Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) staff are seeking volunteers aged 55+ to serve in the following potential new positions. All volunteer positions include benefits and supplemental reimbursement for mileage to and from volunteer sites.

Potential positions include:

• Volunteer Tutors with the Alachua County Library District's Literacy Program:  Work one-to-one with an adult or child in any local library to help them improve their academic skills and/or obtain their GED.  A minimum of 1 hour per week is required.  Up to 25 volunteers needed.  Tutor training and materials are provided.
• Volunteer Tutors for the Reichert House to work at least 1 hour per day with 1-2 assigned boys grades 6-12 on homework and academic skills.  Up to 35 volunteers needed to serve from 1-3 hours per day, 4 days per week.
• Van Drivers for VA Hospital in Gainesville to transport veterans from the main hospital to other VA medical facilities in Gainesville.  2-3 volunteers are needed 1 day per week.
• Balance Screeners for the Movement and Balance Center in Gainesville.  Technicians are needed to attend health fairs and senior citizen events to test individuals for stability and balance in order to help prevent falls.  Training and equipment provided for teams of 2 to be scheduled as needed for community events.  6 volunteers needed.
• Telephone Eligibility Follow-up Consultants needed for Alachua County's CHOICES program, which provides medical insurance for employed individuals who are currently without insurance.  Two and 1/2 hour of training required.  Up to 4 volunteers needed 1/2 day per week.
• Volunteer Instructors needed to work in pairs with Elder Options to teach persons aged 60+ courses called "Memory Training," and "A Matter of Balance." Classes run 2-2.5 hours per week for 5-6 weeks.  Training is provided for instructors 2 hours per week for 8 weeks.  6-12 volunteers needed.
• Aquatic Instructor(s) needed for the Arthritis Foundation's movement classes in local pools.  Persons with arthritis benefit from movement in water by increasing circulation, strength and range of motion.  6 week classes are taught 2 days per week.  1-2 volunteers needed.  Fees for training instructors are covered.

RSVP is looking for additional community partnerships where RSVP volunteers can address unmet, high priority community needs. 

For more information, contact RSVP Program Specialist, Ruth O'Conner at 352-264-6752.