Americorps SeniorsFormerly RSVP of Galveston County

The UTMB Sealy Center on Aging has supported Americorps Seniors (RSVP of Galveston County) since 2002.

Did you know? AmeriCorps’ Volunteering & Civic Life in America research shows 60.7 million Americans volunteered more than 4.1 billion hours of service with an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion. Read more about the research: http://Bit.ly/VCLA2023

Become a Volunteer

Americorps Seniors are volunteers over the age of 55 (known as RSVP volunteers) who engage in a variety of activities throughout Galveston County non-profit agencies. This program has been supported by UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging for almost 20 years.

As an RSVP volunteer, you will be introduced to a variety of opportunities among non-profits in the community, based on your personal interests and skills. The decision when and where to volunteer is up to you and the needs of the volunteer location. There are no minimum requirements for your volunteer time. We have volunteers who assist with projects once a year (Nia Cultural Center; Alzheimer’s Walk), once a month (Food Bank Distribution), or once a week (Meals on Wheels; Galveston Urban Ministries). For those seeking even more volunteer time, there are opportunities to be a receptionist, checking in those seeking support services (HIS Ministries and MI Lewis). These are just a few examples. RSVP volunteers have helped hurricane/storm victims by mucking out houses that were damaged, assisting with pets who became homeless, or sorting and bagging donated food items for people who are in need. No special skills are required in the majority of volunteer activities.

Contact Us

Thanks for a Successful 21st Annual Abundant Living Conference

Apr 5, 2024, 08:54 AM by SCOA

The 21st Abundant Living Conference was held from March 25 to 27, 2024, at the beautiful Camp Allen in Navasota. Whether you are 8 or 80, there is fun to be had and friends to be made at camp! Thank you to our incredible doctors, clergy and workshop leaders along with support from the Episcopal Seniors Foundation and The Guild Shop that made this experience possible. Older adults have had the opportunity to attend this fun and informative event for more than 20 years. Thanks to the many contributors.

The theme of "Joyful Living" was evident as over 100 attendees were inspired by presentations and experiences emphasizing the importance of joy and happiness. Participants connected with nature through outdoor activities and enjoyed musical fun and fellowship during social hours.

This year’s speakers included:

Dr. Jim Goodwin: "Demystifying Dementia"
Dr. Jean Goodwin: "Farewell to a Beloved Office"
Dr. Samuel Mathis: "Joy as Medicine"
Ramona Benton: "Finding Joy in the Hard Stuff"
Rev. Lacy Largent: "Experiencing Joy in the Midst of Suffering"
Angel Hanzik: "Don’t Let the Scammers Steal Your Joy (or Your Money)"
Rev. Francene Young: "Shield and Share Your Joy"

Morning reflections and night prayers were offered by Fr. Peter Funk and Br. Michael Gallagher. George Dehan, former director of Camp Allen, wrapped up the event with a slide show and parting thoughts on keeping joy in our lives throughout the year.

While Abundant Living will continue as an annual event at Camp Allen, the Sealy Center on Aging bid a bittersweet farewell to future involvement with the conference. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this unique gathering and hope you will continue visiting the piney woods in Navasota at the special place we call Camp Allen.

RSVP Highlights

RSVP Continues to Help the Community

Alice Williams and Ritchie Adoue have teamed up to be back-up volunteers for the local Meals on Wheels program. Catherine Cooksley, a retired member of the Sealy Center on Aging and volunteer with the RSVP Program, also helps deliver meals. Each month, Ritchie Adoue serves dinner each month at Salvation Army.
RSVP Hosts Conference

"I have volunteered with Ritchie Adoue and the RSVP program for over 15 years. During that time, I have seen her bring people together, not only as volunteers, but as community members with a vision for a better world. Ritchie’s positive impact on others was most recently apparent as she coordinated the 2020 Texas Senior Corps Association Conference here in Galveston on February 26 – 28, 2020. This annual statewide gathering boasted the largest turnout to date, with 82 Senior Corps leaders in attendance. With the theme “Ready, Willing, and Able” as her guide, Ritchie not only recruited qualified speakers but also coordinated the facility, meals and special activities for everyone to enjoy. She also hosted Deborah Cox-Roush, the National Director for Senior Corps from Washington, D.C." - Alice Williams, UTMB
Community Information Event

Representatives from Galveston County non-profit organizations and the RSVP Volunteer Program presented about ongoing volunteer opportunities on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Moody Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Galveston, TX. Members of the community age 55 or older were invited to attend this free event. Presentations were given about Gulf Coast Center - Veteran Support Services, HIS Ministries, Libbie's Place Senior Day Program, MI Lewis, City of Santa Fe Resiliency Center and others.
Nonviolence and Peace Workshop

On July 12th, 2018, Ramona Benton, RSVP Volunteer, along with her team, conducted a one-day workshop about non-violence and peace by virtue of Dr. Martin Luther King's teachings. RSVP Director, Ritchie Adoue received her certificate of participation. Ramona will be scheduling another workshop in the future on behalf of RSVP. Harold Love, the youngest presenter team member, is the grandson of a 90 year-old RSVP volunteer.
Reopening of MI Lewis Social Service Center

The MI Lewis Social Service Center food pantry held its grand re-opening ceremony on July 9th, 2018. The pantry is one of the RSVP volunteer locations and was completely destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. Ritchie Adoue, Director, RSVP Volunteer Program thanks everyone who supported the food pantry for their generous support!
Meeting US Representative Gabby Giffords

“Proud of RSVP Director Ritchie Adoue meeting with Gabby Giffords to talk about the work her RSVP vol[unteer]s are doing in Santa Fe as they heal from the recent shooting tragedy.” - CNCS Texas Office Tweet
Harvey Recovery
Geriatrics and Medicine Services at UTMB, SCoA staff & RSVP Volunteers supported Harvey relief with help with clean up and donations for those affected by the hurricane.
Poverty Simulation
The RSVP Senior Volunteer Program at SCoA sponsored a one-day Poverty Simulation on March 15, 2017 that gave over 90 participants the opportunity to experience a month living in poverty. Overall, 68% of attendees reported an increase in their level of understanding of the circumstances of poverty after participating in the simulation. Some comments included, "I was surprised how fast I jumped into a role of survival" and "I was confused by the places I had to go, the coldness of trying to get help and the desperation I felt". Thanks to Ritchie Adoue, Program Director for the RSVP program and Rob Ruffner with GCMAP for organizing this event.
Mayor's Day of Recognition
Galveston area mayors proclaim April 7th, 2015 as the first annual Day of Recognition Honoring Volunteer and Community Service. Special thanks to Ritchie Adoue!