Behind the Scenes with The RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Manager

RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Manager Lauren Reid has worked at MVES for three years.

Ranging in age from 15 to 92, about 250 volunteers currently donate their time, lend their skills, and show their dedication to MVES. As RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Manager, Lauren Reid recognizes and appreciates the efforts that MVES volunteers put forth year-round. Lauren recently sat down with us to talk about her job, our volunteers, and the programs for which we’re currently seeking new volunteers.

Editor: What are your major responsibilities as RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Manager?

Reid: I see my mission as being two-fold. First, I maintain current volunteer programs and second, I try to increase volunteer opportunities at MVES. As far as maintaining, I make sure that our current volunteer programs are running smoothly and that each program has enough volunteers to operate successfully. I’m available to offer guidance to our volunteers and I ensure that they have the resources they need to be successful in their volunteer efforts. For the growth aspect I mentioned, I’m always looking into partnering with other agencies to see how we might be able to expand our volunteer programs. We want to offer our volunteers the widest variety of opportunities as possible.

Editor: Part of your title is the RSVP Director. What is RSVP?

Reid: MVES sponsors the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for Middlesex County. RSVP is part of Senior Corps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Services. The program’s mission is to provide adults, age 55 and older, with worthwhile volunteer experiences. It really emphasizes using the wisdom, background, and skill sets that older adults have acquired over their lifetimes to address critical needs in our communities. RSVP shows people that their volunteer work can solve problems while at the same time enriching their own lives. Most of our volunteers do decide to join the RSVP network, but they don’t have to. There are certain benefits to joining and often people like feeling connected to a national program.

Editor: Can you tell us about some of MVES’ volunteer programs?

Reid: There’s the Reading Partners Program, which pairs an older adult with a child in kindergarten through grade three who could benefit from one-on-one reading help and use a boost in confidence. The Money Management Program matches up a volunteer with an elder who is struggling to manage his or her own finances. The SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Program has trained volunteers to help elders understand health insurance and Medicare-related issues. We have volunteers at our meal sites, people who drive elders to medical appointments for our Senior Travel Friends Program, and some volunteers who come into our office to help with administrative tasks. There really is quite a variety of opportunities for people interested in volunteering with MVES.

Editor: Are you actively recruiting for any particular volunteer programs now?

Reid: We currently need volunteers for our Reading Partners Program, especially for elementary schools in Everett and Malden. These volunteers should have a good rapport with children and should be patient and consistent. Reading partners volunteers are trained and supported by the MVES Literacy Coordinator. The time commitment is about four hours per week.

We’re also looking for new Money Management volunteers. People considering becoming a Money Manager don’t have to be a retired banker. But, they should know basic math and budgeting functions. The time commitment for the Money Management Program is flexible because volunteers meet with an elder about once or twice a month and can do so during the day, evening, or on a weekend.

We also need people to volunteer to at our dining sites, specifically at Glendale Towers in Everett and Government Center in Malden. These volunteers will help set up tables, serve dessert, and clean up. The most important contribution that these volunteers make is helping to give a warm reception to elders and making the dining experience a pleasant and welcoming one. As for a time commitment, dining site volunteers can choose to work just a few hours every week or up to five days a week.

Editor: You’ve given us some volunteer traits that you’re looking for in a few programs. Are there specific qualities that MVES volunteers have in general?

Reid: Successful volunteers tend to work well with people. Our volunteers are kind, caring, dependable, and consistent. They should take the commitment to the people they’re working with seriously. I really believe that our volunteers are the best of the best! I’m so impressed with how willing they are to go above and beyond to help people.

Editor: Does MVES do anything to show its appreciation for its volunteers?

Reid: We always express our thanks to volunteers when we see them. And, we host a volunteer recognition banquet at a local hall every year because we want to take the time to formally recognize our volunteers’ commitment. We want to show them that the whole agency appreciates them and that we understand their hard work year round. We also do things like sending our volunteers birthday cards to let them know we’re thinking of them.

Editor: What’s the best part of your job?

Reid: My favorite part is collaborating with other MVES managers to stay on top of their volunteer needs. I’m kind of like the Human Resources person for programs that use volunteers. I check in to determine whether there’s any situation that I could help with so that the managers’ programs can continue to run smoothly. When I meet with them, I always ask if there are any particular volunteer success stories or if anyone is struggling in any way. If so, I want to be involved and be able to reach out and contact a volunteer personally. I want our volunteers to know that I’m there for them and that I care.

Editor: What would you tell someone who may be considering volunteering, but isn’t quite sure yet?

Reid: I’d tell them to give me a call. Together we could determine their needs, interests, and time availability. There’s something for everyone. I find that volunteers are sometimes nervous when they first start. But, they soon discover that they’re more than capable and that they have a lot more to offer than they originally realized. I think they’ll find they’re surprised at how much they get back from volunteering. Our volunteers often tell me that they feel that get more than they give.

Editor: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Reid: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my children. And, people that know me know that I’m a runner. I also work as an outreach worker for MVES’ Project SAFE on Saturdays. Project SAFE is an outreach program that visits elders 80 and older living in their own homes to make sure they’re aware of available community resources. I used to be a case manager and I do miss the direct interaction with seniors, so this outreach helps me keep in touch with seniors. I like knocking on a door and having a one-on-one meeting with an elder that you know you could potentially help a lot.