Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item # 2



Columbus Consolidated Government



Council Meeting



03/18/2003



Agenda Report # 38



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Continuing

Contract



INITIATED BY: Parks and Recreation Department







Recommendation: Request approval to submit an application and if

approved accept federal funding for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

(RSVP)



Background: A continuing resolution has been authorized by Columbus

Council each spring since the inception of RSVP in 1973. The resolution

specifies the federal funds being applied for and gives an estimate of the

local funding. The RSVP of Columbus provides opportunities for Senior Adults

from all backgrounds, ages 55 and above, to utilize their knowledge,

experience, and talents in meaningful volunteer service to the Community.



The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is jointly funded by the City

of Columbus and the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is

the federal sponsor. RSVP continues to respond to the changing needs of the

community. Currently, there are approximately 320 active volunteers who render

approximately 51,000 service hours annually at 41 volunteer stations in

Columbus and Fort Benning. Some of the referenced sites are : Area Agency on

Agency, Meals on Wheels, The Mayor's Office, The Government Center, The Police

Department, Girl Scouts, The Pastoral Institute, Martin Army and the Columbus

Convention and Visitors Bureau.



Financial Considerations: The total project cost for the 03-04 project year is

estimated to be $76,447 of which $30,267 is estimated to be the federal share

and up to $46,180 is estimated to be the local share. The local funds have

been requested in the City's 04 budget. The period of the program application

is from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.



Legal Considerations: All grant applications has to be approved by Council.



Recommendations/ Actions: Request approval to submit an application and accept

federal funding for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).