Over thirty years ago President Lyndon Johnson took an idea to Congress which took root and is now spread over the entire United States as well as Japan and England. Johnson saw an opportunity to utilize the rich resources of experience, skills, and talents of people who are no longer in the work force. Initially folks had to be 60 to participate, but many companies encourage early retirement so the age limit has been lowered to 55. The local organization, under the auspices of the Chesapeake Bay Agency on Aging, is under the guidance of a director of the 10 County program. Most counties have coordinators who work about 20 hours a week.
Several volunteers go to the haven and build equipment or repair things.
Others go to nursing homes, usually on specific days and times, working with a specific patient. They may write letters, read Bible stories or read mail. There have been times when patients who were not responsive started talking because of the RSVP volunteer's interest. As a part of the home delivery of meals, a lady went to a home where there were kittens and puppies who also needed food, so RSVP started that program. One woman had to go to dialysis each day 70 miles away.