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Sullivan County launches locally funded ‘Sullivan Volunteers’ to replace RSVP funding
Summary
Sullivan County Office for the Aging outlined a new, county-funded volunteer program to replace expired AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP funds, keeping core services such as medical transportation, home-delivered meals and nonprofit capacity building while adding youth and intergenerational initiatives.
Sullivan County announced a locally funded volunteer initiative, “Sullivan Volunteers,” to preserve services after federal AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP funding expired on May 7, 2025. The program, administered by the Sullivan County Office for the Aging (SCOFA), will initially concentrate on medical transportation, home-delivered meals and nonprofit capacity support while expanding intergenerational engagement.
SCOFA staff said the new program will “mirror the core focus areas of the former RSVP,” emphasizing continuity for critical services that support older adults. The county plans to keep mileage reimbursement for nutrition volunteers at the IRS standard rate with no cap and to offer mileage reimbursement for nonprofit placements at up to five trips or 200 miles per month at the IRS standard rate.
County presenters noted program goals include a youth volunteer mentorship pairing older volunteers with high school and college students, “digital literacy and tech buddies” to assist older adults with telehealth and online benefits, a seasonal summer-of-service program for teens and college students, and partnerships to include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
SCOFA staff said program evaluation and reporting will continue under county oversight, tracking active volunteers, service hours, mileage reimbursed, trips completed, meals delivered and client transport. Annual reports will be submitted to the Sullivan County Legislature and the New York State Office for the Aging as required. The presentation cited national volunteer-value estimates and local volunteer counts: in 2024, 116 Sullivan County volunteers reportedly served 14,170 hours.
Legislators and county staff praised the redesign and the program’s branding work during the presentation. SCOFA emphasized the program’s intent to preserve the legacy of RSVP while adapting to local needs and funding realities.
