The Power of Volunteers
AmeriCorps Senior RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) has the dual purpose of engaging those 55 and over in meaningful volunteer service and providing volunteers to meet critical community needs.
RSVP volunteers have a lifetime of experience and are using their skills and talents to strengthen their own community. As a program we have selected the area of “Healthy Futures” as our main objective. Friends RSVP strengthens communities in the following ways.
"No task is too small, or too large, for them to undertake. They are always cheerful and never fail to lift our spirits when they are here. They also serve as great role models of how to stay active and involved in their community through volunteering."
Signature Programs
Meeting Community Needs
Volunteers in Action!
Friends Program Signature Programs
Assisting with aging at home and independent living: We operate Caregivers, a Merrimack County based program designed to meet the needs of those aging at home. Staff recruit, screen and support RSVP volunteers who provide door-through-door transportation for medical appointments Rides are free of charge to clients. Clients must be age 60+ and be unable to access other services.
Caregivers offers a free grocery shopping service, as well as, a Friendly Caller telephone reassurance program to assist homebound seniors in Merrimack County. We aim to keep individuals living at home longer with improved social interactions and social support.
Bone Builders: Bone Builders is a free senior strength training and balance exercise program. It can prevent and reverse osteoporosis and improves muscle strength, balance and bone density, along with helping with energy and general health. Classes are taught by certified RSVP volunteer leaders at over 20 locations throughout Merrimack, Rockingham, and Belknap counties.
See more about these programs under the Healthy Aging page
Helping food insecure families and individuals: We help food insecure families feel more secure by recruiting RSVP volunteers to serve at food pantries and backpack programs. Additionally we recruit RSVP volunteers to assist with community gardens and gleaning projects, distributing hundreds of pounds of produce to those most in need. See more about these efforts under the Reducing Food Insecurity page.
Youth Mentoring: RSVP volunteers serve as Youth Mentors for at-risk children in Merrimack County forming relationships that provide social support. This program aims to increase positive sense of self, academic engagement, and provides youth in need with positive caring role models. See more about becoming a youth mentoring volunteer under the Inspiring Confident Kids page.
AmeriCorps Senior RSVP Volunteers through the Friends Program work with nearly 60 different organizations all over the state. In 2022, our volunteers provided nearly 44,000 hours of service to over 26,000 individuals.
RSVP volunteers receive placement and training, on-going support and recognition and supplemental accident and liability insurance that covers you while you are volunteering.
More importantly, Friends RSVP offers membership in AmeriCorps Seniors and assists individuals by providing opportunities that match interest, skills and prioritizes community needs.
You have a lifetime of experience, now is the time to use your skills and talents to strengthen your community! You can reach the RSVP team at 603-228-0139 or RSVP@friendsprogram.org.
Friends Program volunteers help to grow food for the Newmarket Community Church Food Pantry. The Pantry had a grand re-opening on June 26th. With generous grants from Kennebunk Savings, the Seacoast Public Health Network, Shaws and many more donors, along with help from the NH Food Bank, the pantry is now completely accessible for shoppers to choose what they need each week.
Current Volunteer Service Opportunities Winter 2024
Concord Area
Jennings Drive Food Pantry- Every other Thursday from 9-11 over the summer months. Assist patrons with fulfilling food orders, ensure paperwork about family demographics is recorded.
Bread Sorting and Delivery- Assist Friendly Kitchen with sorting their weekly delivery of bread from Hannafords. Weigh, sort and box bread and distribute to determined local apartments.
Community Action Program– Complete client satisfaction survey calls.
Cooking Assistance- Assist Friendly Kitchen with cooking meals to feed their guests.
Food Delivery on Fridays-Drop off large plastic totes of food to Boys and Girls Club every Friday at 10:30.
Overcomer Refugee Services-Assist new Americans with reading, writing and speaking English so they can pass their citizenship test.
Granite VNA – Welcome and greet families and visitors to the Hospice House. Flexible schedule.
Merrimack County Nursing Home – provide friendly visits to patients, assist with senior activities, provide gift shop help and play bridge. Days are flexible. (Boscawen)
The Children’s Place - Seeks volunteers to read to children, do office work and put diapers into bags. The diaper pantry is only for the first Tuesday of each month.
Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center (BITSETC) – Love horses? BITSETC is a great place to help children and adults with disabilities. BITSETC also offers first responders therapeutic sessions
Blossom Hill Cemetery – Volunteers can learn a bit of Concord’s history and its surroundings. Plenty of office work, filing, copying and including using a typewriter!
Friends of Forgotten Children – offers a plethora of volunteer opportunities from sorting clothes, food to fixing bicycles. FOFC does a huge service to the community and especially those in need. Volunteer hours are flexible.
Portsmouth Area
Salvation Army Portsmouth is looking for volunteers to pick up bread at a local store and deliver it to their Rockland Street location. Pick up is around 8:30 on Monday and Tuesday mornings - volunteers can choose the day/days they are available to help.
Portsmouth Meals on Wheels, located at the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center, is looking for volunteers to help set up for dine in services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours are 9:30-11:30 though they can be flexible.
Portsmouth Senior Activity Center – Do you have a talent you’d like to share with others? The Center is looking for volunteers for new programs to keep seniors engaged. Artistic programming, games, and more!
Gather Cafe - Gather and Great Bay Community College partner to provide donated meals to food insecure students and community members with affordable, convenient & healthy food options. Volunteers support the Gather Cafe Manager in setting up and maintaining cafe for service. There are many other volunteer opportunities at Gather in many locations along with the pantry at 210 West Road, Portsmouth.
Newmarket Community Church Food Pantry needs volunteers for a variety of shifts.
Future In Sight- Drivers are needed for the visually impaired for appointments, technology training, etc. Statewide.
TASC – TASC needs drivers in several Seacoast towns for medical appointments for eligible residents. Drivers can choose the rides, areas they drive, and hours they volunteer.
Derry
Community Caregivers of Greater Derry – Drivers are needed in all towns served, but there is high need in Hampstead, Danville, and Sandown. Volunteers also needed to help the homebound stay in their homes with help with light chores and visitation. Schedules can be flexible.
Please contact RSVP@friendsprogram.org or 603-228-0139 to sign up for any of these opportunities or for more information.
