Our History
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program History
Created by Congress in 1968 with the Older Americans Act, RSVP was launched in 1971. It was designed to provide opportunities for retired men and women age 55 and older to participate more fully in their communities through significant service. RSVP is a federal grant program under the Corporation for National Service, and is locally sponsored by the Human Services Council.
RSVP's funding comes from a federal grant awarded and authorized by Congress annually through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Additional funding and support comes from Clark County and the State of Washington. RSVP must also fundraise in order to maintain the program. Currently there are two major annual fundraisers which include the Senior Connections Expo in the spring, and the Recognition Luncheon in the fall.
Human Services Council Volunteer Center History
The Volunteer Center (originally called Volunteer Bureau) began at the agency in the early 1970s and was accredited by the National Volunteer Center. Early funding came from United Way; United Way of the Columbia Willamette has continued to be a funder over the last two decades. The Center led community efforts in mentoring (initiating the Mentoring Roundtable) and partner with Clark County and local schools to build service learning opportunities, including Summer of Service projects in the 1990s.
Grants and awards for our programs have also come through our membership in the Points of Light Foundation and the National Network of Volunteer Centers.
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