RSVP

RSVPs Digital Literacy Program, a train the trainer model, is an innovative technology training program that helps reduce the digital divide and connects vulnerable community members with resources. RSVP partners with trusted community organizations to train staff and volunteers to pass digital skills to their clients. Using a professionally developed, evidence- based curriculum, materials are provided in both English and Spanish. Topics cover internet usage, email, Zoom and various websites to address critical basic needs like telehealth, grocery shopping, and connecting with others virtually. The program served almost 450 adults through RSVPs volunteers and its partners in 2023. 75% report they are more confident using technology and they are better able to stay safe online.

RSVPs MY Free Tutor Program is an individualized math tutoring and STEM career awareness program addressing the STEM achievement gap among disadvantaged students. This innovative virtual program is designed to bring together qualified and screened volunteer tutors with struggling students to provide them with one hour of individual math tutoring each week, beginning with the fundamentals of math. Supporting students from 3th grade through college as well veterans returning to school. 83% of students who through participated in the program improved their grades and math confidence. STEM Career Presentations expose students to diverse career options, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

RSVPs Elementary Literacy Program trains volunteers as literacy coaches to help children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. Volunteers provide guided reading for disadvantaged, at-risk elementary school students, improving their reading abilities and literacy skills. The program supports students in person during school, as well as virtually afterschool and in the summer months. Teachers report 89% of students improved reading comprehension as a result of working with RSVP volunteers.

RSVPs PA MEDI program matches community members with counselors (RSVP volunteers) who offer free, easy-to- understand information about the best Medicare plans for health coverage, without bias. RSVP PA MEDI volunteers attend extensive training through the State of Pennsylvania to become specialists authorized to provide the service. Counselors have a thorough understanding of navigating the Medicare system including enrollment coverage options, financial assistance programs, appeals, and more. Counselors help community members navigate the Medicare system with a customized approach based on the persons income and health circumstances

RSVPs Family Literacy Program is a multifaceted approach to early literacy. Collaborating with Head Start, RSVP provides program materials and trained volunteers for Head Start PreK classrooms. Volunteers read books to Head Start preschoolers helping develop their reading skills and prepare them for learning. To increase access to books at home, each child is gifted six new books a year along with parent reading tips. Additionally, parent workshops are offered to help parents understand the importance of reading with their young children.

Volunteer Executive Consultant program provides highly skilled volunteers with business and professional experience to help small and mid-sized nonprofit agencies in the community with projects and strategic planning to build their capacity and enhance their service delivery through consultations and management assistance. In addition, VEC provides educational workshops for nonprofit leaders.

RSVPs Help On Call program has been discontinued. RSVP will continue to provide volunteers to assist low-income elderly clients with tasks meeting their basic needs such as well-checks, grocery shopping and transportation to doctors appointments. Instead of managing the aging at home program directly, RSVP will recruit, screen and place volunteers with nonprofit organizations that provide in-home support for vulnerable seniors to help improve socialization and health