RSVP Temporary Changes to Service
Out of an abundance of caution and to assist with our nation’s preventative efforts, the Council of Churches of the Ozarks is modifying RSVP Programs. This is only a temporary measure and will be re-evaluated at the end of the month.
Homebound Shopping will shop for clients online, utilize store pick-up and drop off food at door. Volunteers will not shop for clients if they are not feeling well.
Reading Buddy and Pre-K Pal tutoring and mentoring sessions are suspended until further notice. Most partner schools have made the choice to close through April 3, 2020.
RSVP meetings, trainings, and events held in March will be canceled and/or rescheduled. These include Homebound Shopping Training, Reading Buddy Café, and Advisory Committee Meeting.
RSVP will also postpone the annual April Celebration of Giving event to June 23, 2020.
- Reading Buddies: Provide one-on-one reading tutoring and mentoring during the school day to an elementary student in kindergarten through third grade (Christian, Greene, or Webster County).
- Homebound Shoppers: Provide grocery shopping services and social engagement to a Greene County senior, 60 or older, that is home-bound due to physical and/or mental health reasons.
- Pre-K Pals: Assist preschool children in Springfield to develop the social, emotional, and literacy skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.
- Ambassadors for Children: Assist at AFC in Springfield with tasks such as answering and directing phone calls; helping children, teen and young adults shop in the Kid’s Closet; helping teens in the Prom Closet, Inventory, along with other administrative tasks.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Reading Buddies:
- Aged 55+
- Training
- Background Check
- Love for Young Children and Reading
- Shoppers:
- Aged 55+
- Training
- Background Check
- References
- The desire to Serve a Homebound Senior
- Pre-K Pals:
- Aged 55+
- Training
- Background Check
- Love for Preschool-Aged Children
- Ambassadors for Children:
- Aged 55+
- Training
- Background Check
- The desire to help Foster Children, Teens, and Young Adults and their Foster Families
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
General financial support is always welcome, as needs can vary in scope and urgency. In addition to providing a gateway between senior volunteer and clients, RSVP provides training, enrichment opportunities for seniors, books for the children and household items for the homebound seniors.
Financial contributions save you a trip to the store and can also be used to purchase:
- Welcome bags for new homebound seniors to the program.
- Reading Buddy Bags for students.
- Training material for volunteers.
Phone: 417-862-3595
Fax: 417-862-2129
Email: rsvpinfo@ccozarks.org
M-F, 8:00am-4:00pm
