A blog about great senior volunteers in Northern Virginia making a difference
Nearly 139 million people cast their vote during the 2016 presidential election. As of today, Thursday morning, more than 77 million people have already cast their ballot. A great comparison to the 45 million people who voted early in 2016. While we cannot predict how the lines will look on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd,
Limited Contact, social distance, masks required. Cornerstones has been a pillar in the DMV for nearly 50 years. Families living in this region, with its notoriously high cost of living, can struggle to overcome tough economic times. Through services like Housing Food Financial assistance Child and youth services Community and family strengthening Community resource centers.
Outdoor, in-person with social distancing. Masks required. 10 locations throughout Fairfax County. Volunteers especially in need at the Annandale and Mason District Park locations. Are you a local food enthusiast? Do you prefer the outdoors? Want the chance to bring fresh, healthy, local produce to your community? Interested in supporting local farmers and producers. Maybe
Location: Shepherd’s Center serving Oakton, Vienna, Reston, and Herndon The Shepherd’s Center has a vision: A World Without Loneliness. To achieve that vision, they work hard to ensure that as members of the community age, they do so with dignity and experience a high quality of life. Services include health advocacy, decluttering advice, food pick-up
Capital Caring Health provides hospice, palliative care, and counseling services to veterans, the chronically and terminally ill, as well as their families. Through compassionate care, their clients can live lives with dignity while receiving additional support through difficult times. This year has knocked a lot of people of their feet. People who may find themselves
Help make homes safer to those in need. Indoor/Outdoor In-Person with COVID precautions Rebuilding Together- AFF (Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church) is a non-profit organization that uses the talents of handy volunteers to make health and safety repairs at no charge for low-income individuals. In 2019, 1,300 volunteers: Gave 9,600 hours of service to: 88 homes 8 non-profit
By Vida Mikalcius Due to fewer community-sponsored blood drives, we are at risk of experiencing a local blood shortage. Blood transfusions save lives: from traumatic accidents, to people with cancer, to children fighting leukemia. Like many of us, I have had family members who have received blood transfusions. Once, when someone I loved was involved
The non-profit organization CRi (Choice. Respect. Independence) has provided resources for people: With developmental disabilities and mental health needs At-risk youth who are homeless, precariously-housed, and/or aging out of foster care Five hundred direct-support staff help 350 residents, many of whom are high-risk. Their daily social activities like going to the store, meeting with their
Volunteer to serve people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs with CRi Help Decorate Residents’ homes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, & the Holiday Season! For the past 45 years, CRi (Choice. Respect. Independence) has provided resources to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, as well as services for at-risk youth who are homeless,
Once every ten years, each and every individual in the United States of America is counted at the location the person lives. So why is the Census so important? It determines how many representatives each state will receive to represent them in Congress. There are 435 representatives in the House. Each state is assigned the
Current Virtual opportunity: Disclaimer: this volunteer opportunity is not for the light-hearted. Exceptional need for males and bilingual (Spanish) speakers Fairfax CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) works to help children who have entered the court system find permanent, safe homes. CASA volunteers are average citizens. They are not (but may have once been) social workers
Location: 10700 Page Ave, Fairfax Social Distance Encouraged and Practiced Donations are key in times when resources are limited to those most vulnerable. VET (Volunteer Emergency Team) of Volunteer Fairfax works to mobilize, manage, and disperse donations to the community and partner organization. Sometimes these may be food-based. At other times, coats and blankets are
Free to low-cost internet service for Seniors and low-income individuals Free to low-cost classes for Seniors to develop technological skills It’s no secret that COVID-19 has brought many in-person volunteering experiences to a standstill, especially among RSVP’s 55 and over community. While many older adults have found ways to adapt to the new virtual reality,
Meals on Wheels in Alexandria Wednesday shift needed On-call volunteers for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) is working to foster independence and self-sufficiency, enabling seniors within the City of Alexandria to age with dignity. While they provide programs dealing with companionship to education, they are currently looking for volunteers to
Food For Others Multiple locations- Indoor and Outdoor– In Person More physically demanding- must be able to lift up to 40 lbs Since 1995, Food for Others has been working to provide healthy meals to people in need. Due to high-living costs in and around our nation’s capital, countless families struggle between choosing to spend
