The VNA of the treasure coast (vnatc) has a long-standing history with our community, and since 1975, IT has grown to be one of the largest employers and healthcare providers in indian river county

However, even with its incredible growth, IT has never lost sight in what the founders wanted its purpose to be: a community-minded organization that cares for all. Volunteers are the heart of vnatc and are a key resource to the agency. More than 450 dedicated individuals generously donate their time and talent to assist in various aspects of the agency. Whether IT is interacting with patients, being an extra hand in the VNA hospice house, providing assistance around the office, or providing support in our hospice thrift stores, volunteers can be found in all aspects of our organization. Vnatc to implement the retired senior volunteer program (rsvp) in indian river county, beginning april 1, 2020. VNA of the treasure coast will engage a total of 241 volunteers over the three-year project period. Of these volunteers, 92 will be assigned to the primary focus area, healthy futures. The remainder of unduplicated volunteers, 149, will be assigned to other community priorities. The healthy futures project aims to decrease isolation amongst terminally ILL patients and their caregivers and encourage socialization and community connection amongst patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Rsvp volunteer activities and interventions will focus on increased social support and caregiver respite. Rsvp volunteers will make socialization visits to patients, provide respite visits to caregivers, and increase access to community activities and resources through transportation and companionship. At the end of the three-year project period, 70% of individuals served by 92 rsvp healthy futures volunteers will report increased social support and less feelings of isolation as documented in the senior corps senior companion and respite surveys. Through the efforts of 149 rsvp volunteers, other community needs will be met as determined by community partners, vnatc stakeholders, and advisory council members. The corporation for national and community services federal investment of $91,959 will be supplemented by $ 10,217 non-federal resources from the vnatc.