Great news! Seniors who volunteer in their communities are healthier, happier, and feel more involved.
A recent independent study from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that among seniors who serve their communities:
- 84 percent feel their health is stable or improving
- 78 percent experience fewer symptoms of depression
- 88 percent feel less isolated
Even better news is that there is a program right here in Naples that is focused on helping local seniors find volunteer opportunities that are a perfect fit for their interests, talents, and expertise and provide the social engagement seniors need to thrive.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Collier County is part of a national program that provides volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and older who want to remain actively involved in supporting and improving their communities.
In and around Naples, RSVP members apply their knowledge and life experience to helping in the areas of disaster response and recovery, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, education, healthcare, and support for veterans and military families.
How to Find the Volunteer Opportunity That Is Right for You
We all enter our retirement years with decades of experience under our belts. With more free time on our hands, it’s important to find ways to apply that experience to help others. RSVP of Collier County offers many volunteer opportunities that will put your skills to good use. The list of organizations that RSVP volunteers work with includes:
American Cancer Society
Help fight back, get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer. Volunteers help with events including the Relay for Life and annual galas. Additionally, volunteers support mailings and assemble survivor and team captain bags and sponsorship packets.
Boys & Girls Club of Collier County
Promoting the educational, vocational, and health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe environment. RSVP volunteers serve as mentors and tutors, imparting knowledge and skills that will enable the children they serve to succeed in life.
Collier County Veteran Services
Providing veterans and their dependents with support and access to a wide variety of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. RSVP volunteers serve as drivers, transporting veterans to and from nearby VA hospitals and clinics.
Family Literacy Academy of Immokalee
Providing farmworker families with equal access to education, resources, and opportunities. RSVP volunteers serve as instructors for preschool children, provide English and basic literacy instruction for parents, provide parent and child together (PACT) time, and provide parenting and health and wellness instruction.
Habitat for Humanity
Eliminating substandard housing by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. Volunteers can enjoy the hands-on experience of the actual building effort, or they can donate their time to Habitat’s well-known thrift store.
Naples Historical Society
Preserving the history of Naples through tours and preservation initiatives. RSVP volunteers guide tours, teach classes, and provide administrative support to the organization.
North Collier Fire & Rescue
Protecting life and property from fire and other emergencies through incident response and public education. RSVP volunteers become part of a community emergency response team (CERT), organizing rescue and relief efforts during times of trouble, or simply serving local homebound seniors by providing regular grocery delivery services.
Rookery Bay
Providing a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education. RSVP volunteers serve in the visitor center greeting and assisting guests, work on one of many restoration projects, or serve as tour guides.
STARability Foundation
Enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. RSVP volunteers work one on one with individuals during a six-week- long life skills class, and assist with monthly events.
The Benefits of Volunteering with RSVP in Collier County
The RSVP coordinators in Collier County offer a great deal of support to local volunteers, including:
- Help setting up a personal interview with the volunteer station of your choice
- Ongoing follow-up and support by your coordinator
- An opportunity to learn new skills
- Referral information
- Flexibility to change your volunteer assignment whenever you want
- Free supplemental insurance while you volunteer, including personal injury, personal liability, and excess automobile liability
- Invitations to special volunteer recognition events
How to Get Started as an RSVP Volunteer in Collier County
To become an RSVP volunteer, you need to download this registration form and mail or email the completed form to:
RSVP of Collier County
3339 E. Tamiami Trail, Building H, Suite 211
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: 239-252-4230
Email: Dawn.Whelan@colliercountyfl.gov
