RSVP Handbook 2009

Lending Our Support to the Region's Communities Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, & Transylvania Counties Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806 Phone 828-251-6622 Fax: 828-251-6353 Toll Free 1-800-727-0557

Staff Contacts Volunteer Services Staff LeeAnne Tucker – ext. 138 Senior Volunteer Services Director leeanne@landofsky.org Patti Cameron - ext. 126 Lead RSVP Program Coordinator (Monday-Thursday 9-5pm) Patti@landofsky.org And RSVP@landofsky.org

RSVP—The Volunteer Center for Older Adults

Vicki Jennings – ext. 130 RSVP Program Coordinator (Monday– Wednesday 8-4pm) Vicki@landofsky.org Tracy Ash – ext. 128 Senior Companion Program Manager tracya@landofsky.org Stacy Friesland – ext. 131 Foster Grandparent Program Manager stacy@landofsky.org Brenda DeLa Cruz– ext. 132 Volunteer Project Assistant Brenda@landofsky.org

Web Sites Land-of-Sky Regional Council: http://www.landofsky.org/ Area Agency on Aging: http://www.landofsky.org/aaa/ RSVP : http://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home Senior Corp: www.seniorcorps.org CIMA: www.cimaworld.com 12

Your Guide to Volunteering with the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council

Henderson County

We welcome you as a RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) volunteer. A hearty thank you goes out to you for giving of yourself and your talents to assist those in need throughout our community.

WELCOME

You are starting a journey with a program that has a long tradition of helping others and building strong and healthy communities. You are not only a member of a local program, but you are part of a nationwide movement that started over 30 years ago and has continued to gain momentum throughout its years of success.

Volunteers bring skills, talents, and years of experience to the communities in which they serve. Volunteers make a difference and, you will make a difference through the skills, talents, and experience you bring to this program.

In preparing this handbook we tried to answer many of the questions that you have about the program, and its benefits to you. Read it carefully and refer to it when necessary. If you need any further information do not hesitate to ask. All the information contained in this handbook can be found in greater detail on our website at http://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home

Again, we welcome you to RSVP and hope we are able to make the most of your volunteer experience.

Your RSVP Staff Patti Cameron Lead RSVP Coordinator Buncombe & Madison Vicki Jennings, RSVP Coordinator Henderson & Transylvania Counties

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RSVP Partnering Stations

Dear Volunteer,

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Madison County

AARP Tax Aid Program Amateur Radio Emergency Service American Red Cross Big Brothers/Big Sisters Blue Ridge Literacy Council Carolina Mtn Land Conservancy Children & Family Resource Cen. Community Service Work Program Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. Hands On! A Child's Gallery Henderson Co. Council On Aging Henderson Co. Schools Henderson Co. Sheriff's Dept - VIP Henderson County Henderson County Heritage Museum Interfaith Assistance Ministry NC Cooperative Ext. - H.C. 4H Club Pardee Pavilion Park Ridge Hospital Park Ridge Women's Service Salvation Army Hendersonville Spring Arbor of Hendersonville The Healing Place Town of Fletcher Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Visitor's Information Ctr. Vocational Solutions

Henderson & Transylvania •

Guardian Ad Litem

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• • • • • • •

Hot Springs & Marshall Senior Ctrs.

Madison Co. Public Library Madison County Nutrition Program Madison County Public Schools Madison County Tourism Madison Home Care And Hospice Salvation Army - Madison

Transylvania County • • • • • • • • • • • • •

American Red Cross- Transylvania Brevard Police Dept Chamber of Commerce-Visitor Center Communities in Schools Koala– Adult Day Care NC Coop. Ext. Trans. Co. Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education SAFE, Inc. TCVIM- Volunteers in Medicine Transylvania Christian Ministry Transylvania Co. Sheriff's Dept Transylvania Community Hospital WCCA: Western Carolina Community Action

