Sunday, January 17, 1999
Wanted: Seniors to help others
Social programs increase demand
BY SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — A growth in social programs and a shortage of transportation translates into a growing need for retired senior volunteers.
The Warren County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is trying to recruit more seniors to give their time in several new projects, including the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County and in Lebanon City Schools.
The nonprofit, federally funded RSVP also wants to lure more seniors to existing volunteer positions in area nursing homes and at the 741 Center for seniors on Ohio 741.
RSVP places senior volunteers in area nonprofit and public organizations that suit their interests.
“Basically we recruit seniors 55 and over for nonprofit organizations to give them something to do to keep their lives fulfilled and at the same time help the community,” said Dolcee Hoffman, RSVP co-director.
RSVP needs more senior volunteers to make up for those who have dropped out the past few years because of difficulties finding transportation.
There are more than 500 seniors registered with RSVP, but only 250 are active volunteers, Ms. Hoffman said.
The group forged a relationship with Lebanon City Schools in fall 1998. RSVP now needs seniors to help stu dents in kindergarten through the third grade by listening to them read, helping them find information, telling stories or just being a friend.
Seniors also are needed in positions at area nursing homes, where they can read to residents, help with crafts and play cards, or play a musical instrument. The 741 Center needs volunteers to work in the gift shop on Wednesday afternoons and to aid the bingo caller on Thursdays twice a month.
One of the biggest priorities of RSVP is the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County, which started in October.
Interfaith, a network of 19 Warren County churches, provides shelter and meals to homeless families, said director Linda Rabolt.
Interfaith provides a home environment for the families seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Day Center, 118 N. Cherry St. in Lebanon.
During the evenings, eight of the 19 churches house the families, while volunteers from all the churches provide meals and activities for the children, Mrs. Rabolt said.
The families stay at the Day Center for up to six weeks, all the while searching for permanent housing and receiving job training skills.
Right now the center, which takes only families, is full with three families consisting of 13 people.
Funded by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, United Way and private donations, Interfaith has only one paid staff member, Mrs. Rabolt, and 10 volunteers, including two from RSVP.
More volunteers are needed for driving or transporting residents, child care assistance, office work, playing with children and visiting with the adults.
“Senior volunteers have the time and the experience,” Mrs. Rabolt said. “They can help out in ways others can't.”
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