In addition to placement at one of our 50 partner organizations, RSVP offers a choice of “Signature Programs” . These are programs administered and supported directly by RSVP of Madison County staff.
Watch the following videos to learn more about our signature programs.
Mary Bartlett, director, and Eileen Augustyn, co-ordinator, talking about RSVP
Meet Elaine Connelly from the Ombudsman program
Learn more about the Stay-Strong Bone Builders Program
The following are our major signature programs.
Bone Builders Exercise Program
The Bone Builders Exercise Program is a FREE weekly exercise group for persons aged 55+ and is designed to help prevent and alleviate osteoporosis and improve balance, strength and general fitness. Participants practice weight training, balance and stretching exercises. The program is based on research conducted by Tufts University. The Bone Builders exercise sessions are led by trained RSVP volunteers. Call us at 684-3001 extension 115 for more information about attending a session or becoming a leader.
Class locations and times:
Bridgeport, United Methodist Church, Mondays & Thursdays 10:00 am
Canastota, Canastota Library, Tuesdays 1:00 pm
Cazenovia, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Mondays & Thursdays 10:00 am
Chittenango, Town of Sullivan Parks and Recreation, Thursdays 10:00 am
Hamilton, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Wednesdays 10:00 am
Morrisville, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Mondays 10:00 am
Oneida, Oneida Recreation Center, Thursdays 10:00 am
Citizen Corps Council
The work of the Citizen Corps is to develop and implement volunteer-driven projects that will assist in keeping Madison County residents prepared for natural and other disasters and address safety issues. RSVP volunteers work in partnership with the Madison County Disaster Preparedness Office, the Office for the Aging, and the Madison County Department of Health. Citizen Corps Council meetings are held quarterly and projects run throughout the year.
Tax Counseling Program
RSVP provides free tax assistance for Madison County residents age 60 and older. Our certified Tax Counselors are available to assist in preparing and submitting Federal and NY State tax forms from February through April 15th. All residents 60+ are encouraged to take advantage of this free tax service. Tax counselors are available throughout the county primarily at public libraries.
Long Term Care Ombudsman/Resident Advocates
An ombusdman is a trained and New York State certified volunteer who works with residents of long-term care facilities to advocate on their behalf. Ombudsmen assist residents with problems and take a proactive role in advocating for resident rights in long-term care facilities. If you are a resident of a long term care facility, or a concerned family member or friend who wishes to advocate for them, please call an ombudsman at RSVP for advice or assistance.
Short Term Volunteer Jobs
Want to try out volunteering with a short-term or occasional job?
This will give you a chance to step up and provide much needed help at one-time or short-term events. You can:
* Join our On Call Group. You will be placed on an on-call list to help out at local non-profits needing office assistance or help with special events. This occasional position is great for the newly retired who do not want a daily schedule, but enjoy being back in the office every so often.
* Be a citizen representative on a community collaboration. Active committees and programs needing representatives include:
Madison County’s Promise – Citizens concerned about making Madison County a positive place for our children.
Citizen’s Corps – Meets quarterly. Projects run throughout the year.
Safe Pill Drop Off – Free Collection and Disposal of Waste Medication & Pharmaceuticals
RSVP Volunteers provide outreach to aid with publicity of the event by distributing posters and flyers throughout the
county and give presentations to community groups about proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and prescription drug misuse. They also help staff the table, direct traffic and collect surveys on the day of the event.
If you are interested in these positions, or want other short-term volunteering opportunities, call us at 684-3001, or download the volunteer application and send it in. Thanks!
