Same incredible program, different local, non-profit, sponsor! The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is now actively serving and partnering with organizations in the Anchorage and Mat-Su region. This nationally-recognized program is sponsored and administered by the local non-profit, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc. (APIAI).
The RSVP program is a federally-funded program and is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people age 55 and older. APIAI was awarded the three-year project in April of 2015, and has begun networking, supporting and enrolling RSVP volunteers.
The Anchorage and Mat-Su RSVP family currently contributes and supports our communities through these 17 volunteer stations: Alaska Health Fair, Inc., Alaska Veteran’s Museum, Anchorage Pioneer Home, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, Anchorage Senior Activity Center, Wasilla Area Senior Center, Girl Scouts of Alaska, Alaska Medicare Information Office, Marlow Manor Assisted Living, Wasilla Public Library, Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home (Palmer), Covenant House, Wonder Park Elementary, William Tyson Elementary, Spring Hill Elementary and Bear Valley Elementary.
If anyone has an interest in mentoring children in the school setting, we are in need of volunteers for these elementary schools.
Project Warm-Up
Even more exciting news about the RSVP Program at APIAI – Project Warm-Up is being resurrected. Many volunteers may remember this special project and may have contributed and supported it in the past. RSVP volunteers knit hats, mittens and scarves which are then donated to adults and children in need. These ‘warm-up’ donations will be taken to the homeless shelters, soup kitchens and Title I elementary schools.
Volunteers in Project Warm-up can work at a volunteer site or from their home. This allows homebound seniors to continue making a difference and giving back to the community while also staying connected in a healthy and creative manner.
Yarn donations are always welcome at 1131 E. International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99518. The volunteer coordinator will be happy to pick up any finished ‘warm-up’ items and/or drop off donated yarn to volunteers participating in the project.
Some of the perks of being an RSVP volunteer outside of the community support and engagement are the added protection of supplemental accident/liability and excess auto insurance while on duty and the very popular mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the volunteer site.
Anyone interested in joining RSVP or becoming a volunteer for Project Warm-Up or any station, is encouraged to contact the RSVP Coordinator, Mary Jordan at 907-276-2700, ext. 244 or by email at Maryjo@apiai.org.
