Senior Volunteer Services

Sr. Volunteer Services is my favorite non profit. I was instrumental for signing up ECOSLO, Land Conservancy, GleanSLO, AGVenture and I volunteer with AGIB. too.

I have 7 resorts in the Caribbean - certificates to these 4 star all-inclusive resorts includes all meals, drinks and non motorized sports - for fundraising for non profits. there are costs involved so you would need to call me so I can tell you about them. the certificated are good until Dec 2019. they are good for 7-10 nights for up to 3 rooms.

Participating resorts include: The Verandah Resort and Spa, Antigua; St. James’s Club & Villas, Antigua; Pineapple Beach Club Antigua; Palm Island Resort & Spa, The Grenadines; St. James’s Club Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia; The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa; and Los Establos Boutique Inn, Panama.
call Dianne Tuttle 805-781-2630

I've been a volunteer in a 4th grade classroom for the past nine years. I'm responsible to monitor students at 10 learning centers on Tuesdays and Thursdays through GENSPAN. I thoroughly enjoy working with groups or one-on-one while the teacher is involved in a teaching lesson with a specific group of students. These nine year old students are inquisitive, smart and always engaging and keep ME on my toes in the process. Hopefully, I will continue my involvement for another decade.

From my first call to RSVP to the many follow up calls and emails it has been nothing but a positive experience. Cheryl worked with me to complete the necessary paperwork to "get in the system" and then they advertised for us for several weeks. Many of my volunteers were thrilled to be able to send in their hours of volunteering and also take advantage of the insurance once our Days for Girls Los Osos group was accepted as one of the Senior Volunteer Opportunities. Thank you for providing such an wonderful service to our community.

I volunteer as a docent/guide at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, now part of the California Coastal National Monument which now has five land bases along the California coast under protection. It is one of two National Monuments in our state. We are lucky enough to have 16 in our state so designated. The other is the Carrizo Plain. At my site I talk to people from all over the world. Get some fresh ocean air, and go home with my brain blown clean of the usual worries. I love that this organization supports other seniors to participate in our community. They do it well, meaning making it easy for people to join in. Thanks.

My husband and I volunteer as ushers at the Performing Arts Center on the Cal Poly campus. We are seniors. We were delighted to learn that our volunteer hours could be counted toward SVS to qualify for federal recognition in our community. It is a win-win for everybody and a positive way to work together in our unique community. Alyce and Bruce Crawford, Los Osos.

Since starting with RSVP and SVS a few years ago, I have found everyone to be very helpful and friendly. The opportunities to volunteer in the community and extensive and various in so many ways whether you are looking for something traditional or hoping to find something new and different

Joyce L.

In the many years that I have been involved in volunteer work, SVS has found many places for me to be useful. After a few years, I do get to thinking that I'd like something different - and they always find one or two for me. Wonderful staff!

I have been able to find meaningful volunteer opportunities through RSVP that I enjoy. SVP provides excellent communication of potential volunteer opportunities in the form of on-line and mailed information. I am so grateful to be able to give back to my community.

From Senior Volunteer Services I receive valuable information about opportunities for me to be a community volunteet. I have found two excellent volunteer jobs. One is at a Food Bank distribution center, and the other is at an after-school Homework Club. I also drive a route delivering meals to homebound seniors.

I and my wife volunteer at The Senior Center in Silveer streaks helping with mailings foe various organizations.I also have been a Volunteer at SCORE and Salvation Army and Peoples Kitchen

I have participated at a number of activities at the Paso Robles Senior Center -- Zumba, Writer's Group, Celtic Dance, parties, and Brain Aerobics. I enjoy all of these classes and even taught Zumba.

I also volunteer, through Senior Volunteer Services, for the Pioneer Museum in Paso Robles, the Charles Paddock Zoo, and tutor at a local school in Paso Robles. I found these volunteer sites with the help of Senior Volunteer Services. They are always helpful when I am looking for more volunteer opportunities or have questions. They keep me informed, by internet, of new opportunities for volunteering. My experience with all the people connected with this organization has been very positive. They are a wonderful resource for myself, other seniors, and in turn for the communities that they serve!

