Volunteer

What is RSVP?

Who We Are and What We Do

RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a national grant-funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors and is sponsored locally by the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center. The program strives to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults 55 and over while meeting local needs and responding to priorities of national significance.

RSVP program staff located at the Senior Resource Center conduct one-on-one interviews to match individuals with volunteer opportunities that suit your skills and interests. We are here to find you the right opportunity for your passions, skills, interests, and schedule.

Volunteer training and length of training is specific to the volunteer location(s) and depends on the volunteer position. Excess supplemental accident insurance coverage, recognition, and newsletter communication is provided.

Volunteers can give their time to one partnering location, or many. The choice is yours!

View a list of RSVP Volunteer Opportunities (PDF).

Are you ready to begin making a difference in your community? Fill out the RSVP Application, Confidentiality Agreement, and Photo Release below and we will then give you a call to discuss your interests and guide you on the next step in beginning your volunteer experience.

Fill out the form(s) linked below.

• RSVP Application (Under 55)
• Confidentiality Agreement (Under 55)
• Photo Release (Under 55)

Email application questions to Cully Shelton

Cully Shelton, AmeriCorps Seniors Program Manager, phone (910) 798-6407.

Becky Doherty, RSVP Program Coordinator, phone (910) 798-6406, email Becky Doherty

The Senior Resource Center’s Nutrition Department utilizes volunteers in many areas. Without our dedicated volunteers, we would not be able to provide the great level of service to our clients.

• Volunteers assist with packing over 500 meals daily for our homebound seniors.
• Assist with drive-up meal service at locations throughout New Hanover County.
• They prep and serve meals to our congregate dining clients at our main location and satellite Nutrition sites in Castle Hayne and Carolina Beach.
• Home Delivered Meals volunteer drivers deliver meals Monday through Friday to approximately 500 homebound seniors. Meals are picked up at the Senior Resource Center between 9:30 am and 10:30 am daily, and routes take 1 to 2 hours.

Note: Home Delivered Meals volunteers must undergo a background screening at no charge.

For volunteers over the age of 55 please complete the RSVP Application linked on left or stop by the Senior Resource Center. Volunteer positions are available for those under the age of  55 as well! Please complete the Volunteers Application (Under 55) linked on the left.

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, tutors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.

All you need to join is the ability to give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. If you’re 55 or older and want to share your experience and compassion, you have what it takes to be a Foster Grandparent.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a national grant funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors and is sponsored locally by the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center.

Foster grandparents serve between 15 to 20 hours per week and receive the following benefits:

• Tax-free hourly stipend (available to those who qualify)
• Transportation reimbursement
• Supplemental, accident and liability insurance while you’re volunteering
• On-going training

To apply for the program, complete the Foster Grandparent Application. Following the completion of your application, return it to the Foster Grandparent Office located at the Senior Resource Center and the Program Coordinator will contact you to set up an in-person interview. 

Orientation

Foster Grandparents are given an in-person interview by the FGP office as well as the volunteer location. Placement will be based on the current needs of the volunteer and the program. Volunteers receive a pre-service physical, background screening, and 20 hours of orientation and training. During orientation, Foster Grandparents learn about the purpose, benefits and regulations of the program, and volunteer sites/children to be served. Additional orientation and training will be provided at the volunteer site as required by the individual location.

For more information about the program, call Vicki Wells, Program Coordinator, at (910) 798-6408 or email Vicki.

Are you ready to begin making a difference in your community? Fill out the volunteer application, confidentiality agreement, and photo release below and we will give you a call to discuss your interests and guide you on the next step in beginning your volunteer experience.

Apply today!

Fill out the 3 forms linked below.

• Under 55 Volunteer Application form
• Confidentiality Agreement form
• Photo Release form

If you any questions, please call Cully Shelton, (910) 798-6407.