Injury Fall Prevention
Ages 55+
RSVP is actively teaching preventive strategies to help reduce the number of injury falls in our community.
• Injury falls are not an inevitable part of aging
• Falls are preventable
• Fall prevention strategies can be learned
• Stay active and independent for life
Injury falls are a major public health issue hospitalizing over 12,000 seniors over age 65 per year in Washington State.
• Falls account for 87% of all fractures
• 35% of people 65 and older fall each year
• 25% are in a nursing home one year later
• Nonfatal injury cost for seniors 65 and over is $19 billion a year
What interventions work to prevent falls?
• Exercise for balance and strength
• Clinical comprehensive risk assessment
• Medication management
• Vision correction
• Reducing home hazards i.e. throw rugs on top of carpets
For more information or to schedule educational presentations on the best practices to prevent injury falls, contact Tom Ulvin, Injury Fall Prevention Coordinator by phone at 344-7787, extension 436, or by email. For information regarding senior exercise programs in the Spokane region, contact Elder Service Information & Assistance at 458-7450, or look up exercise info online at http://www.activeoptions.org/.
Project Warm Up
Ages 55+
Volunteers knit, machine quilt, embroider and crochet lap robes, afghans, mittens, hats, sweaters, scarves, slippers, baby items, kitchen towels, etc. for those in need. The handcrafted items can be made at home with no time limit or minimum quantity. You can utilize any pattern design. RSVP is able to provide the yarn to our volunteers at no cost thanks to a generous grant from Avista Utilities.
In 2008, 93 volunteers ranging in age from 9 to 101 provided their time and talent to make over 9,500 items for distribution to 53 agencies in Spokane County. The distribution usually occurs during November, in time to help prevent hypothermia for members of the community who receive these gifts of love and caring.
We also accept donations of yarn, fabric, floss, patterns/books, hooks/knitting needles and other craft and sewing items. For more information contact Teri Wallace by phone at 344-7787, extension 434 or by email.
Reading Corps
Ages 55+
Since 1977 the RSVP Reading Corps tutors have been assisting in the battle against illiteracy in Spokane County. The help that a tutor/ mentor offers is impossible to measure, but the results will last a lifetime.
Children who learn to read well gain vital skills that will enhance their ability to lead a flourishing and productive life. RSVP’s intergenerational approach fosters greater understanding between youth and seniors. The Reading Corps partners with the community to obtain free books for students from low income families through the use of fundraising and grant writing.
If you are already tutoring or mentoring youth, we welcome your membership in RSVP without further volunteer obligations. We want to recognize your contribution; reporting volunteer hours will help demonstrate the impact older adults make locally. For more information or to join as a volunteer, please contact Lou by phone at 344-7787, extension 437, or by email.
Seniors in Safety
Ages 55+
Seniors In Safety volunteer opportunities range from training with the local American Red Cross to assist with all phases of emergency preparation and response to supporting our local law enforcement agencies. Participating agencies include the Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE), and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). This is a great way to connect with your neighbors and work on common goals to ensure safety and prosperity of your neighborhood. Training is provided.
All agencies are also looking for volunteers interested in less physically active work such as planning, resource referral, communications and office responsibilities. For more information contact Adam Borgman by phone at (509) 344-7787, extension 435 or by email.
Volunteer Benefit Package
Benefits from RSVP are not limited to feeling good and helping community members. By volunteering you are also eligible to receive some of the following benefits:
• Supplemental Insurance for accident, personal liability and excess automobile liability insurance while in volunteer status as well as traveling to and from your volunteer station
• RSVP newsletter published 4 times a year
• Mileage reimbursement for low income volunteers
• Invitation to recognition events
• Developing new friendships
