Poweshiek County welcomes new RSVP Volunteer Iowa Coordinator

     Ashley Sorensen is the new RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) Volunteer Iowa Coordinator for Poweshiek County. Sorensen took over the position in mid-April. The program connects people age 55 plus with volunteer opportunities, allowing them to use their skills, talents and life experiences to help meet community needs. Volunteer opportunities include non-profit organizations, churches, schools, libraries and more.

By J.O. Parker
 
     If you are age 55 plus and are looking to make a difference in Grinnell, Brooklyn, Montezuma or elsewhere in the county, consider volunteering through the RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) outreach.
     RSVP, which is an outreach of Iowa Health and Human Services, is part of the largest volunteer network in the state for people age 55 plus called AmeriCorps Seniors. The program connects people age 55 plus with volunteer opportunities, allowing them to use their skills, talents and life experiences to help meet community needs.
     The local program is under the direction of Ashley Sorensen, the new RSVP Volunteer Iowa Coordinator for Poweshiek County.
     Sorensen brings 25-years of experience to her position, building on her work with the YMCA and various non-profits through the years. She and her husband, George, moved from Wichita, Kan. to Newton in January. George serves as the CEO of the Newton YMCA. The couple has two children.
      “The skills I learned working with the YMCA and other non-profits has been a guiding light to the work I am doing with local non-profits here in Poweshiek County,” Sorensen said.
        Since taking on the role of RSVP Volunteer Iowa Coordinator in mid-April, Sorensen has been busy getting to know potential volunteers and the places they gather while finding ways to connect them with volunteer opportunities at businesses, churches, the hospital, food pantries and other non-profits across the county.
       Volunteer opportunities with RSVP can range from providing social connection to other people, improving access to food, or providing youth support. Sorensen works with each organization and identifies ways each location would utilize their volunteers — this way, she has the best opportunity to create a perfect volunteer match. She already has relationships with organizations like Ahrens Foundation and the Mayflower.
       She has ventured into Brooklyn and Montezuma where she is making connections and learning about community needs in those two towns.
      Sorensen recently developed a relationship with the Montezuma Public Library and has a volunteer delivering books to homebound residents.
      “One great part of RSVP outreach is that people can be reimbursed for their mileage when they volunteer,” said Sorensen. “We also have insurance if, for example, you break your glasses during a volunteering shift.”
       Sorensen said as her group of volunteers are trained and begin new work schedules, their hours are recorded to know the amount of impact they are having on their local communities.
       When meeting earlier this year with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Sorensen said, “There are so many benefits to volunteering. Not only do you get out of the house, but studies show that those who volunteer tend to live longer, find purpose, and be happier.”
        One of Sorensen’s goals is to work with schools in the county to start a pen pal program for students in the third and fourth grades. Once a month, students in the program would write a letter to an RSVP volunteer, who would then write a letter back to that student. The goal would be to exchange seven letters during the school year.
       She has also made connections with non-profit organizations such as MICA (Mid-Iowa Community Action), Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs, Unity Point Hospice, Renewed Hope Home Furnishing (Grinnell Friends Church), and Poweshiek County Extension 4-H Clover Kids program.
       Sorensen said there are opportunities for age 55 plus volunteers to teach an exercise class or bring real-life experience to the classroom.
       She is currently looking for volunteers and friendly faces to help out at places like Grinnell Farm to Table, the Grinnell Historical Museum, and for the occasional one-time special events. There is also a need for volunteers to serve as walking buddies and reading buddies to residents at the Mayflower. And currently she is working with the Ahrens Foundation to connect volunteers to help with the Tiger Packs program.
      “Match is very important,” noted Sorensen. “There are so many cool volunteers with different skills and interests, so we want to fit them in organizations that match those skills.” 
       Currently, there are 25 individuals in the county signed up to serve as RSVP Volunteers.
      “That number has doubled since I started getting the word out that I am a resource to help volunteers find their place to give back,” said Sorensen. “By the end of the year, my goal is to have recruited at least 150 people in the area.”
      If you are age 55 plus or if you have an older friend, encourage them to volunteer through RSVP! The process is pretty simple — fill out a volunteer application and walk through the RSVP handbook. Then, Sorensen will match your skills and interests with those of local organizations. Sorensen can be contacted at 641-888-0989, or email [email protected]. 
      If you are a new resident to Grinnell, Sorensen is excited to greet newcomers who are ready to jump into volunteer opportunities at the Chamber’s New Resident Welcome event being held Sept. 25 at Central Park.
   Editor’s note: Some information in this article was provided by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.