The volunteer center’s mission is to bring people together to improve lives and strengthen communities through volunteering. Currently the volunteer center is recruiting volunteers to transport seniors to medical appointments (RSVP), assist at local food pantries, become a trained emergency volunteer center volunteer, support clerical duties in non-profits, assist at seniors dining sites and provide entertainment, counsel Medicare recipients (SHIIP), assist with free tax preparation service (VITA), and participate in advisory groups. Volunteers receive an orientation to the program and training specific to their volunteer job. In addition to being covered by the volunteer center insurance while they are serving, volunteers receive ongoing assistance, support, recognition, and may be eligible for mileage reimbursement. An amendment to the Older Americans Act in 1969 created the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP expanded into Jones County in 2005 thanks to grants provided by the St. Luke's Rural Healthcare Foundation and the United Way of East Central Iowa. In July 2010, United Way of East Central Iowa became the sponsor of RSVP of Jones County. RSVP of Jones County grew into the volunteer center thus supporting volunteers of all ages, thanks to the Volunteer Generation Grant United Way of East Central Iowa received in 2011. The main sources of funding are United Way of East Central Iowa, The Heritage Agency on Aging, Jones Regional Medical Center, St. Luke's Rural Health Care Foundation, Mercy Medical Center, the Volunteer Generation Fund Grant, the Jones County Board of Supervisors, and both public and private donations. All donations made to the Jones County Volunteer Center and its direct service programs are tax deductible.
