Purpose

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits citizens over 55 to help with community needs and solve community problems. RSVP programs throughout Washington are a major source of support for nonprofit agencies and state programs that depend on volunteers for their operation.

Results and Achievements

One of the most cost-effective programs in all of Washington State government, RSVP’s volunteers provided 2,539,810 million hours of service to their communities in 2005. That’s equivalent to $50,693,000 in service hours.

Performance Measures

Maintain the capacity of 18 community RSVPs to meet basic needs in education, literacy, housing, crime prevention, drug abuse prevention, respite care, long-term care and other programs.

Services

RSVP recruits and refers volunteers to assist with public programs, including those related to: Youth tutoring/mentoring; adult literacy; community disasters; crime prevention; long term and respite care; guardianship; food banks; home chore/meal services; environmental restoration; fraud prevention; and assistance to small businesses.

Eighteen local RSVPs recruit and assist in the placement, training and recognition of volunteers. All but seven counties are covered. The Department of Commerce contracts with the RSVP Directors’ Association. The Directors’ Association subcontracts with the 18 local programs. 
 

Agency Contact

Rick Torrance, Program Manager

(360) 725-3025