RSVP expands its transportation program to more disabled people

RSVP has received additional funding to expand transportation services to include younger persons with a disability.

Volunteers are able to provide transportation services throughout Carson City and Nevada’s rural communities as well as the ability to drive them to areas which offer the services they desperately need.

“We are able to help even more people now and can provide persons with disabilities aged 18 and older with free escorted transportation services provided by volunteers.” said Susan Haas, executive director and CEO of RSVP.

“We need more drivers to help us to deliver these services, and we provide mileage reimbursement or offer our vans (when available) to transport those in need. I encourage volunteers to come forward and help fill the gaps for seniors and disabled persons who just need a little help to get to their doctor’s appointments. If you can volunteer a couple of hours a week or even once a month you will be providing a tremendous service to your community.”

Nevada’s rural senior and disabled population are provided with escorted transportation service to the doctor, to pick up prescriptions, grocery shopping and for socialization which is so important to the confined elderly and those who are disabled.

For more information, or to volunteer call Tannis Causey at 775-687-4780 ext. 10 for more information.

RSVP hosting Respite Care and Elder Abuse Training

RSVP will hold our quarterly training session for volunteers and caregivers from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 17. RSVP Respite & volunteer training is hosted at the Cooperative Extension office 2621 Northgate Lane Ste. 12 in Carson City.

The featured speaker will be Barbara Barrett from the State of Nevada Department of Health & Human Services, Elder Rights Unit in Elko. The Nevada State Aging Services Division provides assistance and advocacy to protect and enhance the health, safety, welfare and rights of persons aged sixty and older.

Additionally, Beverly Edis, a RSVP volunteer, will be speaking about the benefits of RSVP’s Resistance Training Exercise Program, which was designed by Dr. Maria Fiatarone of the University of Harvard’s medical school. No matter what your age, you can gain muscle mass, strength and balance from resistance exercise training.

The training will also be broadcast to various locations in rural Nevada.

For information regarding the locations, if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you are in need of assistance contact the RSVP Program Director Kris Hughes at 775-687-4680 ext. 7 to reserve your place as space is limited.