The Niagara County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) helps seniors age 55 and older find volunteer opportunities that are both personally fulfilling and beneficial to the community. RSVP is sponsored locally by the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. (HANCI), and is funded in part by a federal continuation grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service. The program also receives funds from the New York State Office for Aging, the Eastern Niagara United Way, the United Way of Niagara, the United Way of the Tonawandas, and local contributions.

Description:
RSVP volunteers set their own schedules and choose their assignments from a variety of sites including schools, museums, healthcare facilities, nutrition programs and one-time community events. RSVP volunteers are making their communities stronger by providing assurance for crime victims, clerical assistance to non-profit agencies, musical and social programs for seniors, and tutoring. The Senior Worker Assistance Team (SWAT) provides much needed support for non-profit agencies by helping with short term projects such as bulk mailings. This ever-expanding program offers volunteer opportunities as consumer advocates, literacy tutors, receptionists, meal delivery services, tourist information specialists, or theater assistants. Volunteers serve as production assistants at community based cable television and museum guides local museums and cultural centers.

History:
The United States Congress established RSVP in 1971 to engage seniors in community service. Sponsored locally by the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. (HANCI), RSVP began its tradition of service in 1972 and has since provided over 4 million hours of critical services to local not-for-profit agencies and human services organizations.

Contact people:

Priscilla Dolling, Program Director, (phone), (email) Dot Swift, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (716) 285-8232

Address:

1302 Main Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hanci.com