By John McAlpine
RSVP Program Recruiter
Sponsored by Catholic Community Services, RSVP is America’s largest network for volunteers 55 and older and the only program that records the collective contributions of the senior volunteer. RSVP exists to help older volunteers find fulfillment in their volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities exist all over Snohomish County.
School/after school mentors: We’ve already had one round of volunteers receive an orientation to help in schools in the Edmonds School District. You could be next. RSVP is helping Westgate, Cedar Valley, Lynnwood, Jackson and Hawthorne elementary schools find volunteers. We also can tell you about after school opportunities and Boys & Girls Clubs, too.
Peer-to-peer counseling: If you are empathetic, understanding, compassionate and can keep a confidence, peer-to-peer counseling might be for you. You receive training and are matched with someone who can use a friendly ear. You meet with the client for an hour each week.
Emergency management: If you’d like to assist first responders in the event of a countywide emergency, consider volunteering with the Snohomish County Department of Emergency management. There are several support jobs that allow those working a disaster to succeed. These jobs are not on the scene of the event, they are in the office.
Volunteer chores: While we all complain sometimes about having to wash dishes, do laundry or vacuum, consider what life would be like if you couldn’t. Volunteers assist others with those routine household chores and allow clients to “age in place” and stay in their home. A few hours every couple of weeks goes a long way.
Food banks: Economic hardships have some people turning to food banks for the first time In fact, 99.4 percent of food banks and distribution agencies reported seeing more first-time users in the past year. Opportunities to volunteer are all over the county. All food banks need help with repacking food, assisting clients, picking up food from donors, unloading trucks and registering clients. You can get involved at food banks in Arlington, Everett (two locations), Lake Stevens, Lynn- wood, Marysville (two locations), Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish and Stanwood/Camano.
Volunteer transportation: Many people in our county do not own or have access to private transportation. This makes it difficult to get to the doctor, for example. If your vehicle is insured, safe (lights, brakes and horn all in working condition) and available, consider volunteering as a driver. Your driving record doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify. Drive when and where you want. Clients enter and exit vehicles on their own. Mileage reimbursement is possible.
If you have questions about RSVP, volunteering or any of the agencies listed here, call 425-374-6374 or email me at johnm@ccsww.org.
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