RSVP is “your invitation to serve.” The program provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or over. The purpose of RSVP is to enrich the retirement years for older adults through significant community service. RSVP encourages seniors to bring a lifetime of talent, experiences, skills and hobbies to community projects and organizations needing volunteer talent. Lubbock RSVP is sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center/Garrison Institute on Aging.

RSVP volunteers serve, without pay, on a regular basis in community assignments at libraries, senior centers, social service agencies, nursing homes, schools and many other non-profit organizations. They work in food banks, deliver meals, provide assistance at hospitals, work with children and youth, and knit/crochet/sew items for the homeless. They act as office workers, tutors, and volunteer coordinators. You decide the hours and the days that you want to volunteer. We value whatever contribution of time you can give, and we tailor the assignment to fit your needs and preferences.

As an enrolled RSVP member, you are covered by personal liability, accident, and excess automobile liability insurance at no cost to you. The insurance covers you while you are working at the assignment, as well as while you are enroute to and from the assignment.

Lubbock RSVP provides 3 events annually for our members. In the spring we have an educational forum presenting topics that are pertinent to aging adults. In the summer we have Movie Night, a fun night filled with delicious “movie food” and a wonderful movie from the 1940’s genre. In the fall we provide a special recognition event for our active volunteer members – a sit-down dinner, delightful entertainment and service awards.

Your time and talents are a valuable resource. Won’t you consider investing them in your community through RSVP?

Volunteer Opportunities:
American Wind Power Center invites you to Come Play Under the Windmills. The museum needs individuals to volunteer three or four hours a day, one or two days a week. There are several shifts available Tuesday through Saturday. With over 100 windmills on display, there is always something to do! Come join us “where the wind makes history”!

April 30 was Lubbock RSVP’s annual Spring Forum. If you were unable to attend, you missed a great time. We had informative presenters; we had twenty-two vendors who shared their business knowledge and materials and performed health screenings; and the vendors provided those greatly anticipated door prizes! Thank you to the Garrison Institute on Aging for collaborating with Lubbock RSVP on this event. Thank you to all the vendors: 19th Congressional District of Texas (Congressman Neugebauer), 2-1-1 Texas South Plains, Accolade Home Care, Calvert Home Health Care, Ltd., Calvert Home Health Care – Lifeline, Carillon Senior LifeCare Community, City of Lubbock Health Department, Comfort Keepers, Direct Health Care, Inc., Garrison Institute on Aging, Home Instead Senior Care, Humana MarketPoint, Interim Health Care, La Paloma, Lubbock Hospitality House Nursing & Rehab, PlainsCapital Bank, Resthaven Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Seniors Are Special, SPAG-AAA, The Sherick, Transitions Industries, Inc., and VistaCare. A special “thank you” goes to Calvert Home Health, Carillon Senior LifeCare Community and PlainsCapital Bank for providing lunch, catered by River Smith’s; Accolade Home Care provided our breakfast donuts; and Resthaven provided our breakfast fruit. Thank you all for your deep commitment and involvement with our community and with RSVP. When you visit these places of business, please extend your thanks to them for their generosity and interest in the senior population of Lubbock, Texas.

HOW do I join RSVP?

Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 743-77873 and chat with Karon McDowell about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!