Volunteers to help seniors in need
Twenty years ago, it was an idea that came from the late Jean Chevalier. Batavia's District Council on Aging had secured the funding to bring affordable housing to Batavia by creating Riverain. Chevalier realized that it wasn't only housing that the seniors needed. They also needed transportation. Many were homebound and unable to get to medical appointments without incurring the cost of a taxi.
Chevalier took on the task of investigating different avenues of help and approached the Council about setting up an RSVP program in Batavia. RSVP, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a national volunteer- based organization.
Working through area churches, the Council set up Batavia RSVP, inc. to help seniors in the community who might be homebound. Through the national organization, the group was able to secure the necessary liability insurance to protect their volunteers
While driving, many of the volunteers were able to learn about other needs such as the high cost of prescription drugs. At the time, RSVP identified that one third of Batavia's seniors lived on an annual income of $10,000 or less. On average, one fourth of that income was spent on prescription drugs.
Working with Rachielles Pharmacy, RSVP was able to offer the Medical Assistance Program (MAP), a program that provides much-needed financial assistance for prescriptions drugs. Funding initially was secured through the city, charitable organizations and private donations. When Rachielles closed, Batavia's Jewel Osco pharmacy took over the program.
The high cost of prescription drugs is a hardship for all. It is especially difficult for those who are on a fixed income.
In twenty years, RSVP has grown into an organization that involves many volunteers. There are volunteers who work in the office, volunteers who work on securing grant funding, volunteers who deliver meals, volunteers who drive seniors. RSVP even has 501(c) 3 designation so that those who have more money than time, can support the group by giving financial assistance.
"I have driven seniors to doctor's appointments, hair appointments and grocery store visits," said board member Sue Bauer. "I've gotten to know many of the seniors in our town and that has been good for me as well as for them. However driving is just one of the services that we offer."
RSVP has expanded its services. It provides both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for seniors homes and makes sure that the batteries are changed each year. It distributes lock boxes to seniors so that the fire department will have access to the home if an emergency occurs. RSVP works with the group HAVE, INC. (Home Assistance Volunteer Effort) to offer installations.
RSVP helps seniors in applying for property tax relief programs, Circuit Breaker, Senior Home Exemption and Real Estate Tax Deferral. The group also offers assistance in directing seniors to the right government or community agency for assistance.
Who is eligible for assistance from RSVP? Seniors 65 and older who live in Batavia, Batavia Township or the Batavia Park District boundaries are eligible. You just need to call the RSVP office and let them know that you need a driver. If you want a lockbox or smoke detectors, the office staff will make the arrangements.
To be eligible for prescription assistance, income must be under $27,000 if alone in the home, $36,000 if two are in the home and $45,000 if there are three occupants.
Batavia is filled with people who are willing to help others in the community. You don't need to be a senior or retired to volunteer with RSVP. The people who drive for RSVP include a variety of volunteers from moms with school age children to those with flexible schedules. Volunteer hours are not a fixed time. The coordinator gets the request for a driver and calls those on the volunteer list to see if someone is available.
"I wish communities across the country would adopt programs like this, " said Bauer. "My mother lived in Ohio and spent her life driving others to their appointments. I wasn't always able to help her when she needed it. In a way I feel by helping those in our community, I am doing it for her."
In celebration of 20 years in the community, RSVP is having a celebration tea at the Batavia Public on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. for volunteers, charter members Golden Diner drivers and contributors.
If you would like to donate some driving time or money to RSVP, why not drop in at the tea and talk with board members about the many opportunities available or call (630) 406-9993.