Published on April 10, 2009

RSVP Has New Sponsor

The Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) of Josephine County has a new sponsor, United Community Action Network (UCAN).

"We are very pleased that UCAN will be our new sponsor," said Kelly Wessels, director, RSVP. "We are very thankful to Asante Health System for sponsoring RSVP for the last 11 years and for its support in helping us make this transition."

UCAN is a private, non-profit, community action agency founded in 1969 in Roseburg, Oregon by a group of three women then called "welfare moms," and two caseworkers who wanted more for their children. Now, more than 35 years later, UCAN operates throughout Douglas and Josephine Counties with a staff of more than 135 people committed to promoting resources and opportunities that increase the self sufficiency of all low income families and individuals.

"Through the operation of our programs and in partnerships with other agencies, our goal is to alleviate poverty and positively impact the quality of life for elderly, poor, and disabled individuals," said Mike Fieldman, CEO, UCAN.

RSVP of Josephine County has an enrollment of over 1100 volunteers and provides many services to the community such pharmaceutical assistance, Medicare advocacy and safety net services that respond to community-based needs. RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, and from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. The new sponsor will assume management of these resources; the volunteers; the community "stations" in which they are assigned to serve; and also the responsibility to support the continued growth and development of the program.