RSVP Seeks Funding to Support Volunteer Programs in Winneshiek County

DECORAH, Iowa — Deana Hageman, Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), requested $15,000 in funding from the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday to support the organization's mission of connecting older adults with meaningful volunteer opportunities across the county. RSVP, which is part of a nationwide initiative to engage seniors in community service, coordinates volunteers for critical programs such as food distribution, tutoring, and disaster response. Hageman highlighted the importance of these contributions, particularly in rural areas where services often rely heavily on volunteer support. "Our volunteers are the backbone of so many programs that impact the lives of residents in Winneshiek County," Hageman said. Volunteers Making a Difference Hageman provided an overview of RSVP's current volunteer pool and activities, noting that the program supports more than 400 active volunteers in Winneshiek County. These individuals contribute thousands of hours annually, assisting with everything from meal delivery for homebound seniors to mentoring students in local schools. "Last year, our volunteers contributed over 42,000 hours of service," Hageman said. "That equates to a value of approximately $1.2 million based on independent sector estimates of volunteer labor." One area of growth for RSVP is its intergenerational programming, which pairs senior volunteers with children and young adults. Hageman mentioned the Pen Pals program, which pairs volunteers with third graders to write letters back and forth, giving the students a chance to work on their penmanship and social skills, as well as a broader sense of the community they live in. "These connections are incredibly impactful, not just for the students but also for the volunteers, who gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment," Hageman said. The Board of Supervisors expressed their appreciation for RSVP's work in the county. The board will review RSVP's funding request as part of its FY26 budget discussions.