A very good resource for those who want to give back to their community. SVS connects with many organizations, both public and private and then provides the invitation to seniors to find one that appeals and fits their own skills and talents.

Todays society does not take effective advantage of at three of our most precious resources, Mensas, veterans and senior citizens. Of the three, at least, Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) makes much better use of our senior citizens. Here is a group of people rich in the knowledge of life and willing to offer a helping hand (both the organization and the volunteers). And SVS is set up to tap into that pool of richness and do it in such a way that there are challenges for just about anyone and provide the background support to hold it all together. And it is organized to make the best use of this resource and keep up with all of the paperwork, procedures and support, all in one efficient and effective non-profit organization.

I volunteer, on a regular basis, at the Paso Robles Library and the Paso Robles Library. It is useful for me that if I wish to help out even more (and it be appreciated ;-) ) that I can count on SVS to provide me the opportunity to do so. And if any problems arise that I can call on them to either act for me and/or provide the assistance to solve the problem. And this is all done as a matter of course. This makes for an excellent volunteer-place environment It is always feels better when someone is watching your six.

I have been proud to be a part of this organization and volunteer each week. I have been volunteering since 2002.

I recently went to this center to borrow some bathroom safety equipment, and was impressed to find such a variety of items from which to chose... clean and in good condition. The volunteer staff was friendly and helpful. In fact, they were so nice that I immediately signed up as a volunteer. So glad I did, because I discovered a whole new world.

If there was enough time in my days, I would play PICKLE BALL, LEARN NEW COMPUTER SKILLS, PLAY CARDS WITH MY NEW FRIENDS, HAVE LUNCH IN THE CAFE, and any number of enjoyable volunteer activities such as drive elders to appointments, work at the front desk, or help organize the loan closet.

I am very grateful to RSVP for making me aware of the volunteer opportunities at the Central
Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo. Through RSVP I have made many friends
at the museum and enjoy meeting visitors from all over the world. I enjoy the RSVPs newsletter, and the staff is always warm and helpful. In past years, at Christmas, RSVP has
volunteered to assist the Salvation Army ring the bells. RSVP well deserves a 5 star rating.
Al Findley

I retired in 2012 and knew I wanted to volunteer right away. At the time we moved to Nipomo and I saw R.S.VP. volunteer services advertised. I gave them a call and found out that the Nipomo Food Basket needed volunteers to serve the needy in our community of Nipomo. I am working on my 5th year there now and work with a great group of volunteers. We partner with several different organizations to purchase or receive food from our local growers as well as the Food Bank of Santa Barbara county and SLO county, also Vons, Trader Joe's, Lion's Club in Nipomo in connection with high school students at Nipomo HS who help people with gleaning fruit trees on their properties. I love what I do there! We have many regular clients we serve every week including the homeless, who count on us to be there to help them with free food in these difficult times. We also have recently received some Federal Grant money to purchase some freezers, thermometers, insulated blankets all to keep the food cold and preserved. Many local folks in Nipomo also donate food and/or money on a regular basis to help cover some of the costs that go along with such a business. When possible, we also give out toys and other necessary items to our clients and their children over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It feels so good to be able to put a smile on someone's face or give them a handshake or hug when they come in each week!

Here's to RSVP! Some of the kindest, smartest, and most energetic people I've ever met have come into my life through my involvement with the organization. The amount of good work done by this group can't really be measured; the Central Coast of California is in so many ways, small and large, a better place because of RSVP. I'm glad to be a part of it

Working with Senior Volunteer Services in San Luis Obispo County has enriched my life through the hours given as a volunteer and mentor at Morning Star Youth Ranch. It is encouraging and life affirming to know that my time and talents can actually be useful to my fellow man. I am grateful for the organization of non-profit causes and willing volunteers. Keep up the good work, everyone.

I have volunteered at the CalPoly PAC for 20 years!

Senior Volunteer Services 's, SVS, is very successful and effective in promoting volunteer opportunities for mature adults both as a way to sustain the health and vitality of this growing population and to utilize the experience, knowledge and expertise of this valuable human resource to serve local community needs. Volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a real difference in the community.

