Travis County Commissioners Court
Tuesday, May 25, 2010,
Item 7
7. Approve resolution recognizing the 38th year of the retired and senior volunteer program. It reads whereas one of our nation's most precious natural resources is the collective experience and abilities of our older citizens, whereas the travis county retired and senior volunteer program, rsvp puts experience to work by connecting volunteers with -- with rewarding opportunities to serve at local non-profit, faith based non-proprietary health care and public agencies throughout travis county, whereas these non-profit and public agencies are addressing some of our communities most critical needs in the areas of health, education, social services, public safety, and the environment. Whereas last year alone 123 local rsvp -- 1,023 contributed more than 2847 volunteer hours of service, whereas in fiscal year 2009 the value of services donated by rsvp volunteers produced a 12 fold return to the taxpayers of travis county, an impact that translated to an added value of $3,713,424. Whereas rsvp offers opportunities for people aged 55 and older to actively participate in the life of their communities through significant and meaningful volunteer service. Whereas through volunteerism rsvp provides an avenue to live a longer, health jury life. Whereas the corporation for national and community service has acknowledged travis county rsvp as a state leader in the areas of volunteer management and program development. Whereas the month of may, is recognized nationally, as older american's month and whereas this is the 38th anniversary of the rsvp program in travis county. Now therefore be it resolved that the travis county commissioners court urges all citizens to focus on the achievements of the rsvp volunteers and show appreciation for their service. Move approval.
>> second.
>> good morning.
>> good morning. I'm deborah britain, community services division director with health and human services and veterans services. I'm here with fred lugo our program manager for rsvp. We would just like to thank the judge and the court for recognizing rsvp and the excellent work that is done by volunteers throughout this community. I think most of you have had an opportunity to attend our annual luncheon which will be this friday. I'm sure that you all received your invitation so we look forward to seeing through. I will take this opportunity to ask fred to speak a little bit more about the program and to also remind you that we will -- i think we're scheduled to come back later in june to provide some additional information about some really exciting developments around rsvp and some new program, programming that we would like to share with you.
>> it has been 38 years. Very long time. I'm honored to have served as the director of the program for 13 of those years. Throughout the decades, thousands of volunteers have made an impact in this community. And, judge, the proclamation you recognized one way in which that impact is measured. And that is the value of their volunteer service. But their impact can be measured in so many more ways, there are programs that we have that deal with immunizations, where we get back 96% immunization rate, programs that engage older adults in serving people to remain independent in their homes. They serve over 2,000 individuals to do -- to remain in their homes. Programs where we help children in schools, at risk children, to -- to -- to obtain a certain degree of academic proficiency. And our volunteers serve with other 400 children. These are along the -- among the ways in which volunteers are making an impact, rsvp volunteers are making an impact in this community. But this friday you will have an opportunity to see the achievements that some of these volunteers have made and they are quite amazing. So we look forward to seeing some of you there this coming friday.
>> good program.
>> thank you.
>> great luncheon usually and an excellent program that provides a lot of services to needy residents.
>> and you pick great music acts.
>> [laughter]
>> thanks.
>> it's really fun.
>> it will be a great afternoon.
>> thank y'all.
>> thank you.
>> do you have many former politicians volunteering,?
>> you know, former politicians who are volunteering. Decree may not be part of the rsvp program, but we are certainly going to make an effort to get them involved in the program as well.
>> you have me looking forward to retirement.
>> indeed
>> [laughter] all in favor? That passes by unanimous vote.
>> thank y'all.
>> thank you.
>> thank you very much. Mr. Lugo, when you do this you have to take it with you. Once you get on the other side of that door it's your business.
>> [laughter]
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Last Modified:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:35 PM
