The Senior Corps Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties is currently looking for volunteers to help out in various nonprofit and public agencies in communities throughout Carbon County.

RSVP is funded and administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service and serves as a bridge between those who need help and those who want to help.In Carbon County volunteer help is needed by the Carbon County Area Agency on Aging for the APRISE program, which was created to help Pennsylvanian's Medicare enrollees understand their insurance benefits and coverage, compare Medicare prescription drug plans and complete applications for government programs that help pay Medicare expenses. APRISE Volunteers receive free specialized training that prepares them to speak with Medicare beneficiaries and their family regarding making decisions about their insurance.Carbon County Area Agency of Aging is also seeking volunteers to participate in the Long Term Ombudsman Program. This very important and much-needed program has been developed by the PA Agency on Aging to advocate on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities as well as individuals receiving services from community and adult day care.An ombudsman is an important part of helping to provide dignity and respect by enabling care residents to understand and to exercise their rights and to have a voice in their care and well being. Free training is provided to become an ombudsman.Anyone looking to enrich their lives by volunteering can call the Senior Corps Retired Volunteer Program for Carbon County at 610-509-4483 or the Lehigh Valley Office at 610-625-2290. The benefits of volunteering with RSVP is that while volunteering you are covered by free insurance while on the volunteer assignment and while traveling between home and the assignment.Other Carbon County volunteer opportunities include helping with Meals on Wheels in the Palmerton and Lehighton areas, delivering meals in the Panther Valley, Weatherly and Jim Thorpe areas, and helping in Shepherd House Food Pantries throughout the county.Thank you!Jean Zimmerman