To be the top rated organization in the community, SVS continues to design, coordinate and manage programs that link senior volunteers with organizations needing volunteers in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. Major programs include the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Central Coast (RSVP), a federally funded program, Central Coast Community Volunteers and Project Lifesaver.
SVS is the only organization in this area performing volunteer management services focused on seniors with a network of approximately 200 non-profit agencies that welcome the senior volunteers.

Senior Volunteer Services does a great job in many areas serving volunteers. I appreciate their efforts in the RSVP program and now the new companion program CCCV or Central Coast Commuinty Volunteers. I'm located at the northern end of our county in a small beach town. I'd be 'out of loop' as far a volunteer opportunities if it wasn't for the news letter listing new programs and areas of need.

The Meals on Wheels program is so well organized in Atascadero. Liz is a wonderful person with a kind spirit and runs the program with apparent ease and efficiency.
I am amazed at the number of places a senior can volunteer with Senior Volunteer Services. There is a venue for every kind of personality to get pleasure out of serving others. It's a terrific opportunity for seniors who want to give back to their communities.

Senior Volunteer Services is a gathering place for those who want to find a place to volunteer and those organizations who need volunteers, which makes an important contribution to the health and welfare of people in the 2nd half of their lives. I often hear that the organizations who turn to them to fulfill their needs, are very grateful for the assistance and satisfied with their volunteers. It's a win-win!

The women who run the office are completely competent in what they do and caring to those who call or come into the office. I am glad to call them my friends and see them as role models as well.

Senior Volunteer Services truly cares about meeting the needs of our local community. It seems every time I hear about help needed by others, senior volunteers is there to make the difference or join together with other community members to solve a problem. One of the most important things to me is seeing how they treat their volunteers with such a high level of care and appreciation. This is why this group works so well together.

SVS has been privileged to have Marie Brinkmeyer as Executive Director for five years. She has earned commendation from public agencies and volunteers for the integrity and social concern with which she manages the RSVP, Project Life Saver, and Paso Robles Senior Center programs administered under the SVS umbrella. She also recruited Tom Clough to join the SVS Board and assume the position of Chair. As a result SVS has started a new program, Central Coast Community Volunteers, to provide opportunities to a younger cohort of volunteers (starting at age 50) to serve in a wide variety of settings devoted to meeting needs of residents of SLO and Santa Barbara Counties. Thanks to Marie's leadership and the enthusiasm of volunteers referred to more than 200 agencies SVS has earned an exemplary reputation for dedicated public service. Respectfully submitted, Stephen Austin, Treasurer of SVS.

It has been a pleasure working with the staff of Senior Volunteer Services. They care about our community and it's need for volunteers. They care about the volunteers and their need to stay active, healthy, and relevant. It is amazing how much a small staff can do and how big of an impact they have. Every day they talk to mature adults and match their experience, knowledge, and expertise to serve local community needs. It is a win-win situation for all.

The Director, Marie, is the Best...
Caring, Professional, Energetic, and Strong!

We get regularly mailed (or Emailed) Newsletters; and they are always well done, informative and provide us the Info we need and like.

I'm reimbursed for up to $15 a month for gas.

I like the Annual Luncheon, as well.

Sincerely,
Ms. Gray

I have been a volunteer with RSVP for just over a year. Finding my volunteer opportunity with Central Coast Aquarium has been a win-win experience. I am able to give my time to an organization that provides marine science education throughout central California and have found my second childhood. Working with RSVP made finding the right fit for me and getting started a very pleasant and easy experience. As a result, I have recently signed up as a volunteer with GleanSLO and look forward to working with them. RSVP has been a great resource for volunteer opportunities.

Always amazed how many caring opportunities are available with much needed information. Immediate response to how people can give assistance. Thanks for being here!

I've been a volunteer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for almost 3 years. After I retired from a career in the Marine Corps and as a GM for Costco I was looking for a way to give back. That's when I was introduced to the SVP. My volunteer work is rewarding and anything we do is greatly appreciated by the CHP.

