Volunteer Center, Volunteer Services, RSVP, United Way ~ What’s the difference?
There
seems to be some confusion about the differences between these agencies and names. Here’s
a little help in understanding how our agencies work:
United Way is the sponsoring agency
for RSVP and the Volunteer Center. What this means is that United Way provides
a shared Board of Directors and an Executive Director who oversees the main operations for all agencies. United Way also provides in-kind contributions to RSVP and the Volunteer Center, providing services such as accounting, office space, and utilities.
RSVP is a volunteer program that works with volunteers
age 55 and over. The RSVP staff work closely with Otsego Commission on Aging
to provide medical transports for patients over 60 or those who have disabilities. RSVP
volunteers provide help to many non-profit and civic agencies throughout our community.
RSVP also provides individual volunteer opportunities that encourage their volunteers to share their talents and to
stay active and involved in community events.
Volunteer Center is a volunteer program
that works with volunteers age 55 and under. There are a few opportunities that
allow volunteers as young as ages 10-12 the chance to volunteer. The Volunteer
Center encourages family and friend group volunteering. Programs such as Adopt
a family, Make a Difference Day, Road to Recovery, Student Service Award, and Spirit Awards are part of the Volunteer Center.
The Volunteer Center is a housing place for volunteers to record their hours and look for individual volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Services is a term that was created a few years ago that sums
up both volunteer agency’s ability to work together. We really don’t
use that term anymore since our move to the United Way. Each agency is an independent
non-profit with their own mission, but we are all on a team that works together with the common goal of serving our community.
I hope this helps some of our volunteers and the community
to understand the differences between these agencies and what we do.
Carol Rabineau
Program Director
Volunteer
Center of Otsego County
