Pike County proclaims April 2025 National Volunteer Week, honors AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers

Pike County commissioners on April 23 adopted Resolution 25-10 designating April 2025 as National Volunteer Week in the county and formally recognized local AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers.

The proclamation notes AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs provide service opportunities across nonprofits, schools and public agencies and specifically cited the Pike County RSVP program sponsored by Diacon Community Services and partnered with the Pike County Area Agency on Aging.

"Thank you, commissioners, for taking the time to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our volunteers," said Mary Grace Joseph, RSVP director, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program. Joseph and other RSVP representatives stood with volunteers at the meeting while commissioners presented the resolution.

Don Motian, who identified himself as RSVP coordinator, summarized the program's service in 2024 and invited more volunteers to join. "In 2024, the Pike County volunteers delivered approximately 57,634 meals to homebound seniors," Motian said. He also reported 76 Pike County volunteers logged about 13,225.08 hours of service with an estimated financial impact of $413,830.07.

The commissioners also heard details about other RSVP activities: support for five local senior centers (9,429 congregate meals), assistance at local food pantries (about 9,000 clients served at one pantry), senior-friendly-call programs, volunteer Medicare counseling for roughly 84 beneficiaries, and an ombudsman volunteer serving long-term care residents.

The proclamation encourages residents to thank AmeriCorps members and volunteers and highlights volunteer recruitment needs for meal delivery, kitchen assistance and Medicare counseling.

The county's formal action on the proclamation was recorded as approved by the commissioners.