Good Citizens: Meet Sara Morton of RSVP

“RSVP creates and runs unique community programs powered by skilled volunteers to advance education and wellness for all ages and strengthen nonprofits through capacity-building and volunteer services,” Sara Morton, director of communications and outreach for RSVP told Fideri News Network.

Morton shared their programs, events, and how the community can get involved.

Their programs focus on education and wellness:

• Elementary Literacy: Volunteers support K-5th literacy skills to improve students’ reading comprehension and fluency.
• Family Literacy: Volunteers read to preschool students, helping them better prepare for kindergarten.
• Digital Literacy: Volunteers provide technology training for vulnerable community members to help connect them with online resources and job opportunities.
• My Free Tutor: Volunteer coaches help students 3rd grade through college and veterans improve their math skills and confidence.
• STEM Career Presentations: Volunteers inspire students to explore a variety of career options in STEM and trades fields, opening doors for their future.
• PA MEDI: Volunteers provide free, unbiased Medicare information to seniors and caregivers, increasing access to care.
• Volunteer Executive Consultants (VEC): Volunteer consultants help build the management capacity of nonprofit organizations to better fulfill their missions and be sustainable.
• Volunteer Services: RSVP recruits and screens volunteers for partner agencies. Placements include senior centers, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, libraries, and much more.

On what are the biggest challenges, the nonprofit currently faces, Morton said, “Our biggest challenge is that RSVP is a grantee program of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program. There is a possible funding deficit or complete loss of funding through the program, which accounts for one-third of RSVP’s budget. So, we have severely downsized our office location and other program expenses to continue to serve our community in the case that the funding is lost.

On what she enjoys most about the work she does, she explained,” Our volunteer programs are ongoing, skill-based opportunities that provide volunteers with a purpose and our clients with a benefit they may not have access to if it were a paid program. It is amazing seeing the difference the programs make for not only the client, but the volunteers themselves. It gives people intergenerational experiences and creates beautiful connections throughout our community.”

RSVP also hosts community events, including a webinar for businesses to learn about tax credits supporting nonprofits, and monthly Tech Talks that provide a space for community members to learn about a short topic and then ask questions about their devices.

You can learn more here. 

How can the community get involved?

Morton emphasized that they are always looking for volunteers.

“Our volunteer enrollment form will ask what programs the potential volunteer is interested in, then our volunteer coordinators will schedule an interview to ensure that is the best fit for them. We recruit volunteers 18+ and only PA residents. You do not need prior teaching experience to volunteer with our education programs,” she explained.

For more information, visit here.