MVES recently received a Senior Corps RSVP grant of $82,397.00 from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service.

The funds were awarded as part of a Senior Corps RSVP grant competition to increase the impact of national service in the Mystic Valley region. Established in 1971, RSVP programs engage older Americans in volunteer opportunities across the country. These volunteers have been a critical resource for nationwide response efforts—in everything from hunger prevention to natural disasters.

“This funding provides much-needed support to our RSVP program, in which our volunteers share their time and expertise with a wide variety of community members, from elementary school children to those enrolling in Medicare,” said Leah Mulrenan, Mystic Valley Elder Services’ RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Manager.  Mulrenan oversees and supports over 400 volunteers in the Mystic Valley region, many of whom are serving critical community functions, such as serving food at senior dining sites, assisting elders with bill paying tasks, or distributing goods at food pantries.

Established in 1971, RSVP programs engage Americans age 55 and older in citizen service that addresses the nation’s most-pressing challenges—everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, and ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity.

While serving, Senior Corps volunteers also improve their own lives, staying active and healthy through service. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations.  Mystic Valley Elder Services offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, which range from commitments of just a few hours each month, to multiple days each week.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Mystic Valley Elder Services, and to find the one that’s best for you, please call 781-388-2375 or visit mves.org/volunteer.