I've been a volunteer for RSVP for 5 years & have enjoyed every minute of it. There are so many wonderful opportunities & the people are great. There is something for everyone.

RSVP has been helping me as a volunteer for a Wilshire Non-profit Organization called The Good Neighbor Program. The program helps handicapped and low-income seniors with transportation and support. RSVP has been instrumental in reimbursing my gas mileage for this worthy program. They have also given a appreciation lunch once a year for the volunteers to award all the volunteers for their participation in non-profit endeavors. Marie, who is in charge of all the administration, is a fantastic lady who puts her heart into this very necessary program for seniors.

Both my husband and I have worked with RSVP for more than six years. The staff is absolutely amazing. They have helped steer us to volunteer opportunities well suited for our abilities and backgrounds. They have provided support when needed and been there to offer encouragement and appreciation. Darlene and Joe Phillips

I have used the Senior Volunteer Services (RSVP) newsletter to find an interesting non-profit agency at which I could volunteer my time. I think that they provide a great service to the community. I have also been a Board member for a non-profit and used them to advertise for volunteers for our agancy

When I retired, I wanted to keep on learning and giving back to my community. My volunteer work through Senior Volunteer Services fulfills those two needs. My fellow senior volunteers are living proof that seniors are not a drain on society, but are major contributors to the welfare of the community in which we live. I have been volunteering most of my adult life because I know I receive more than do those whom I serve. Thanks to SVS for providing the opportunity for individuals to connect with and fill needs in our area. The multitude of stations SVS serves assures that volunteers will find a meaningful match for their talents and desire.

Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) has a number of programs under its direction - Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP of the Central Coast for seniors 55+), Central Coast Community Volunteers (CCCV for seniors 50+), Project Lifesaver (a radio-frequency location program for those with cognitive challenges), and the Paso Robles Senior Center. The mission of Senior Volunteer Services is emphasizing services to mature adults and their communities, offering a rich climate for collaborative and supportive efforts with other nonprofit programs and public agencies. Programs provide opportunities to seniors that allow them to give back to their community in meaningful ways, while enhancing their own health, vigor and longevity, making new friends, learning new skills, and leading happier and more fulfilling lives.
SVS recruits and places senior volunteers in a wide variety of nonprofit and government agencies throughout San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. During 2014 alone, SVS/RSVP volunteers provided over 160,000 hours to the agencies served - a $4.2 million dollar value to the community.
Engaging seniors in meaningful activities for the benefit of partner agencies serves multiple purposes - offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for active mature adults; fills the ever increasing need to recruit volunteers to meet partner agencies' demands; has documented health benefits for the senior volunteers as they contribute their skills and talents to assist the agencies whose clients are being served; and decreases the utilization of community human services organizations by those engaged in volunteering. Being experienced recruiters, the best practices developed over the past 43 years, are applied and at no cost to the partner agencies. The power of social media to "advertise" needs of the agencies is enhanced through regular entries on Facebook, Constant Contact, Newspaper and in a Newsletter produced for online and in-print audiences. Both RSVP and CCCV volunteers also receive (at no cost to the agencies or volunteers) a supplemental auto and liability policy, and an annual Recognition Event.
SVS staff and Board Members are involved and in touch with community needs. The best description of SVS is that they are "matchmakers" and take great pride in the satisfaction levels of volunteers and agencies alike. Over 1,099,018 hours of service since January 2009 are documented - an enviable record.
Find SVS on the web at www.seniorvolunteers.org, www.GreatNonprofits.org (in the 2015 Top-Rated list) and at www.RSVPCentralCoast.org. Help to continue the Good Works!

I have been in the Senior Volunteer Program for almost 10 years. I volunteer at San Luis Obispo Veterans Memorial Museum. I have always found the people at RSVP to be most helpful in helping us find new docents when the need arises. They really get the job done. Many thanks for their help. Don Mueller

Great group of caring people to work with as well as the people in the community of Nipomo that we serve. so glad to be a part of Food Bank and RSVP!!!

I have been volunteering since 2002 with the police department, which is a station of Senior Volunteer Services. I enjoy the annual brunch when the volunteers are commended for their work. This is a great organization to belong to, and does a great service to the seniors of our community.

