About Us

In general, The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is based on a network of volunteers ages 55 and older that donate their time to various organizations around Flathead County. We got our start in 1973, with approximately 30 volunteers and, since then, the program has grown to over 500 volunteers serving over 800,000 hours (since inception) to many of the community's local non-profit agencies. To facilitate more volunteers being readily available to our community, in 2009 we opened up our volunteer matching services to ANY adult, and it is hoped we can help make a greater difference as a result. (Visit our "Getting Involved" section to find out more about who those agencies are and how our volunteers help.)

The bulk of our funding comes from a federal grant through The Corporation for National and Community Service (www.nationalservice.org). Flathead County is the local sponsor of our organization, providing funds for employee salaries and benefits, office space, storage, and a portion of our operating expenses. The remainder of the funding comes from a local grant from United Way, private and corporate donations, and the fundraisers you'll find information about here on our website.

If you ask an RSVP volunteer why they commit so much of their time to helping others, you'll get various responses. All, however, have one thing in common: they love what they do. Whether it's delivering meals to shut-in seniors, mentoring a youth who is struggling, or any of the other programs we support, they all feel passionate about the cause they are serving.

The progam is run by a full-time Director, a full-time Volunteer Coordinator, and a part-time Office Assistant.

 The director.....

Bobbie Kelly

...was hired as the current RSVP Director in 2004. Prior to accepting her position for RSVP, she worked for the Lantis Corporation in long-term care and assisted living, and has brought with her a love and appreciation for the seniors who built this country.

With her open-door policy, she enjoys the anecdotes and history lessons related by the volunteers, some of whom have ties to the Flathead Valley dating back to the late 1800's.

Her respect of the history of the area, combined with her admiration for those who built and strenghened our country, make her a perfect match for the special needs of the Senior Volunteer Program and the communities it serves.