[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                RSVP PROGRAM IS SUCCESS IN ESSEX COUNTY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of Federal programs that 
are inefficient, or just plain don't work. But let me say a few words 
today about one of the good programs, one which performs a vital 
service for an important segment of the population.
  It is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP] in Essex 
County, which is funded by the National Community and Service Corp., 
and locally by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg.
  RSVP makes use of retired persons after 55 or older who still have 
enormous talents and energies to offer. These volunteers assist public 
and nonprofit agencies and licensed health care facilities in meeting 
urgent social needs. Their efforts are directed to oldER Americans who 
are frail, ailing, and homebound, and deal with such areas as 
nutrition, health, independence. They assist hospitals, nursing homes, 
schools, libraries, and a variety of other human service agencies.
  Have they been successful? You bet! RSVP-Essex County has 530 
enrolled volunteers, who have logged 68,500 hours annually. They serve 
at 74 agencies and organizations throughout the county. It's one of 38 
such programs in the State of New York, with a total of 45,000 
volunteers.
  In Essex County, over 1,556 volunteers have joined this program since 
1974, and contributed 788,860 hours of service.
  Mr. Speaker, this is America at its best. It is an example of 
neighbor helping neighbor. The staff and all volunteers deserve our 
Highest praise.
  RSVP-Essex County will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on 
September 15, and I would ask this House to join me in congratulating 
RSVP-Essex County for its 20 years of outstanding service.

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