This organization is outstanding for many reasons, but the best one I find is providing an extensive and varied list of organizations in many localities -- with professional and consistent information to their volunteers. Prospective volunteers can easily find a program to help, and if they need additional information someone is ready to advise and discuss which assignment might be the best to choose. Information is delivered on a regular basis to a huge base of seniors who are happily willing to provide their time and efforts. The amount of effort that goes into this process is admirable, and as a volunteer I get to choose from a terrific variety of programs in my area. My experience with this organization has always been exemplary: they are available for questions, help, and are always pleasant and willing.

By taking seniors to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and vital errands (Wilshire Good Neighbor Program), I feel that I am making a gift to my community. This program would have helped my senior mother a great deal, but it wasn't available where she lived. When I take the seniors on these errands, I feel I am making up for all the errands for which my mother would have benefited. This is a wonderful feeling for me.

When we moved to the Central Coast and I discovered RSVP I immediately got involved in several places that were mentioned in the newsletter needing volunteers. I've met wonderful people who have become dear friends and discovered this area is very lucky to have RSVP to serve with. Often when I chat with retired folk who seem a bit at loose ends I mention RSVP and tell them about my experience.

Senior Volunteer Services provides a unique service. They recruit and place senior volunteers in over 200 non-profit and government agencies in our county and one-half area. This service area runs from Buellton in Northern Santa Barbara County to San Miguel in Northern San Luis Obispo County. Our agency has been active and effective for over 10 years and is proud of our expertise in matching senior volunteers with local community needs. If you are looking for a volunteer assignment that matches your current skills set or would provide you with the opportunity to develop new skills then Senior Volunteer Services is the place to call - 805-544-8740. Let us see what kind of a match we can find for you that will make a difference in your life as well as the lives of others!

RSVP is a great organization. Great service and and a great vision of what is needed in the community. I can't paise them enough.

This organization is a wonderful clearing house for volunteers and organizations needing help. I found it to be extremely helpful.

Senior Volunteer Services is a great organization that allows us to request volunteers whenever needed. We are given the opportunity to interview them and find the perfect fit for us. A great asset to this organization is that they have several volunteers and often have the ability to provide us with more than one volunteer at a time for those seasons where more help is needed to complete a project by a deadline or simply more eyes / hands are needed for events, etc. Senior Volunteer Services is a great way for volunteers to connect with community businesses and for businesses to connect with local citizens who wish to serve their community!

I HAVE NO STORIES TO TELL, MY STORIES AND MEMORIES ARE SLOWLY GOING AWAY, BUT , I CAN SAY THAT IS NO BETTER PLACE TO VISIT THAN THE OFFICE ON PISMO STREET. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

For past 6 years I have volunteered driving people to medical appointments, groceries, pharmacy, even helped post stroke seniors clean up their yard. Each person served is so thankful; we volunteers feel privileged to provide companionship, encourage reminiscing life, and get as much from the service as they do. Community Partners in Care allows seniors to remain independent and improves quality of life

I have the pleasure of working with many volunteers from RSVP at my place of employment. They have been great people to work with, super quality people. The Director and Area Coordinator of RSVP do a fantastic job. I feel that the RSVP Program is such a win-win, for both the volunteers and the businesses that benefit from their services. Thank you RSVP, you are great!

Senior Volunteer Services offers a great connection for volunteers to donate their time through our Habitat for Humanity ReStores. All the volunteers they have referred to us have been professional and positive.

The organization itself has also gone above and beyond by joining one of our Focus Neighborhood's coalition and becoming a key partner in our Neighborhood Revitalization effort. It is clear through interacting with the leadership and volunteers working for Senior Volunteer Services that they care very deeply for the community and work hard to ensure the best experience for their volunteers and clients.

We are so pleased to give them a 5 star rating.

I was new to the Paso Robles area and was looking for volunteering opportunities, I'm so glad I found them! Through their newsletter I learned about Pickleball which I now play 4-6 times a week and have made wonderful friends, have fun and get exercise...I LOVE it!

