Causes: Human Service Organizations, Human Services, Public & Societal Benefit

Mission: Volunteering among seniors is linked to improved quality of life, increased physical activity, stronger social networks, and lower mortality rates. Volunteers are particularly helpful to the frail elderly who need assistance to maintain independence in their own homes.

Direct beneficiaries per year: More than 200 agencies by providing qualified senior volunteers through the RSVP and CCCV programs and 60 individuals with cognitive disabilities through the Project Lifesaver Program.

Programs: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP and Central Coast Community Volunteers (CCCV) )recruits and places senior volunteers at community nonprofit and government agencies located in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. These volunteers provided over 160,000 hours of service during 2015.RSVP has been active for more than 42 years and recruits those 55+; CCCV is a brand new program and recruits those 50+. Senior Volunteer Services programs are the only programs that recruits senior volunteers to serve other nonprofit and governmental agencies. Project Lifesaver provides, for a nominal maintenance fee, wristband transmitters to elderly and cognitively impaired individuals who are at risk of wandering and becoming lost. The program also serves a number autistic and developmentally challenged children to live more safely in their environments. The transmitters assist rescue personnel to locate lost individuals.

Paso Robles Senior Center: a contract with the City of Paso Robles provides on-site management of the Paso Robles Senior Center. Staffing by Senior Volunteer Services with a coordinator assures a cost-effective and smooth operation of the center. Coordinator duties include developing and providing appropriate senior programs that encourage participation of center members to enhance their health and well-being. Programs include computer classes, a library, games, celebratory meals and field trips. center.