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Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP is a program of Martin Volunteers and is part of the federal
Corporation for National and Community Service. United Way of Martin
County is the local sponsor of RSVP.
RSVP helps people 55 and better
find volunteer opportunities that enrich their lives and strengthen the
community.
RSVP volunteers devote their
time and talents to a wide array of roles -- from helping law enforcement
to tutoring children to delivering meals to shut-ins to supporting health care.
They also enrich our community by volunteering for cultural, environmental and
historical organizations as well as faith-based and civic groups.
Based on your interests, you can choose your volunteer assignments from a
wide range of opportunities and select the days and hours you are available.
There are more than 100 nonprofit and public
agencies in Martin County where you can share your skills and talents.
For more information, contact:
Carol Hodnett, Director
E-mail: chodnett@martinvolunteers.org
Phone: (772) 220-4472, ext. 221
RSVP RECOGNITION LUNCHEONS 2008
More than 250 RSVP members enjoyed camaraderie, prizes and awards
during the annual RSVP recognition luncheons at Carrabba’s Italian Grill on
March 17 and 20, 2008.
The annual RSVP recognition luncheons honor volunteers
from all corners of Martin County for a wide array of activities that tackle
the community’s most pressing problems and enriching activities.
“The luncheons are a way to
thank the volunteers who devote so much of their time and talents to the
people of Martin County,” said Carol Hodnett, director of the program.
The RSVP federal grant calls for an annual evaluation of the impact the
program has on volunteers or agencies. A survey was conducted at the RSVP
luncheons, and 253 attendees completed the survey. Following is a summary of
the results:
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In every community there are numerous volunteer
needs. Please identify at least one current need in Martin County. The
following had multiple mentions: Public transportation/transportation
for seniors; Homebound; Homeless; Housing (low cost).
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Do you feel your skills and talents are being fully
utilized as a volunteer? Yes = 93.4%
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Do you feel your volunteer duties meet a community
need? Yes = 98.3%
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Do you feel your volunteer service makes a
difference?
Yes = 100%
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Has volunteering provided an opportunity to meet
new people? Yes = 98.3%
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Do you feel Martin Volunteers shows appreciation
for your service as an RSVP volunteer? Yes = 99.6%
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Has your volunteer experience been positive and
rewarding? Yes = 100%
THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING
During an RSVP recognition luncheon in 2005, attendees filled out a survey, and here are some of
their responses to the question: "How has volunteering impacted your
life?"
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A Hobe Sound resident who works with kindergartners at Hobe
Sound Elementary says, “It gives me a purpose in retirement.”
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Another Hobe Sound resident said, “I feel like I’m putting
my professional skills to work, and giving back for help received
from Hospice.”
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A Stuart couple who are deeply involved in White Doves said
their work with the annual project “gives new meaning to our
Christmas holidays.”
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An Indiantown man who tutors at schools and repairs books and
tapes at the library said succinctly, “It kept me from
rusting.”
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A resident of Hutchinson Island said volunteering “has
fulfilled my desire to help people, made me feel more upbeat and has
gotten me out of the house!”
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A Jensen Beach lady said her work at the chamber of commerce has
helped her meet more people and learn about the area. “It has
helped me establish a life for myself in this new location.”
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A Palm City resident echoed the sentiment of many volunteers
when she said, “I have made new friends and feel I am helping
where needed.”
RSVP LUNCHEONS 2006
Click
here for a gallery of photos
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