When you get older or retire, life can slow down a little bit. For some, that’s perfectly OK, but others may need an outlet to get out into the community.

As the Pioneer Valley continues to readjust to post-pandemic life, one of those outlets, the volunteer agency RSVP, is ramping up its services as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

RSVP is an AmeriCorps program pairing people ages 55 and older with community organizations. In Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, the local sponsor is Community Action Pioneer Valley, which currently has approximately 400 volunteers serving 53 non-profit agencies up and down the valley, with one-time, short-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities available to work around everyone’s schedule.

“We really are matchmakers,” said Patricia Sicard, volunteer manager of RSVP of the Pioneer Valley. “We find whatever makes them feel satisfied, productive and what helps them smile as they walk out the door to volunteer.”

AmeriCorps is a federal service and volunteer agency that provides opportunities for Americans to serve their communities and strengthen civic engagement.

Sponsored by Community Action, RSVP of the Pioneer Valley has partnerships with dozens of organizations and businesses up and down the valley, including the Franklin County’s YMCA, the Bernardston Senior Center and LifePath, among many others. Volunteers provide approximately $3 million in service to the community each year, according to Community Action’s website.

Services fall into one of four categories: Community Support, Senior Services, Nutrition and Hunger, and Health and Wellness. Examples of programs that RSVP supports are LifePath’s Meals on Wheels and health clinics, as well as numerous community events and other general volunteer opportunities.

Perhaps you’ve already even been to an RSVP event, as its weekly Healthy Bones & Balance classes are spread around Franklin and Hampshire counties with senior centers and councils on aging hosting them. Classes are free and provide an outlet for both socializing and exercising.

Mutual benefits

While folks receiving services obviously benefit, those out volunteering in the community say their time is well worth it for them as well.

“I got involved because it’s mission-driven and it aligns with my background, my work and my values,” commented Northfield resident Debby Wiesen Kelly. “I think it provides new friends a path to what I’m calling lasting connections and a fulfilling and meaningful life.”

Wiesen Kelly spent her career in the nonprofit sector and upon moving to Northfield a year and a half ago, she found RSVP after spending time at the Senior Center. While she’s partly retired, she said she enjoys the eight to 15 hours a month she spends volunteering through the Brown Bag food distribution program, as well as general Council on Aging support.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing,” she said. “I would recommend it.”

For retired accountant and Warwick resident Dave Koester, 66, RSVP is providing him an opportunity to continue to use his career skills while he navigates the “transition zone” of new retirement. He currently offers tax prep for Community Action and will be taking on part of LifePath’s Rides for Health program.

“It feels like a nice community to be part of and that’s what I’m looking for right now in this place,” Koester said. “It’s a really satisfying program; it’s a great help to the folks who take advantage of it and the people who are in the RSVP program, like Pat, are really great.”

And for others, like Northfield resident Gary Lee, it provides a chance to do something similar to his job. A former mail carrier, Lee delivers Meals on Wheels for LifePath, where he helps people out by bringing them food and he benefits from conversation.

“To tell you the truth, it makes me feel good being there and chatting with them,” Lee said. “It has been a plus in my life. … I like getting out of the house and having a reason to ride around.”

Lee, 70, said he works three days a week for a couple hours and he’s done by noon. He said it’s easy but important work that anyone in a similar position to him should consider.

“I would recommend volunteering if you don’t want to hang around the house watching TV or bugging your wife or husband,” he joked.

To volunteer with RSVP, call 413-387-4558 or email RSVP@communityaction.us. For more information and a list of upcoming events, visit communityaction.us/rsvp or Facebook.com/RSVPPioneerValley.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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