By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity
About a month ago Panhandle Post reported on the closure of the RSVP program in Chadron. Since that story aired, I've heard a lot of speculation about what would be happening to the RSVP program and all the activities at the Senior Center in Alliance.
Recently I met with Angie Flesner, Director of the Senior Center in Alliance. She assured me that RSVP has been funded through a grant until March 31, 2026.
RSVP is the nationwide Retired Senior Volunteer Program offered through AmeriCorps. RSVP encourages older adults to remain active and engaged in their communities while making a positive impact. Volunteers are age 55 and older, and Flesner reported that she has had several new volunteers sign up in the last few months.
Volunteers can choose activities that match their skills and interests. The Senior Center lines up delivery people for their noon meals and well as Meals on Wheels for the hospital. They serve regularly at Community Table. People can volunteer for any nonprofit, school, or government entity and report their volunteer hours. Those hours are used in the grant application process.
Currently Flesner is looking for people to help with the Extra Helpings Food Pantry operated by Northwest Community Action Partnership at 3rd and Flack streets in Alliance. This task involves stocking shelves, assisting the pantry's clients, helping staff track outgoing food, and helping to unload products from delivery trucks.
Flesner is especially excited about the Senior Center's newest program, the Volunteer Youth Alliance. The organization was approved by the Alliance City Council at their January meeting. Currently 33 youth volunteers work with RSVP volunteers on local events. She reported that they have logged about 300 hours of service so far.
The Volunteer Youth Alliance has a board of nine RSVP and two youth volunteers. They have painted fire hydrants throughout Alliance, sorted recyclables at KAB and created an art wall at the KAB facility, put out flags downtown over Memorial Day weekend, and helped at Horspice. Youth volunteers report projects they have been involved with at their churches. They regularly assist in serving the Nutrition Site meals at the Senior Center.
The Nutrition Site at the Senior Center feeds 65-70 people every day. Meals are available at the Senior Center at 11:45 am for $5.50 and home delivery for $6.00. The Aging Office of Western Nebraska in Scottsbluff oversees the Nutrition Program by setting menus and prices. (Prices did not change this year.) Menus are posted on Panhandle Post and facebook.com/Alliance.NE.Senior.Center. People are asked to contact the Senior Center if they want to receive meals. Most patrons are regulars who sign up for a week at a time. Others are asked to phone the center before 9:00 am, to ensure the right amount of food is prepared.