Seniors invited: RSVP gives big payoffs

For many, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a way to share a lifetime of hard-earned life skills and work experiences with others, but what surprises many volunteers is that they receive more than they give.

Jefferson County’s RSVP is designed to engage people 50 and older to meet many of the critical needs in the local community, said Jeanette Lightfoot, Jefferson County RSVP volunteer coordinator and a sevenyear RSVP member.

The Jefferson County RSVP chapter is funded in part by the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, and volunteers’ tasks include reading to schoolchildren, raising funds for other nonprofits, helping with local service projects, donating to and working in local food pantries and more — basically, tackling any job that they’re asked to do, Lightfoot said.

With more than 500 volunteers in Jefferson and Arkansas counties, the local program is now part of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program, one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and older.

“I love it …,” said Frankie Worley, 88, of White Hall and a 28-year RSVP volunteer. “I volunteer for others. I volunteer for myself.”

Worley’s RSVP work includes writing letters and visiting shut-ins.

“There’s nothing better than to walk into a nursing home, smile and have someone smile back,” Worley said. “It makes me feel so good.”

Worley isn’t alone in her positive response when it comes to volunteering.

Etoyle Mouser, 96, of Pine Bluff is usually the oldest person in the room, but she still lives alone and drives, and she credits her gym workouts and volunteer work for her still-active lifestyle.

She is a 30-year RSVP volunteer. In the past, Mouser read to children, but that was pre-COVID-19. Now Mouser helps with various community-service projects, visits nursing homes and writes to and phones shut-ins.

“It’s such a little thing,” Mouser said. However, Lightfoot said, to the many people they serve, “it’s a huge thing.”

Richard Wimberly, a 28-year RSVP member, installs smoke alarms for people through the American Red Cross office in Pine Bluff.

Southeast Arkansas RSVP teams up with the Pine Bluff and Stuttgart fire departments to offer free smoke-alarm installation in homes, as well as education on strategies to improve fire safety.

Volunteers must be 65 or older or a veteran to participate in this program.

RSVP also partners with other nonprofit organizations, such as assisting the American Red Cross with blood drives and giving aid to victims of natural disasters, and members volunteer at a variety of community events and fundraisers.

“I enjoy staying busy,” Wimberly said. “I enjoy helping.”

Lightfoot said RSVP benefits are twofold. The volunteers’ work is valuable to the community, and volunteers feel valued.

Other areas within the community where volunteers are needed include addressing food insecurity by volunteering at local food pantries or through food collection; helping other seniors with their transportation needs or delivering meals; and preparing tax returns for low- income families and people of all ages.

She said she encourages all seniors to consider volunteering their time and talents where and when they can.

“There are so many ways to put your experience to work …,” Lightfoot said. “You can use the skills and talents you’ve learned over the years or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community.”

RSVP connects individuals to service opportunities in their communities.

“When you join RSVP,” Lightfoot said, “your volunteer time will be counted and help us tell the story of just how much volunteers are doing.

“Active aging people live happier and healthier lives.”

Barbara Goodwin, a 22-year RSVP volunteer and RSVP’s administrative assistant/office manager, wholeheartedly agreed.

“Many [retired] people don’t have a reason to get up in the morning, but volunteering gives you purpose …,” Goodwin said. “Volunteering gives me joy.”

To learn more about Southeast Arkansas RSVP or to sign up to volunteer, call the Stuttgart RSVP office at (870) 673-8584 or the Pine Bluff office at (870) 534-2156, or email