Empowering Wright County seniors to serve and strengthen communities

As people age and enter their retirement years, many are often faced with the questions: What’s my purpose? What do I do now? Volunteering helps seniors feel socially connected in their communities, providing a sense of meaning while helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.     

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is a nation-wide program, with local affiliations, that connects individuals aged 55 and older with meaningful volunteer opportunities, enabling them to utilize their knowledge and experiences to serve their local communities in Wright County. 

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP partners with area organizations to place volunteers in roles that match their interests, skills, and availability. Volunteers can choose to serve a few hours a week or participate in one-time opportunities depending on their personal schedules and the needs of the community.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP covers a four-county area in Central Minnesota, partnering with over 1200 volunteers and 120 organizations. Amy Johnson, of Delano, is a Program Coordinator for the organization, connecting volunteers with open positions at various partnerships in Wright County. “What I do on a daily basis is manage our existing community partners and connect with new community partners who might need extra help to fill open spots. Wright County is our newest county that we’re working in and started in 2021. My goal is to really build up the program in Wright County. Having lived in Delano since 2005, and being an active volunteer in the community, I know that it’s a great fit, and we can do a lot of good in helping local organizations.”

Organizations in Wright County that partner with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP are numerous, including city municipalities, 501(c)(3) non-profits, licensed healthcare groups, and assisted living facilities. 

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful. “We have everything from work-at-home opportunities if transportation is limited, crafts, data entry, and making phone calls. We also have one-time volunteer opportunities, such as stuffing bags for organizations, all the way to long-term opportunities at the Wright County Government Center. We are looking for someone to volunteer at the Driver’s License office. The person that greets you at the main doors is an RSVP volunteer.” 

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP is always on the lookout for volunteers to fill open spots within community organizations. To help get the word out, RSVP can be seen at many local events “We do a lot of tabling at area events, such as the Wright County Sheriff’s Office open house, senior expos, and numerous farmer’s markets to provide those interested in volunteering with more information about the program and an opportunity to sign up.”

Volunteer opportunities are also listed online and available for people to browse through. Seniors interested in volunteering can complete an enrollment form, which includes identifying areas of interest. “What we do is identify what their interests are so they are not getting contacted about opportunities that don’t fit,” stated Johnson.

Long-term opportunities are great for those who are newly retired or working part time and looking to stay busy. “Some of our volunteers haven’t retired yet, so I think of it as retired and senior, people don’t necessarily have to be retired to participate in the program.”

AmeriCorps Seniors has offices at various locations throughout Minnesota. The local AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP branch office for Wright County is located at the Wright County Government Center (3650 Braddock Ave. NE, Buffalo). Those interested in learning more about volunteering, and the opportunities available, can contact the office at 763-765-3036 or visit: www.americorpsseniorsmn.org.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP offers older adults a meaningful way to stay engaged, contribute to their communities, and enhance their own well-being. By volunteering, seniors not only make a positive impact on others but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. If you’re looking to make a difference, RSVP provides the platform and support to do so.