Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Perry County Retired Senior Volunteer Program

RSVP of Perry County was established in 1971 and is one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation. We engage residents ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities, from flu clinics and other events hosted by the Perry County Health Department; to working with the Perry County Emergency Management System, OSU Extension Office, and Job & Family Services; to helping to raise awareness and give support to the community with Never Alone, a nonprofit that provides information and resources to residents struggling with addiction.

RSVP strives to create partnerships with community leaders to meet the needs of the community. Our mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

Currently, we have 67 volunteers working at five food pantries in our county, seven certified RSVP Volunteer instructors teaching six aqua classes a week at Mount Aloysius handicap accessible indoor pool, and five Certified RSVP Volunteer instructors for the Walk With Ease Program at Mount Aloysius gymnasium. We’d love for more senior residents of the county to join us!

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. RSVP is sponsored by the Perry County Commissioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of services does RSVP provide?

• Visiting residents in long- term health care facilities around the county.
• Delivering care packages three times a year to veterans in four long-term facilities in the county.
• Making reassurance calls to shut-ins & disabled community members.
• Volunteering at the Senior Center nutrition to assist with various clerical duties, and to assist other seniors that may need a little extra help.
• Helping at the flu clinic, sew sleeping bags for the homeless, and hold free vision screenings around the county.
• Assisting at county food pantries: Corning, Hopewell/Madison, New Lexington, Somerset, and Thornville.
• Volunteer instructors teach 6 aqua classes a week at Mount Aloysius. Email for more information about the classes.
• We also offer walk with ease classes. Email us for more information about the classes.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

The intangible benefits alone—such as pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment—are worthwhile reasons to serve. In addition, when we share our time and talents, we:

• Solve problems
• Strengthen communities
• Improve lives
• Connect to others
• Transform our own lives

By being a volunteer, you become connected to other people. Volunteers have a great impact on their community, often uniting the community as one. But volunteering also allows people to interact more and to meet new people. When you volunteer, not only does it make your ties to the community stronger, but you also meet people who share your interests and gain a wider support group.

Research has shown that volunteering can help prevent poor health. Volunteers who start early are said to develop greater functional ability and better health in their older years. Aside from this, volunteers also have lower mortality rates.

How do I become a volunteer?

Email us for more information!