By Dawes County Volunteers
DAWES COUNTY – When federal cuts resulted in the disbanding of the local Retired Senior Volunteers Program, Dawes County, the City of Chadron and the City of Crawford immediately began looking for ways to fill the vacuum.
“Volunteers are vital to communities making collaborative efforts to support needed services in their town,” said Dawes County Commissioner Jake Stewart. “Being a volunteer means helping others while at the same time providing much needed contact and human interaction necessary for a healthy lifestyle.”
The previous program, known as RSVP and operated out of Northwest Community Action Partnership, helped facilitate volunteers over the age of 55 to community events, organizations and businesses. When the program was dismantled it left a void for volunteers wishing to contribute to their communities and for organizations in need of their services.
“I deeply appreciate the dedicated seniors who’ve made such a difference through RSVP over the years—your work at events, blood drives, nonprofits, and more has strengthened our community,” said Crawford Mayor April Grant.
Now, several months after RSVP folded, financial and staff contributions by Dawes County, Chadron and Crawford have made it possible to launch the Dawes County Volunteers program. Unlike RSVP, however, the new program is open to volunteers of all ages, though parental consent and supervision may be required in some instances.
“While we regret the end of RSVP due to federal funding changes, this opens the door to a better, more inclusive option right here at home,” Grant said. “Our new initiative welcomes people of all ages—youth, families, adults, and seniors—creating an intergenerational approach that taps into everyone’s talents and energy to serve Crawford, Chadron, and Dawes County even more effectively.”
“This volunteer program is critical for a healthy community that welcomes growth, and Dawes County is proud to keep this group together and moving forward,” Stewart added.
Grant encouraged everyone from teens to grandparents to get involved with the new program, which she said will expand opportunities, foster mentorship across generations, strengthen community ties, and continue meeting local needs.
“Your time and skills matter, and together we can keep service thriving stronger than ever. Thank you to the organizers, partners, and all volunteers—past and future—for your commitment to Dawes County. Let’s make this new chapter our best yet,” she said.
Martha Quay, the current secretary for the Veterans Service Organization, will coordinate the program.
“The addition of all members of our community to work side by side, young to old, will do nothing but strengthen our resolve in making sure we provide the services to one and all. Martha is a great choice to take the reins from Rachel and with time, patience and experiences will make this program great,” said Chadron City Manager Tom Menke. “Great people with a great program will have great results. Thanks to all, Martha, Dawes County, Crawford, Whitney and all the volunteers. What a winning line up.”
Interested volunteers and organizations in need of volunteers can complete an interest form online at https://dawescounty.ne.gov/resources/dawes-county-volunteers.html.
Please contact Quay at [email protected] with additional questions.