSVP DIRECTOR – Cheri Theesen

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska’s Volunteer Services include the following programs:  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Compassionate Connections, and the Senior Companion Program (SCVP).

RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.  Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities.  RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with thousands of local and national organizations.  There are several places in Buffalo and Kearney Counties that RSVP volunteers can serve to meet the needs of the communities.  Volunteers are given the flexibility to serve as much or as little as they want, according to their schedules and lifestyles.  Volunteers can learn new skills or use the ones they have already acquired.  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program came to the Buffalo and Kearney County area in 1998 when Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska received a grant to fund the program from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  There are currently 165 volunteers who served approximately 20,000 hours last year.

Compassionate Connections is a program that provides services to individuals so they are able to remain independent in their homes.  When a referral is made an initial assessment is completed.  If appropriate, a volunteer is placed to assist the individual.  Services provided include friendly visitation, light housekeeping during recovery, errands and transportation needs for shut-ins.  There is currently a need for more volunteers in Compassionate Connections as the request for assistance has surpassed the ability of our current volunteers.  New volunteers are needed!!

A new outreach of RSVP and Compassionate Connections is the Independent Living Support Class.  RSVP received a permanent increase in funding to incorporate this opportunity into the program.  This class teaches volunteers the skills needed to be an effective support to individuals in their homes.  This class will be taught in Kearney, Ravenna, Minden, and Wilcox twice a year.  The class currently being taught is in Kearney at the Peterson Senior Center.

The Senior Companion Volunteer Program is funded by Health and Human Services.  It is a program designed for the limited income senior who is 55 plus years old.  A small tax free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits are offered.  The mission of the SCVP is to recruit and train volunteers to assist individuals in maintaining their independence.  Whether it is someone lonely and isolated, physically or mentally disabled, or living with Alzheimer’s disease, Senior Companions help people in ways true friends help one another.  Senior Companions can be placed in private homes or independent living facilities.  Currently there are 49 senior adults being served by 4 Senior Companions.  We are currently looking for new Senior Companions to serve in this capacity.  If you know of someone, please contact Mary Jane McLaughlin at 865-1354.