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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preserving the history of Naples through tours and preservation initiatives. RSVP volunteers guide tours, teach classes, and provide administrative support to the organization.
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.
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.
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 RSVP coordinators in Collier County offer a great deal of support to local volunteers, including:
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