Volunteers
In our Delaware County chapter, RSVP provides volunteer opportunities for over 950 adults age 55 and older. These volunteers contribute over 130,000 hours of service to over 112 non-profit agencies throughout the county. RSVP volunteers are active in schools, social service agencies, libraries, intergenerational projects, home-based activities and more. Volunteering with RSVP is open to any person over 55 years of age. RSVP offers older adults the opportunity to share their experience, time, talents and energy on a regular basis in a variety of settings throughout the community.
"Our RSVP volunteers have had such a positive impact on our emerging and struggling readers. Our students love spending 1:1 reading time with Mr. Painter, Mr. Florio and Mrs. White."
Mrs. Abrahms – Pennell Elementary
"Volunteering is a therapy with me. The giver derives more benefits than the receiver. If you want to live a long, happy life, be a volunteer."
Paul Graefe, RSVP Legends Band Director
"Volunteering is a part of my life. I enjoy meeting the people who donate…"
Terry Mendenhall, RSVP Volunteer at Surrey Services
Senior Corps of Pennsylvania recognizes 2009 Volunteers of the Year – Delaware County RSVP Volunteers Take Top Honors
Senior Corps, a part of the Corporation for National & Community Service, is the premier and largest senior volunteer agency in Pennsylvania and the United States. Through Senior Corps of PA’s three programs – RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion – volunteers have nearly unlimited opportunities to apply their experience to make a positive, lasting impact.
We are very proud to announce that three RSVP of Delaware County volunteers were selected as Senior Corps of Pennsylvania, 2009 Volunteers of the Year. Nominations were made by Directors of RSVP, Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The judges were from the Southwest Region of Pennsylvania. A total of 16 awards were given out in specific categories with First Place and Honorable Mention in each category.
| RSVP Senior CORPS Volunteers of the Year | ||
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| Matt Capella | Victor Florio | Paul Graefe |
Matt Capella, of Newtown Square, received First Place in the Category of RSVP Seniors Helping Seniors. Matt has been a volunteer in the community for over 25 years, and with RSVP since 1992.
Victor Florio, of Aston, received First Place in the Category of RSVP Tutor/Mentor for Children under the age of 12.
"It’s gratifying," said Florio. "I enjoy every minute of it!"
Victor is an America Reads volunteer who serves four local schools and helps children who are not reading at grade level. Victor has been a volunteer with RSVP since 1998.
The RSVP Legends Band Director, Paul Graefe of Prospect Park, received Honorable Mention in the RSVP Category of Seniors Helping Seniors. Paul has been with RSVP since 2003. He coordinates the members for the band-gigs, selects and prepares the music for all of the band members and keeps their contact information up to date.