5“With 78 million ‘baby boomers’ ready to enter the volunteer force in our local communities, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) offers a way to impact the lives of others with training, respect, honor and enforcing the bonds with seniors that truly make a difference.”

The Executive Director and C.E.O. of this rural county outreach, Susan Haas, opened the June 11 luncheon with a positive smile of encouragement and answers. A roomful of Mineral County residents and volunteers gathered to receive honors for their dedication to the RSVP cause.

The message is simple – “An Invitation To Serve”, which only asks that volunteers give as low as a few hours weekly or as much as possible, to provide clients the fulfillment of remaining independent in their homes, while also providing the support and care that anyone would want and someday we will need as we all age.

“We’ll all get there someday. Whether you are escorting one that needs transportation, providing home services or just giving some respite time for the caregiver that is homebound with an ailing loved one, there are places for everyone to benefit from sharing portions of our lives with others. There were 106,000 hours logged in by our volunteers across Nevada, which is an outstanding fulfillment toward a great need within the senior community. These free programs build a foundation of strength and value as we all work together.”

On the RSVP website it says that some doctors are prescribing volunteerism to overcome depression, and the honored volunteers were proof of that. With smiles on their faces and confidence in their acceptance of honors, each volunteer realized their efforts mattered in a valuable way.

Kris Hughes, Program Coordinator from Carson City, acknowledged the extraordinary service in which Mineral County had contributed.

Plaques of thanks were given to Care and Share, with Nancy Quintero accepting and Priscilla Martin was on hand, representing the Soroptimist Club for their involvement in the various programs. The recognition was further emphasized by an RSVP plaque of acknowledgment and signed Congressional Certificates presented to wife and husband, Deanna and Charlie Morris for their selfless service; Senators signed State recognition certificates that also went to Bernie Presnell, field representative in Hawthorne and Christeen Benner, field rep for Schurz, as their service was above and beyond the call of normal volunteerism. Benner also received her RSVP five year pin.

The RSVP program is funded through Nevada’s Department on Aging and independent grants from large entities, as well as private individuals.

If you would like to become involved with this vital community program, please check with the local Care and Share office for details, or contact the main RSVP office at 775-687-4680. Check on all the RSVP areas of local assistance to find out if you can receive some help.