Limited Contact No Shared Office Fairfax City Since 1988, the non-profit organization, FACETS has been fighting to alleviate issues coinciding with poverty in Fairfax County. Programs include: Preventing and Ending Homelessness Hot Meals Food Distribution Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program Housing Services Community development FACETS is currently looking for office admin volunteers for weekday shifts
NVFS- Northern Virginia Family Services In 2019, NVFS served 42,000 residents in the Northern Virginia area by helping individuals attain self-sufficiency through the following programs: Early childhood development Foster care and adoption Health and well-being Homelessness and housing Immigration legal services Mental health Workforce/career development Youth initiatives Of those 42,000 plus people: Approximately 50% were
Why is financial literacy such a hot topic in the U.S.? 50% of Americans would experience financial hardship if they had to cover a $1000 or less emergency expense. 40% can’t cover a $400 emergency. 46% have no rainy-day fund. 66% of individuals cannot answer more than 3 out of 5 questions on a basic
It’s hard to forget the iconic images 2020 has had to offer with long lines of cars snaking through parking lots at food banks. Food insecurity has long been an issue. Vulnerable populations have been hit especially hard during COVID-19. While countless individuals and organizations have stepped up to help fill the need, others have
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our September 11 2020 newsletter! Click here: Sept 11, 2020 Newsletter This issue includes: Upcoming Zoom Volunteer Roundtable-“Update on Volunteer Opportunities through RSVP,” September 11th Remembrance, Grandparents Day Celebration, Current Volunteer Opportunities, and MORE! For more on RSVP, please visit http://www.rsvpnova.org RSVP is
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our July 24 2020 newsletter! Click here: July 24 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes: “Volunteering in the Time of COVID-19,” Volunteer Opportunities, and Scrumptious Summertime Recipes! For more on RSVP, please visit http://www.rsvpnova.org RSVP is a program of Volunteer Fairfax,
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our July 17 2020 newsletter! Click here: July 17 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes: Survey Results, More Volunteer Opportunities, Tricky Tongue Twisters, Fairfax County Parks Update, and MORE! Photo by Rob Paine For more on RSVP, please visit http://www.rsvpnova.org RSVP is
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our July 9 2020 newsletter! Click here: July 9 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes: Phase 3 Information on Reopening Virginia, Volunteer Survey Questions, Volunteer Opportunities, our latest blog post on wearing masks in the summer heat, and MORE! For more on RSVP,
Well, we’re hitting the dog days of summer – and wearing a mask in this heat and humidity remains the most important way we can keep ourselves safe in public as COVID-19 continues. There are many different kinds of masks, from the KN95 masks hopefully reserved for frontline workers, to homemade cloth masks, and colorful
Volunteer Fairfax has announced the winners for the 2020 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards! RSVP-Northern Virginia would like to highlight the awesome RSVP volunteer nominees and winners for this year’s event in this special VSA Edition of our newsletter! Click here: July 1, 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes: RSVP Volunteer Service Award Winner, Family
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our June 22 2020 newsletter! Click here: June 22 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes: Summer Safety Tips for Seniors, RSVP Bingo Game Recap, More Volunteer Opportunities, Fairfax County Report on Volunteer Hours, and MORE! For more on RSVP, please visit http://www.rsvpnova.org
… Happens quickly around here, doesn’t it? One day to the next and BAM! – 90 degrees. Summer is the time for outdoor activities, and we want to mention a few things that will keep you safe and healthy during this time of COVID-19. Remember the practical – keep hydrated, wear sunscreen and sunglasses, and
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our June 5 2020 newsletter by clicking June 5 2020 RSVP Newsletter This issue includes : Online Community Questionnaire Results, FREE RSVP BINGO GAME (WITH PRIZES), Virtual Volunteer Opportunities, Fun Activities to Consider While at Home, and MORE! For more on RSVP,
May (almost over now, we know) is Older Americans Month. “Older,” for most of us, is relative – “older than me.” Remember the saying that people over 30 were not to be trusted? Or, “40 is the new 30.” My mother admitted at age 92 that yeah, she guesses she’s old now. A person can
I am sure you have all heard the old saying that volunteers are the heart of the community, that we couldn’t do what we do without you. This is all very true, but do you know the actual impact you are making in the community? Do you realize that giving just one hour a week
We all know the adage “you can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first.” In difficult times such as these, it’s even more relevant than usual. Practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands to protect yourself, the people you love, and the people you don’t even give a
We are sure many of you have been following the news about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and have been thinking about how it might affect you as a volunteer. It’s impossible to predict if or how our community will be affected in the coming weeks but please know we want to be prepared and proactive. Volunteer
