A volunteer reads to preschoolers through RSVP’s Family Literacy Program. (Credit: RSVP)
It’s a new year, bringing a new chance to explore community programs that lead to new skills, friendships, connections and more.
Volunteering has many benefits, including the knowledge of positively impacting your community. It can introduce new people into your life, whether social or professional connections and strengthen your current relationships if you serve alongside a friend or family member.
Many retired adults volunteer to keep a routine and stay physically and mentally active.
Helping at a food pantry or reading to a classroom of preschoolers can fulfill that sense of purpose you may search for after the new change of retirement.
Retired adults can use skills from their careers, like supporting virtual math students, or learn new skills through other programs.
RSVP Volunteers is a nonprofit that serves Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. The organization recruits volunteers on a rolling basis for various education and wellness programs. Volunteers can be placed in RSVP programs or with nonprofit partner agencies throughout its footprint.
Become an RSVP volunteer
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and a Pennsylvania resident.
These programs support various commitment levels for volunteers with only a few spare hours or others wanting to serve frequently.
Join one or more of RSVP’s programs:
• My Free Tutor: Help students in grades 3-12, college and veterans returning to school with fundamental math skills virtually.
• Family Literacy: Read to preschool students to promote a love of literacy through the magic of words and pictures.
• Virtual Literacy: Act as a virtual reading coach with students in grades K-5 to encourage reading and comprehension.
• Elementary Literacy: Assist children in the classroom with individual reading sessions for added practice with an attentive adult.
• STEM Career Presenter: Share your exciting career journey with students to inspire and motivate them.
• Digital Literacy Training: Help adults with digital technology skills such as internet safety, social media, Zoo, and more. (Enrolling volunteers and students)
• Volunteer Executive Consultants (VEC): Use your professional skills to assist local nonprofits through consulting and educational services.
• PA MEDI Medicare Counseling: Become a state-trained volunteer to help beneficiaries understand complex Medicare plans. (PA MEDI Hotline: 610-834-1040 ext. 120)
• Partner agencies with volunteer needs: Meals on Wheels, food pantries, thrift shops, senior centers, museums and so much more.
RSVP Volunteers celebrates the service of all participating volunteers in the spring with a recognition luncheon.
Over 100 volunteers gather, sharing tales of volunteering and meeting new community members, acknowledging the impact they make together. The organization awards volunteers for their efforts and service hours and treats them to a beautiful lunch.
Adults looking to volunteer in 2025 can enroll at www.rsvpmc.org. RSVP welcomes all interested individuals and can help them find a program that fits their schedules and interests.
If you have questions, contact the Volunteer Services team at volunteer123@rsvpmc.org or 610-834-1040, extension 123.
