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RSVP offers volunteer opportunities to retirees

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) connects volunteers age 55+ with opportunities to volunteer in their community.

This connection is beneficial to the volunteer because it enables them to serve and give back to their community. It provides an outlet for them to use their skills and abilities after retirement. It gives them a sense of purpose and usefulness, and provides activity and socialization they might be missing. It also allows them to set their own schedule for volunteering.

Much research has been done that documents the health benefits of volunteering, especially for older adults. Seniors who volunteer report lower rates of depression, better mobility, and a greater sense of well-being. In fact, those who volunteer regularly have been shown to live longer than non-volunteers.

Senior volunteers also lighten the stress load of non-profit organizations trying to accomplish their goals with a limited budget and small staff. Volunteers can do much of the capacity building tasks in an office, school, hospital, or library that is necessary, but time consuming. Having a willing and capable volunteer on hand to assist with duties can improve the morale of the workplace.

Here are some of the locations where RSVP volunteers can serve in Webster County:

∫ Community and Family Resources

∫Elderbridge

∫Fort Dodge elementary schools

∫ Fort Dodge Villa Care Center

∫Fort Museum and Frontier Village

∫Friendship Haven

∫The Lord’s Cupboard

∫Heartland Hope and Homes

∫Hope Haven Wheelchair Assembly

∫St. Edmond Elementary School

∫St. Paul Elementary School

∫Salvation Army

∫Southeast Valley School District

∫The Key on Central

∫Marian Home

∫Village General Store–Opportunity Village

∫United Way of Fort Dodge

∫Upper Des Moines Opportunity

∫Youth Shelter Care

Central Iowa RSVP has an office in the Elderbridge Building, located at 308 Central Ave. in Fort Dodge. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in Webster County, contact Volunteer Coordinator Becky Koppen at 515-832-2525.

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