RSVP Partnering Stations

All Four Counties • • •

AARP Tax Aid Program Carolina Mountain Club Girls on the Run of WNC

Buncombe • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A Hope ABCCM Crisis Min./Hominy Valley ABCCM Crisis Ministry ABCCM Donation Center & Thrift Store ABCCM Medical Ministry ABCCM Shelter Ministry ABCCM Women & Children Shelter ACT-Asheville Community Theater American Cancer Society American Red Cross-Buncombe APD- Asheville Police Dept Asheville Art Museum Asheville Buncombe Library System Asheville City Schools Asheville Green Works Aston Park Health Care Center Big Brother/Big Sister of WNC Black Mnt. Neuro Medical Treatment Center Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Buncombe County Schools Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept CarePartners Adult Day Services Chamber Of Commerce City of Asheville - Senior Opportunity, Harvest House and Shiloh Community Centers COA- Council on Aging of Buncombe Co. Colburn Earth Science Museum Community Action Opportunities Crescent View Retirement Center Folk Art Center Girl Scouts of WNC Pisgah Guardian Ad Litem/Buncombe Habitat For Humanity- Asheville Area Health Adventure Helpmate, Inc 10

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

International Link Junior Achievement of WNC Land-Of-Sky Regional Council Laurel Wood Laurels Of Greentree Ridge Literacy Council Of Buncombe Co Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Manna Food Bank Meals On Wheels Of Buncombe Mediation Center- Family Visitation Cent Mission Hospitals Mountain Biz Works Nazareth First Baptist Church North Carolina Arboretum UNC-A Old Buncombe Genealogical Society OnTrack Financial Strengthening our Families Salvation Army- Buncombe United Way Of Asheville US Probation Office - WNC Dist.

Veterans Admin Medical Center W. Alliance Ctr. For Independent Living Warren Wilson College Weaverville Elementary- Reading Partners Western NC Alliance YWCA

Buncombe/Henderson Line • Advantage West • Asheville Regional Airport • Universal Health Care of Fletcher

What is RSVP? What is RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)?

In a nutshell RSVP is a volunteer program for adults age 55 and better that offers the opportunity to stay active and involved through volunteer service. An added bonus is the educational and social opportunities for life long learning. This is your chance to try new things , meet new people, face new challenges while giving back to your community.

Who can volunteer?

Volunteers are 55 years of age or better and live in Madison, Buncombe, Henderson or Transylvania Counties. Everyone's skills and talents are welcome. There is no income eligibility to be a volunteer with RSVP.

How often can I volunteer?

You can volunteer as much or as little as you like. On average, most volunteers give 4 hrs a week. We offer on-going opportunities and shortterm opportunities to serve.

Where do RSVP volunteers serve?

RSVP volunteers serve in a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, governmental offices, health care agencies, and faithbased groups. With over 100 partnering non-profit agencies to choose from there is something for everyone. For a listing of agencies we serve see pages 10 & 11.

How is RSVP making an Impact in our community?

For over 15 years RSVP has been helping to build stronger communities in our region by identifying critical community needs and helping to meet these needs through the tremendous skills, talents and passions of RSVP volunteers. Together with over 700 RSVP volunteers we are making a difference in our community.

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How do I get started?

Volunteer Insurance

Enrollment Form Enclosed in your handbook is a RSVP enrollment form. Complete the enrollment form and return it in the enclosed envelop.

All RSVP volunteers are covered by three types of supplemental insurance that is issued through Corporate Insurance Management (CIMA). More information on CIMA can be found at www.cimaworld.com or on our website.

RSVP Interview After receiving your completed Enrollment Form, a RSVP Coordinator will call you to schedule an interview. It may take place either at our office, over the phone or at a location convenient for you such as a local library.

During the RSVP interview with the assistance of a RSVP Coordinator you we will review and choose one or more volunteer opportunities that match your skills, talents and interests. Your RSVP Coordinator will contact the station (agency) you wish to volunteer with and ask them to contact you for a Station Interview. If you do not hear from the agency supervisor within a week please let us know.