I also started driving for the Good Neighbor program which is a fabulous service (through Wilshire Community Services) that gives rides to seniors for doctor appointments, shopping, etc. I'm grateful I can help out someone in need who has lost their independence due to illness or life circumstances. It's a win-win, they appreciate the ride & I'm glad to help!
Barbara F.

RSVP is the greatest. They help volunteers connect with the public sector. I don' know where I'd be withou them

I am the Office Manager at the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. I have been thrilled with the help that our senior volunteer, Vallerie Steenson, has given us. She is a wonderful help to me in my busy position, assisting to keep up on our correspondence and organization.

At the County of San Luis Obispo we have been very successful using RSVP for our Information desk which we staff with volunteers. RSVP has been excellent at screening candidates so that the volunteers we recruit from them have proved friendly, competent, reliable and dependable. We have been so happy with the quality of volunteers from them that RSVP is now our first stop for finding volunteers. We would recommend RSVP to any business, organization, or government entity that has a need for quality volunteers. Thank you RSVP!

I have been driving seniors to appointments for several years now. Good program helping to make a difference

I have volunteered delivering food to many deserving seniors for quite a few years now. The program is well run and has nutritional food available for those who otherwise may not eat healthy. I love hearing their stories and sharing my own with people who genuinely care. It's an experience that's a win-win for those receiving the food and those delivering the food.

Wow! The RSVP has been a truly exciting and rewarding experience. I volunteer at several places and am very happy with all of them. I was concerned that when I retired I would be bored-NOT so.

This organization does a remarkable job putting seniors to work here in San Luis Obispo County. After we went for an initial interview, my husband and I both found meaningful volunteer jobs. The staff was extremely competent in exploring out backgrounds and directing us to positions well suited for us. The staff is hard working and dedicated, and the organization provides a valuable service to our community

I'm a volunteer at Wilshire Hospice Hope Chest -- an upscale thrift shop in SLO at the corner of Higuerra and Carmel, and I LOVE MY JOB! I like to be busy and it's for a very good cause. When I applied for this job the manager asked me, "Why do you want to work here?" I thought for 5 seconds . . . . . and said, "Im retired, have time on my hands, I want to give back . . . . and I LOVE thrift shops." She said, "You're Hired!" I have never before worked with such a wonderful group of people. The shop is rather small and storage space is limited, so merchandise is priced low and moves fast -- sometimes sold on the street before it gets into the door. If you haven't ever shopped there, come in sometime, and ask anyone if they like their job. (My neighbor says she feels like she's stealing when she shops there.) When I'm working I don't worry or fret over problems at home or in the world. I walk a lot and it's good exercise. Volunteers get a discount but even if we didn't, I would still love my job. Before I worked here I had another volunteer job which was nice, but not as fun. We have parties and take part in other special fundraisers. It's fun to see the amazing, sometimes quirky, interesting things that come in every day. We also have a very special seasonal display window. (The managers are wizards at this) in which the window objects are sold off each month (first come, first served) to early birds who line up on the sidewalk for the doors to open. Many donated items that we don't accept are passed on to Good Will, Prado, and Woods Animal Shelter.
What's not to like love? Thank you to everyone there ! (I hope this isn't too long.) Sally Speers

SVS supports a variety of programs that enhance the lives of seniors in our county. They are the parent organization for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program that recruits senior volunteers and helps find meaningful volunteer assignments throughout San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. They also provide oversight for the Paso Robles Senior Center which provides an active and vibrant center for seniors in this north county area. In addition, SVS also provides administrative support, with the Sheriff's Department and the Lion's Club, for the Project LifeSaver Program for adults & children who may wander.

As a professional care manager, who looks after the mental and physical well-being of aging adults in this county, I am very appreciative of and impressed by the this organization, its board of directors and those administering the various programs. They are committed and deeply caring individuals that have chosen to support this organization to enhance the lives of seniors- those offering their time through volunteering and those receiving the thousands of hours of service provided through the 200 nonprofits they serve everyday.

So as a professional and as a senior, I give this organization the highest of rating for the work they do for our communities.