Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Last year, RSVP volunteers provided 90,000 hours of volunteer service in Kitsap County. Serving through non-profit, private, and public community organizations, volunteer opportunities are available for your specific skills and interests. Last year, RSVP Volunteers strengthened the community by:

• Providing food for the homeless and hungry
• Building housing for low-income neighbors
• Welcoming new military families to our area
• Working with law enforcement
• Protecting fragile rivers and forests
• Mentoring and tutoring students
• Teaching adult literacy classes

And that was just the start! By staying active in the community, you become a part of the solution to community problems!

Who can be an RSVP Volunteer? Anyone over the age of 55 who has a few hours a week to give, and enjoys working with others to strengthen the community! As you look over the list of volunteer opportunities, think of how you can make a difference in someone else’s life. If you are interested in volunteering, we can help you find a position that will fit your skills and interests.

Volunteer Opportunities through RSVP

Military: Help newly relocated military families connect with community resources through the YOUR HOME Project. Families new to the area receive information about base and community services and resources.

Mentoring/Tutoring: Share your love of reading with children, and inspire them to read more! There are volunteer positions available in local schools for people willing to help children succeed in school.

Adult Literacy: Too many adults are still functionally illiterate. By working with adults through the Literacy Council, you can not only help an adult learn to read—you can improve their ability to do things most of us take for granted: fill out a job application, or read to their own children.

Computer Training: You’re a computer whiz, but many people aren’t. If you have computer skills to share, there are people who need help learning the basics.

Heritage: Kitsap County has a rich heritage. Help others learn more about our past by becoming a volunteer at one of the local museums or historical ships.

Children: Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child. Help a low-income child get a good start by volunteering with Head Start. Help provide a safe place for kids to go as a YWCA Child Care volunteer.

Nutrition: Kitsap County hosts a variety of ways to help make sure that no one goes hungry. Local food banks, Meals on Wheels programs, and Senior Meal sites help ensure the health of those in need by providing healthy meals.

Isolated Seniors/Adults with Disabilities: Adult Day Care provides socialization for adults who might otherwise become isolated. Programs in Kitsap offer a fun day out for seniors and people with disabilities in a safe environment.

Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities: Many of these residents are alone and lonely. Their own family may live far away. By spending time with them, playing checkers or working on a craft, you help them stay connected to society. Letter reading and writing helps residents stay in touch with loved ones.

Medical: Hospitals and health centers offer a variety of ways to volunteer. You can help out in the gift shop, be a greeter, become a runner for the lab, or a variety of other things.

Thrift Shops: You can help support local agencies and programs that benefit from your local thrift shops by volunteering as a sales clerk, sorter, or pricer at one of the area thrift or second hand stores.

Clerical/Office Assistance: Many organizations need a little extra help in the office. You could answer phones, greet visitors; help with the filing, or providing typing and computer skills.

Law Enforcement: Local police and sheriff’s departments need clerical assistance, handicapped parking enforcement, and other help.

Environment: Many programs and agencies are working to keep our area one of the most beautiful in the world. Join them and help keep Kitsap beautiful for generations to come.

Volunteer sites are located in Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard and North Kitsap County, so you can help out in your own neighborhood! For more information, or to become a volunteer, call Inga Jennings at 360-377-5511 or 800-378-5771, or by e-mail.