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our March 2020 newsletter by clicking March 2020 RSVP Update. This issue includes : Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam talks with RSVP volunteers during his visit to Volunteer Fairfax; March and April Group Service Projects now open for sign up; RSVP
RSVP-Northern Virginia is seeking several volunteers who would like to share their photography skills by covering upcoming community events being produced by RSVP and Volunteer Fairfax. When and Where RSVP’s annual “Thank you Volunteers” luncheon, April 16, in Fairfax When and Where : Thursday, April 16, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the King of Kings
Now that you have graduated from the work force, do you know how you are going to spend your time? RSVP-Northern Virginia can help. Register for RSVP-Northern Virginia’s free “Art of Volunteering in Retirement,” seminar, Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 11:30 a.m., at South Run RECenter in Springfield. The one-hour event is free and open to
By Rob Paine, RSVP Marketing and Outreach Specialist Welcome To March 2020 RSVP-Northern Virginia has put together list of volunteer opportunities and events for March 2020 available through RSVP, our partners and friends . Many are one time events that we hope you will find to be convenient, fun and provide great opportunities to make new
Register for the “Welcome Home Vietnam Vets” RSVP March Monthly Group Service Project, Monday, March 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Capital Caring Alexandria For complete event info and to sign up please click Welcome Home Vets Group Service Project. Please join us for our monthly group service where we will be helping Capital Caring Health prepare for
Celebrate the federal income tax filing deadline day with RSVP, April 15, 2020, by volunteering at JA Finance Park in Central Fairfax to help eighth graders from across Fairfax County learn financial literacy. To register for this fun project visit JA Finance Park Group Service Project. Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Time: 8:30 am – 1:45 pm Location: 4099
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division produces a variety of publications, podcasts and video programs that include helpful and entertaining pieces about positive aging, including the monthly Golden Gazette. What’s in March 2020 Golden Gazette Find out how Genealogist Paul McFarland searched for his Irish ancestors and found “boundless appreciation”
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam visited the headquarters of Volunteer Fairfax in the City of Fairfax, Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 25, 2020. The governor was in Fairfax to speak with the staff of Legal Services of Northern Virginia which is also housed in the Burkholder Building. LSNV, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is the largest legal
Thank you to more than 20 RSVP volunteers who created close to 300 Valentine’s Day Cards today, Feb. 13, for local seniors at the annual RSVP-Northern Virginia Valentine’s Meet & Greet and Spread the Love service project, Feb. 13, 2020, at the South County Government Center. Happy Valentine’s Day from RSVP-Northern Virginia Look below for a gallery of photos
Alexandria, Va., resident Tom Sachs joined RSVP-Northern Virginia, the region’s largest volunteer group for retirees, a year ago. The 72-year-old currently volunteers with RSVP partner Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church. To listen to RSVP’s Rob Paine interview Tom please click RSVP Volunteer Podcast. In this podcast, Tom talks about why he enjoys volunteering with Rebuilding Together
RSVP to hold next “Art of Volunteering in Retirement” seminar near Alexandria, Feb. 27 Story and Photos by Rob Paine, RSVP-Northern Virginia marketing and outreach specialist “Volunteering is a good way to keep social,” says RSVP-Northern Virginia volunteer and engagement leader Sue Dussinger of Alexandria. “I have never in my life been a real ‘joiner’ but
Join us for our third annual Valentine’s Meet & Greet and Spread the Love service project at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the South County Government Center, to make cards for local seniors. Sign up now by visiting Spread the Love with RSVP View last year’s fun at RSVP Spreads the Love We will
Catch up on what is going on with RSVP-Northern Virginia by reading our February 2020 newsletter by clicking February 2020 RSVP Update.
By Rob Paine, RSVP Marketing and Outreach Specialist Welcome to February! RSVP-Northern Virginia has put together list of volunteer opportunities and events for February 2020 provided RSVP, our partners and friends . Most are one time events that we hope you will find to be convenient, fun and provide great opportunities to make new friends. Not
The newest Golden Gazette is here! The Golden Gazette is published each month by the Fairfax County Adult and Aging Services. It is one of the most comprehensive publications in the area that covers events and topics seniors care about. You can view and download the newest edition here! This month’s edition includes a feature on how to
Are you 55 or better, living in Northern Virginia and looking for volunteer experiences that are healthy, social, fun and convenient? Take a look at this 60 second video and find out why so many seniors and retirees in Northern Virginia are joining RSVP. For more info or to sign up for one of
Photos by Rob Paine, RSVP-Northern Virginia Volunteer Outreach and Marketing Specialist Thank you to our RSVP volunteers who participated in an RSVP group service project, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in support of Volunteer Fairfax‘s upcoming Give Together event taking place Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, on the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.
