Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) provide opportunities for persons 60 years and older to utilize their enthusiasm, skills, and experience in a volunteer capacity.

Volunteers serve in many hospitals, day care centers, governmental agencies, Head Start centers and schools. Several RSVP organization volunteers entertain at nursing homes and at other events. Some volunteers are friendly visitors to homebound and institutionalized patients.

Blackstone Valley RSVP..................723-4520
Capitol Region RSVP.....................421-7472
Cranston RSVP...........................461-1000
East Bay RSVP...........................435-7876
Seniors Helping Others..................789-2362
Westbay RSVP............................732-4660
Woonsocket RSVP.........................766-2300

SCORE-Counselors to America’s Small Business is a non-profit organization of active and retired business executives that offers free, confidential advice for persons who are starting or operating a small business. Call 528-4571. You can also visit the national web site at www.score.org.

DEA also sponsors the Volunteer Guardianship Program through a Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island (MOW) grant. Volunteers are trained to serve as guardians for eligible frail elders who have cognitive impairments. For information, call MOW at 351-6700 or 1-888-446-3257.

Stipend Programs: The Corporation for National Service funds three stipend volunteer programs in Rhode Island. All volunteers are 60 and over, have a limited income and receive a tax free stipend and other benefits while serving clients 20 hours weekly.

Senior Companion Program volunteers serve frail, isolated older adults in their own homes and at adult day centers. They help solve problems and bolster self-esteem. Call 462-0569.

While they are not social workers and don’t provide home care or transportation, Senior Companions help their friends live with added zest.

The Providence Foster Grandparent Program, 9 Courtland Street, Providence 02909 serves special needs children in the capital city. Call 421-1095.

The Foster Grandparent Program of Rhode Island, 20 Factory Street, West Warwick 02893 serves special needs children statewide. Grandparents serve in residential and community settings such as schools, day care centers and hospitals. Call 822-4450.