About
Senior Volunteer Services is a recruiter of adult volunteers!
Our Mission
To improve the overall health and wellbeing of seniors in our communities by providing and promoting opportunities for volunteerism, social interaction, recreation, services, and education.
Our History
In 1973, our organization that is now known as Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) began serving the local communities of San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. While there may have been a few name changes over the years, our programs and services have never stopped fulfilling the needs of these communities. By partnering with existing non-profits and agencies, we have continued to enhance and reignite the lives of our aging citizens.
Our Programs
SVS is proud to serve as the umbrella agency for four impactful entities in SLO County and Northern Santa Barbara County: AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP), Central Coast Community Volunteers (3CV), Paso Robles Senior Center, and Project Lifesaver. We also act as the fiscal agent for San Luis Obispo Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
AmeriCorps Seniors
“Helping communities tackle tough challenges”
AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP) is where those aged 55 and up can be connected to a variety of volunteer opportunities to give back to their community. These are tasks and projects that make a huge difference in the lives of many seniors.
Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering meals to the homebound
- Providing companionship to isolated seniors
- Assisting local law enforcement
- Supporting other public agencies and non-profits as needed
Protection while on assignment with RSVP:
- $1 million personal liability
- $50K supplemental personal accident
- $1 million excess auto liability and property damage
We value your time and provide flexibility to all volunteers. You select when, where, and how often you want to serve.
Central Coast Community Volunteers (3CV)
Just shy of 55, but in your 50s and looking to give back? The Central Coast Community Volunteer program (3CV) in the ideal opportunity for you. This program is similar in all aspects to the AmeriCorps Seniors program, minus that 55+ age requirement.
Paso Robles Senior Center
"Discover Your Community"
The Paso Robles Senior Center is a vibrant hub for the North County senior community. Since its establishment in 2002, the beautiful 5000 square foot facility has been bustling with activity. Not only are there recreational activities, but there are also classes on a variety of subjects, medical seminars, parties and so much more. It is a great place for area seniors to play, access information and meet up with friends.
Activities include:
- Daily hot lunches through Meals that Connect
- Games - from bridge to dominoes
- Exercise and Yoga classes
- Education opportunities spanning a variety of topics
- Medical screenings and information
- Community service projects
- Seasonal parties
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Project Lifesaver
“Bringing loved ones home”
Project Lifesaver is here to give peace of mind to those caretaking for individuals or family members who are at risk of the life-threatening behavior of wandering. Patterns of wandering, leaving home, and getting lost can occur amongst people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Autism, or any other related cognitive issue. This search and rescue program has been designed to find lost individuals quickly and safely.
By partnering with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department, Project Lifesaver utilizes modern technology to track and locate missing individuals. Those enrolled in the program are given wristwatch sized radio transmitters to be worn on their wrists or ankles. When a person wearing this device goes missing, caregivers alert the Sheriff’s Department to activate the transmitter’s signal and respond to the given location.
Call or text 805.712.8603 for more information.
Board of Directors
Thomas Clough - Chair
William Crewe - Secretary/Treasurer
Eileen Brown
Nicole Pazden
Betty Woolslayer
Staff
Alexis Okumura - Executive Director
Dixon Moore - AmeriCorps Seniors Manager
Mary Hough - Program & Data Processing Coodinator
Micki Wright - Paso Robles Senior Center Coordinator
Elaine Ernst - Paso Robles Senior Center Coordinator
Stacie Trutanech - Project Lifesaver
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I enroll to volunteer as an AmeriCorps Senior volunteer through Senior Volunteer Services?
Senior Volunteer Services’ staff assists volunteers to find fulfilling volunteer assignments, matching interests and abilities to local needs, or helps find volunteer opportunities where volunteers may learn new skills. We have over 130 partners for our volunteers to choose from with a variety of jobs that match the volunteers values, interests, and skills.
What is the time commitment in becoming a volunteer?
Senior Volunteer Services has no time commitments, but to keep your volunteer status as “active”, volunteers or stations on behalf of the volunteer, must submit at least one hour a month of volunteer work done at a partnering station. A partnering station (organization) may have its own time requirements for volunteer positions.
Who can enroll with AmeriCorps Seniors?
People who are 55+ may become an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer. There are no education, income, or experience requirements to being an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer.
People who are 50+ may enroll in our Central Coast Community Volunteer program (3CV). There are also no education, income, or experience requirements for this program.
What does it cost to join AmeriCorps Seniors?
Nothing – there are no enrollment fees or dues to become an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer. However, to remain active in our system and to be covered by our insurance, volunteers must regularly turn in a volunteer time sheet to us with at least one hour for each month.
Am I covered by insurance when I volunteer?
Yes – enrolled volunteers who report their hours are covered while driving to and from volunteer assignment at a partnering station, and during their volunteer shift for a station. Insurance is a $1million general liability that includes property damage, 50k supplemental personal accident, and $1million excess liability and property damage.
Is there any mileage reimbursement?
Yes – volunteers may request some reimbursement for transportation expenses related to an AmeriCorps Seniors or 3CV assignment. Reimbursement is capped at $15 per month and paid quarterly. Volunteers may also donate their mileage as in-kind on their time sheets to help us meet our requirements to match our grant funds with in-kind donations.
Why are hours reported?
AmeriCorps Seniors’ volunteers must regularly report hours to maintain an “active status”, to validate the insurance benefits, and to claim mileage. The hours are also important to let Congress and state legislators know the value and type of contribution from San Luis Obispo County seniors.
Our Sponsors
SVS thanks its generous sponsors for recognizing the value of volunteers, the support they bring to the non-profits/agencies within our communities, and the work we do. Would you like to join our generous sponsors? Click here to send us an email.
