AmeriCorps Seniors

AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP

New Brand, Same Legacy

The AmeriCorps Seniors Program (RSVP) enhances the lives of adults 55 years of age and older by providing them with meaningful volunteer opportunities. As part of the National Senior Service Corps, AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and locally by Southeastern Community College and the Columbus County Commissioners.

AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP has served Columbus County since 1973. Over 300 men and women volunteer in a number of public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including civic clubs. AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP volunteers are giving in excess of 61,790 hours of service each year to our communities in Columbus County. The volunteers are able to give their time and talents back to the community.

AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP volunteers work in a variety of areas, including childcare, crime prevention, literacy, nutrition, and health care. They provide food and clothes to the needy, teach children to read, deliver hot meals to seniors, or bring smiles to hospital or rest home patients.

The volunteer determines how much time to give and to which assignments. Columbus County is fortunate to have one of the 700 local programs nationwide, and one of the 17 in NC.

Fast Facts about AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP

  • Volunteers receive free supplemental liability insurance
  • Affordable group trips
  • Community of friends and support
  • Limited reimbursement for travel expenses
  • Research shows that an active individual is happier and healthier!
  • AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP saves the community money through community service hours, reduction in individual health and emotional issues and development of community spirit
  • There are NO FEES to participate in AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP
  • Volunteer as LITTLE or as MUCH as YOU have time
  • Short application to register with AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVP
  • Very little paperwork to report your monthly volunteer activities
  • Lifetime of fun and friendship!

Interested in learning more about Volunteer Management? SCC offers an online class: Basics in Volunteer Management. The course covers volunteer recruitment, retention, risk management, and recognition.

Want to develop your leadership skills? AmeriCorps Seniors – RSVPis seeking students to take the 21-hour Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.

With training, practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

  • Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Our Mission

The mission of the Columbus County Volunteer Center is to provide a resource center for the coordination of volunteer programs and activities to improve the lives of the people in Columbus County.

Our Purpose

The general purpose is to provide resource development, education, support and coordination of volunteers and their activities in Columbus County, North Carolina. The Volunteer Center has been hosted at Southeastern Community College since 2003.

The Volunteer Center provides excellent opportunities for families to make a difference in their community. There are no fees or eligibility requirements to participate in Volunteer Center activities. Young children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. The Volunteer Center works with unaffiliated volunteers, Boy Scouts seeking an Eagle project, students enhancing his/her resume, Service Learning students at Southeastern Community College and high school students completing community service requirements.

Our Focus

Our focus is the development of Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) teams and disaster preparedness workshops.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are trained to take care of themselves and then help others in their communities for the first three days following a disaster. The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training, practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is a must for all households. It takes time for emergency response agencies to set up and prepare for an organized response, and damaged roads and disrupted communications systems may restrict their access into critically affected areas. For the initial period immediately following a disaster, often up to 3 days or longer, individuals, households, and neighborhoods may need to rely on their own resources for: food, water, first aid, and shelter.

Individual preparedness, planning, survival skills, and mutual aid within neighborhoods and worksites during this initial period are essential.

Join Senior Service NOW!

Contact