RSVP of the Midlands forms partnership with Transitions Homeless Recovery Center
July 31, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Midlands recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide volunteers to the Transitions Homeless Recovery Center in downtown Columbia.
RSVP is currently recruiting volunteers age 55 and older to serve as Day Center receptionists and office assistants at Transitions.
“Our senior volunteers show a tremendous amount of compassion and empathy in all the places they serve across the Midlands,” said Pam Dukes, Executive Director for Senior Resources, which is the local administrator of RSVP. “We know it will be no different as they reach out to serve Columbia’s homeless population.”
The primary goal of Transitions is to move people from homelessness to permanent housing. Various strategies and types of housing are used to help stabilize individuals living on the street and enroll them in services designed to stabilize their lives, increase their income, and help them secure permanent housing.
“We are excited about our newly formed partnership with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program,” said Craig Currey, CEO for Transitions. “RSVP’s corps of senior volunteers has made significant contributions to this community, and we are honored that they have joined us in our efforts to serve those who are homeless in the Midlands. By partnering with caring individuals such as RSVP, we will continue to assist our clients in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.”
RSVP is part of the Senior Corps program of the Corporation for National & Community Service. It is the country’s largest volunteer network for individuals aged 55 and older, with nearly 300,000 volunteers nationwide. RSVP’s mission is to match the abilities, interests, and skills of people 55 and older with community volunteer needs.
Since 1973, the RSVP program has been locally sponsored by Senior Resources. RSVP of the Midlands provides volunteer opportunities for seniors in Lexington, Richland and Newberry counties.
About Senior Resources, Inc.
Senior Resources is a non-profit organization that coordinates services, provides resources and encourages the personal choices that allow Columbia’s senior citizens to remain independent. All activities, services and programs of the agency are geared toward promoting independent living, with the goal of helping seniors remain in their homes as long as possible through the support of staff and volunteers, and delaying or preventing institutionalization.
Since 1967, Senior Resources has served Columbia’s frail and elderly residents in three areas:
1) In-home services, including Meals on Wheels, home care, respite care, senior companion services, and case management;
2) Community-based services, including congregate meals, wellness centers, transportation, and physical fitness;
3) Volunteer services, including the Senior Companion program, Foster Grandparent program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
With local, state and federal government funding, as well as contributions from United Way, personal donations and fundraising activities, Senior Resources offers a variety of programs so that our clients can select the assistance they need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.
