Background and History of RSVP

RSVP of Chemung County in Elmira, New York began in 1973, utilizing the volunteers who had worked together after the devastating flood of 1972. The commitment to community continues today.

Today, RSVP of Chemung County boasts an enrollment of nearly 1,000 volunteers, who range in age from 55 to 98. Of those, 28% are males and 72% are females, statistics which differ only slightly from national figures (26 and 74 percent, respectively).

We own and operate a van and a small bus to transport volunteers to and from their assignments. On average, the vehicles log 2,000 miles per month.

Volunteer assignments are numerous and varied:

• RSVP volunteers are board or advisory committee members, offering advice and guidance to human and social service agencies
• RSVP volunteers serve as coordinators/managers of other volunteers within agencies, enhancing their capacity to serve the community
• RSVP volunteers tutor children or adults in reading to help them achieve goals
• RSVP volunteers assist seniors in navigating the complicated world of health and prescription drug insurance coverage
• RSVP volunteers consult with clients to secure loans or clear hurdles in their efforts to open or expand their businesses

The list goes on and on, and the community impact of RSVP volunteers is increasingly important.

Programs targeted to help seniors stay healthy, safe and secure in their homes include Bone Builders (osteoporosis prevention exercise program), RIDE (Retired Individuals Driving Elderly) and TRIAD (a partnership with law enforcement and senior agencies).

Numerous agencies regularly utilize RSVP Volunteers’ collating and labeling skills to mail their newsletters. The socialization has established some lasting friendships within the group and enabled the agencies to share their important work with the community in a cost-efficient manner.

Meals on Wheels, schools, libraries, hospitals, museums, historical societies, local food pantries, plus many county and municipal government offices are also recipients of service provided by RSVP of Chemung County volunteers.

The variety of volunteer assignments, as well as the great flexibility of time commitment they offer, challenges people to share their talents, learn new skills, and give something back. Many RSVP volunteers indicate they receive more than they give.

To make all this happen, the 2007 funding sources for RSVP of Chemung County include:

Cornell Cooperative Extension
Corporation for National and Community Service
United Way of the Southern Tier
Local donations
New York State Office of Mental Health
Chemung County Transit
New York State Office for the Aging
Office of Mental Retardation and Developmentally Disabled
Chemung County Department of Aging and Long-Term Care

Volunteerism is ENERGY! It has many faces and forces.
Success is helping, and ... helping is its own REWARD!
For RSVP of Chemung County volunteers,
the ENERGY and REWARDS are immeasurable!