Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RSVP annual report: volunteer transportation, new senior fitness class and retirements announced
Summary
RSVP presenters reported growth in volunteer transportation (44 volunteers provided 1,650 rides in 2024; about 1,720 rides to date in 2025), announced a new BASE senior fitness class starting Dec. 9 in Colo, and noted the RSVP director will retire Dec. 31 with a reception Dec. 16 at the Story City Community Center.
RSVP representatives presented the program’s annual report to the Story County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 and highlighted volunteer contributions, program partnerships and upcoming events.
Laura Severson and Caitlin Peterson said RSVP’s transportation program marked its 15th year. Severson corrected a figure in the packet, saying, "In 2024 ... we actually had 44 volunteers that provided 1,650 rides, not 1,068." She added that, as of the day before the meeting, RSVP had provided about 1,720 rides in 2025 and serves roughly 70–75 clients annually. The program has partnered with OLLI and the ISU Alumni Association to recruit volunteers and produced a short outreach video.
Severson described disaster services and TIP hotline volunteer training coordinated with the sheriff’s office and said RSVP has expanded programs such as PrepWise and fraud‑fighter outreach for older adults. She also announced a new senior fitness program called BASE (balance, agility, strength, endurance) that will start Dec. 9 in Colo; an informational meeting is scheduled for the Friday before the program starts.
Severson said she will retire effective Dec. 31 after 36½ years with RSVP and invited the public to a reception on Dec. 16 at the Story City Community Center from 3 to 6 p.m. Board members thanked RSVP staff and volunteers for years of service.
What happens next: RSVP staff will continue volunteer recruitment and will return to the board or staff channels with any program requests or funding changes as needed. The board noted interest in coordinating with Heartland and public health for complementary senior programming.
