The RSVP program gives volunteers the opportunity to put their skills and talents to good use. They share their experiences by mobilizing other volunteers, mentoring youth, assisting with natural disasters, cleaning up the environment, and feeding the hungry.

The dedication of RSVP volunteers to serving this community shows in the work that they accomplish.  Many of our volunteers contribute countless hours to helping out those in need.  Several of these volunteers were honored for their selfless acts of volunteerism with the Outstanding Award on Volunteerism.  They were Hal Taylor (Shipp Program), Marie Infinito (Head Start), Carol Smith (The History Place) and Susan Thompson Davis (The Chamber of Commerce).

The partnership of the RSVP program and the Newport Police Department has been a good one.  Volunteer hours are calculated at $18.04 per volunteer hour.  With the ten Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) volunteers, the town of Newport has saved more than $33,281 for the year. These officers have been featured in the State and National Law Enforcement magazines as a model to be used by other departments.  Chief Jeff Clark was voted “Chief of the Year” for his insight and hard work.  He credited a lot of his success to the partnership with RSVP.

RSVP volunteers have made a significant impact on this community in many ways. Volunteers at Martha’s Mission worked four days a week to feed as many hungry individuals and families as they could.  During the year they served more than 9,561 families and 3,357 families.  These volunteers pick up, sort and pack food bags for those in need.