RSVP dissolved due to lack of funding

A program that’s been in Warren County for more than 50 years has been dissolved due to a lack of funding.

RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, has lost its federal funding and is no longer in operation.

The program first came to Warren County in the early 1970s and was funded through a federal grant. Organizers learned earlier this year the grant would not be renewed.

“RSVP was very good for getting people who wanted to volunteer in touch with volunteer opportunities which fit their interests and ability,” said Donna Anderson, who served as RSVP director from 2016 to 2024. “There was an annual luncheon, which we had catered, that our volunteers really looked forward to each year. It was great for giving them a little recognition for everything they do.”

The federal grant paid for an RSVP director to work 30 hours per week. The grant also funded T-shirts, the annual banquet in October and other expenses. Stephanie Keith was the most recent director.

“We realize people are still going to volunteer without RSVP,” said Anderson. “But RSVP was a great way to show appreciation and a great way to get people linked to an organization that fit their interests. We helped so many people moving here from out of town who wanted to volunteer but had no idea where to start.”

Dale McDaniel was honored by Keith as RSVP’s most recent Volunteer of the Year in what now appears will be the organization’s final annual banquet.