A nationally recognized program, AmeriCorps Seniors’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) matches adults 55 and older with local volunteer opportunities. Program volunteers assist at schools, hospitals, community centers, social service organizations, and in community programs such as Meal on Wheels. Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan sponsors this program in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in southeast Michigan.

The RSVP program is always looking for a few good volunteers!

Share your time and talent, or put your experience to work for the community.
Volunteers choose how and where they serve, and the time they want to give. Volunteer opportunities serve the communities within Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties and can include projects for seniors, and veterans, cultural functions, and more.

If you want to share your experience and skills, meet new people and give back to your community, then the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is for you! 

Contact us now to learn more.
We have two locations to serve the tri-county communities in Southeast Michigan!

Ready to get started? We invite you to download and complete the following forms which you will need to get started.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at rsvp@ccsem.org or contact us at one of our RSVP office locations.

RSVP Volunteer Application

Background Check Form

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) about the RSVP Program

Requirements 

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers must be 55 or older and want to serve their community. Our staff will help match an interested person with a service opportunity that fits their passion. Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan places people 55 and older in a service opportunity in the tri-county area (Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties). Volunteers must consent to a background check. 

Benefits 

• Receive recognition for their service including thank you gifts, cards, and event invitations 
• Eligible for reimbursement for travel to and from their service site for mileage or bus fare 
• Receive supplemental volunteer accident and liability insurance 
• Have fun while helping others 
• Meet like-minded people 

Are all opportunities in-person? 

No, some volunteers choose to volunteer from home by corresponding with older adults needing companionship, sewing or crocheting needed items, or decorating cards. 

Some volunteers serve by meeting online with children that need mentors or tutors. 

What types of activities are offered? 

Volunteers pack or deliver meals to seniors, tutor or read with students, assist at food pantries, be a telephone companion or pen pal to a veteran, drive seniors to medical appointments, assist at hospitals, docent at museums or be clerical assistance at a variety of agencies, to name a few. Activities can vary by area and how far a volunteer would travel. 

Do you have to be Catholic to serve through CCSEM? 

No, all eligible volunteers are encouraged to join. Our volunteers include people of various faiths. No religious affiliation is required. 

How many hours are you required to serve? 

AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers are asked to serve regularly. Required hours vary. Some agency partners ask for a four-hour weekly commitment, but other activities can make an impact in two hours per month. 

Are you required to serve all year long? 

No, many volunteers are “snowbirds”. Volunteers are asked to serve when they are available.  

Are there vaccination or other health related requirements? 

Requirements vary, volunteers need to observe rules related to the location where they serve.