Station Interview & Placement The Station Interview gives you and the station supervisor an opportunity to determine if this is the right volunteer opportunity for you. The agency supervisor has the last say on accepting a RSVP volunteer and you have the right to refuse an offer you feel is not a good match.

Accident Insurance: This covers you, the volunteer, for personal injury arising from volunteer activities. The insurance applies while you are traveling directly to and from and participating in an activity sponsored by RSVP. Any accident occurring while you perform errands (shopping, banking, etc.) on your way to or from your volunteer station would not be covered. If you are enrolled in Medicare, this benefit applies only to expenses incurred in excess of the benefits provided under Medicare Personal Liability: This provides coverage for any bodily injury or property damage liability claim arising out of program– related volunteer activities.

Excess Automobile Liability- This coverage protects you for a bodily injury or property damage arising out of using your own automobile in connection with your program and related volunteer activities. This insurance is in excess of the insurance you carry on your own automobile or the limits of the state’s financial responsibility law. The insurance does not replace your personal automobile policy, required by the North Carolina Law. Claims must be filled within 90 days of the accident, even if you don’t have a bill from the

RSVP Follow Up A RSVP Coordinator will do a follow up two to three weeks after your RSVP interview to ask if you have started volunteering and see if your match has been successful. If there are any problems, the RSVP Coordinator can address them with you then.

Already Volunteering but want to join RSVP? Some volunteers enroll in RSVP who are already volunteering for a RSVP station. This allows you to take advantage of our volunteer benefits, services and insurance coverage. For these volunteers we welcome you to the program. If you haven’t already filed out an enrollment form through your station you will find one enclosed in this handbook. Consider this handbook your orientation to the program. If at anytime you wish to pursue additional volunteer opportunities please give us a call we would be happy to assist you.

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Qualify for Insurance if?

• You are a RSVP Volunteer • Record your RSVP hours either at your station or on a individual timesheet.

Not Qualified if?

• If you are volunteering with a RSVP station that we are not aware of. You will not be covered for claims accrued at that station.

• If you are not recording your hours with your station.

• You are not covered under insurance at a non-profit not partnering with RSVP.

In case of an accident notify your Station Supervisor and RSVP at 828-251-6622 9

What are the Benefits of Volunteering with RSVP? Personalized Volunteer Placement Receive individual assistance with finding the right volunteer opportunity with the assistance of one of our RSVP Coordinators.

Service Learning and Educational Opportunities RSVP offers educational opportunities throughout the year. Topics range from environmental service learning to topics on health and wellness.

E-Monthly Volunteer Listings RSVP volunteers are emailed monthly listings of short term volunteer opportunities that allow you to try something different and fun without the commitment.

RSVP Newsletter Members of RSVP receive the RSVP Newsletter (bi-monthly) either via mail or email keeping you informed of upcoming opportunities and events.

Volunteer Recognition RSVP recognizes the contribution of its members through a fun and social volunteer recognition party annually.

Theater Tickets Theater tickets are one of the many benefits of being a RSVP volunteer. Volunteers who have served 25 hrs in the past quarter are eligible to request a free theater ticket. Guest will be put on the waiting list until on week prior to the performance. We currently have tickets at the following Theaters: Brevard Little Theater, Theatre UNCA, NC Stage Company and Flat Rock Playhouse. For more information contact our Program Assistant Brenda at 251-6622 ext 132.

Free Supplemental Insurance A FREE supplemental insurance policy covers all registered RSVP volunteers while they are volunteering or traveling to and from their volunteer positions. The insurance includes: Accident Insurance, Personal Liability Insurance, Excess Automobile Liability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage.

Local Government Federal Credit Union Membership RSVP volunteers are eligible to join the Local Government Federal Credit Union. For more information go to: http://www.lgfcu.org/membership/

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Once You Start Volunteering We encourage you to get involved and enjoy the experience of volunteering. Please let us know if you need any further assistance. We are here to help! We love to know how your volunteer experience is going. Share your volunteer stories, or let us know how we can improve the program.

