Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc.

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The purpose of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Pinellas County (RSVP) is to create meaningful opportunities for persons 55 years of age and above to participate more fully in the life of their community through volunteer service. RSVP has partnered with the Pinellas Opportunity Council to recruit volunteers who are 55+ for the specific opportunities listed below.

About
Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. is a member of the Community Action Partnership, a network of some 1,100 private non-profit and public Community Action Agencies created under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to combat poverty throughout the United States. We mobilize federal, state, local and private resources to develop programs that deliver services to help individuals and families alleviate conditions of poverty, empower people to move towards economic self-sufficiency, provide opportunities for people to reach their full potential, and revitalize communities.

Volunteer Opportunities
Mentors are needed for the agency's "Getting Ahead Program" to give individuals in need of social, developmental and emotional support the tools they need to combat poverty. Mentors are responsible for meeting with the assigned mentee for the agreed-upon time frame (once a month for a minimum of six (6) months), acting as a resource and guide, working closely with agency staff through phone contact, personal conferences and group meetings, serving as an example/role model, and accepting a mentee who may not share the volunteer’s lifestyle and values. Volunteers must respect the mentee’s right to self-determination and independence.

Matching Process:
Matches will be made on the basis of interests, skills, background, knowledge and temperament of both the mentee and the mentor.

Benefits for Mentors: 
Training in communication skills, the role of a mentor and diversity.  Increased skills in working with and helping individuals overcome poverty.  Helping individuals and their families create a more self-sufficient and productive life.