Taking care of the needs of the elder community

Janice Ayres has been executive director of the Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program more than 26 years.

She has fiscal and program responsibility for operating a 15-county RSVP program, meeting goals and objectives set by funding guidelines and the board of directors.

How many programs does RSVP offer?

We can offer volunteers 400 diversified places to work.

What are your most vital programs?

They are those that are geared to keeping seniors at home as long as possible: Home Companion Program; Lifeline Program; Resistance Training Exercise Program; Transportation and CareLaw Program (pro bono).

RSVP provided care to 800 homebound seniors last year and provided 500 Lifeline units. This saves counties (if seniors were indigent) more than $5.2 million if prematurely institutionalized. Besides, it is the right thing to do for seniors. RSVP does not charge for services, except Lifeline charges for monitoring.

How is RSVP funded?

Fifteen percent is federal (Corporation for National and Community Service), 35 percent by Nevada Division for Aging Services, and 50 percent from counties, United Way and fund-raisers like the Fourth of July at Mills Park.

How many volunteers does RSVP have?

About 16,000 (all 15 counties).

What does a person need to do to become a volunteer?

Call us at 687-4680, come in to our office at 444 E. William St., Suite 1 in Carson City, or go to our Web site at www:nevadaruralrsvp.org. We are at the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or people can e-mail us at branded@rsvp.carson-city.nv.us for information on what we do and our volunteer needs.

How does RSVP recognize volunteers for their service?

In many ways. But at least a dinner or lunch every other year, with certificates, pins, etc. Also, we send birthday cards and have holiday parties for volunteers and give gifts each year.