Alachua County Community Support Services has been awarded an AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program grant to expand volunteer opportunities for adults age 55 and older throughout the county.
The grant, awarded by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, will establish the county’s RSVP program to complement its existing AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program. Officials said this year’s national funding cycle was highly competitive, making the award a significant achievement, according to an Alachua County press release.
The RSVP program is designed to help older adults remain active in their communities while developing new skills, building meaningful relationships and improving their quality of life through volunteer service.
The program’s primary focus area is Healthy Futures, which supports healthy aging and promotes independent living among older adults. Through RSVP, volunteers will engage in a variety of activities, including:
- Assisting fellow seniors with physical and mental health via appointment assistance, wellness activities, and fitness.
- Conducting well-being checks to help reduce social isolation and increase community connectedness.
- Partnering with local libraries to provide digital literacy education and technology assistance (supporting seniors in accessing telehealth services and other online health resources).
County officials said the program is intended to strengthen social connections, encourage healthy aging and reduce barriers to health care and technology.
“Volunteer service creates stronger communities while providing older adults with opportunities to remain active, engaged and connected,” Veteran Services Director and Interim RSVP Program Manager Olajuwon White said in the press release. “The RSVP program will allow us to expand services that promote health, wellness and independence for seniors throughout Alachua County.”
Alachua County is seeking community organizations interested in serving as RSVP host sites, as well as residents age 55 and older who would like to volunteer a few hours each week. Organizations whose services align with the Healthy Futures mission are encouraged to partner with the program to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities across the county.
For more information about becoming an RSVP volunteer or host organization, contact White at 352-264-6739 or rsvpmail@alachuacounty.gov.