We are always open to suggestions.

Volunteer Perks & Benefits Take advantage of our volunteer perks such as theatre tickets, Insurance and recognition events.

More information is found on page 8 & 9.

Volunteer Hours Volunteer hours let us track your contributions to the program and ensures that you are covered under our volunteer insurance.

• Your hours are reported quarterly by your station supervisor.

• You will be asked to complete a individual timesheet if your station is unable to report hours to RSVP. • If you are volunteering for another RSVP station other than where you were originally placed please let us know. Your contributions to the program can’t be counted if we don’t know you are volunteering and we cannot cover you with our excess volunteer insurance.

Looking for More Opportunities.

Just give us a call. We will be happy to find you an additional or new placement or get you involved with short term opportunities or special events.

Haven’t Volunteered in Awhile?

Whenever you discontinue volunteer work, please call your RSVP Coordinator.

Your station supervisor reports your hours to us every 90 days. If we notice that you haven’t volunteered during that time period we will contact you to see if you are still volunteering, want to explore new volunteer opportunities or if you would like your name removed from our active volunteer list.

Most of All Learn, Laugh, Make a Difference & Have a Great Time!

Remember Volunteers Are the Greatest!

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Once You Start Volunteering RSVP Volunteer Code of Ethics Volunteers are expect to respect the policies of the volunteer station and perform their assignments in a business-like manner. The business of volunteer stations and their clients should be treated as confidential. Keep your station supervisor informed of any changes in your situation such as vacations, sick leave, or questions you might have regarding your placement.

Non-Discrimination The Land-of-Sky Regional Council maintains a policy of non-discrimination on the grounds of age (except as required by law, regulation or grant conditions), gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or marital status.

If you feel that you have been subject to discriminatory practices, you have the right to file a written complaint with the RSVP Coordinator within 180 days following an alleged discrimination.

Should you not be satisfied with the results of your written complaint you may then contact the AAA director who will respond within 30 days. The identity of a complaint shall be kept confidential to the extent necessary to investigate the complaint and take corrective action if necessary.

Americans With Disabilities With respect to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) we will consider reasonable accommodations when requested. All RSVP stations are required to complete a ADA survey to determine their accessibility. Please ask your RSVP Coordinator to identify the level of accessibility of a station if required.

Volunteer Separation Though it rarely occurs a RSVP Coordinator my separate a volunteer for causes including but not limited to extensive or unauthorized absences, misconduct, or inability to perform assignments or accept supervision. Such actions may be taken after consultation with the RSVP Advisory Council and in accordance with sponsor-approved policies.

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How is RSVP Governed?

RSVP is a National Program RSVP is a part of a much larger national movement of volunteerism that is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service called Senior Corp. Through its three programs – Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, & RSVP – more than half a million Americans age 55 and over assist local nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations in carrying out their missions.

RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities.

RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with thousands of local and national organizations. For more information on Senior Corp you can go to http://www.seniorcorps.org/

RSVP is Locally Sponsored Locally RSVP is sponsored by the Land-of–Sky Regional Council which is one of 18 regional councils in North Carolina. The Council’s mission is to assist local governments in the region to solve problems and administer programs that reach across county and municipal borders. http://www.landofsky.org/

Senior Volunteer Services Advisory Council RSVP has an advisory board that acts as the ears, eyes and heart of the program. Advisory Council members are made up of volunteers, station supervisors and members at large as an equal representation of our counties. The Advisory Council helps in the development of plans and policies for the RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, consistent with federal guidelines . Members are nominated by local government and accepted by the Executive Committee of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council. For more information on the Advisory Council or other volunteer programs at Land of Sky, contact LeeAnne Tucker, Senior Volunteer Services Administrator a 251-6622 ext 122.

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