Update: You Showed Up. Look What Happened



Although thousands of volunteers support our learning experiences each year, our RSVP volunteers consistently stand out for their outstanding dedication and commitment to our organization. And they are always reliable, which is not something to take for granted in this type of work. (Lauren Kane - Junior Achievement) 

That couldn’t be a nicer compliment, could it? Kudos to you all.  

It’s report-writing time here at RSVP, when we provide outcomes and statistics to AmeriCorps. The comment above is from our volunteer station survey and shows how your work is truly appreciated by the nonprofits you serve. Did you know that at some organizations, volunteers do nearly half of the work? Your efforts couldn’t be more important, especially in uncertain times. Thank you! 

And drum roll, please, for the final tally of your work last year: 

• 180 volunteers gave  

• 13,446 hours of service to 

• 46 nonprofit partners 

• with a value to the community of $462,811.32! 

 Well done, and we’re so proud of you!

Global Volunteer Month celebrates the power of volunteers and the positive impact they make on individuals, communities and our societies worldwide. RSVP-NV couldn’t meet critical community needs and make the impact we make without your involvement and support. You directly impact companionship, transportation, donations management, resource development, preparation for disaster services, job training, classroom support and tutoring, food collection and distribution, pantry support and more. 

Global Volunteer Month also increases and encourages more individuals to volunteer. April 20-26 was National Volunteer Week, which is an opportunity to highlight your work and encourage more people to volunteer for the many urgent needs our community faces. And we celebrate you, Volunteer, who gives your time, love and attention, and shares your skills and spreads kindness. 

To celebrate, we invite you to thank a volunteer or share your own history on Volunteer Fairfax’s Kudoboard by highlighting how volunteering has made a difference in our community and in your life. There's still time! Visit www.kudoboard.com/boards/7DoOF7mO and leave your message to inspire others. 

Thank you for all you do!

RSVP Volunteers have been busy, making remarkable contributions across various projects and showcasing dedication, creativity, and compassion. From engaging in educational activities to providing essential resources, you have demonstrated the power of collective action and the profound impact that can be achieved when individuals come together with a shared purpose.  

Here are some of the standout accomplishments: 

Group Service Projects 

Volunteers played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators during National Engineers Week activities at the Children’s Science Center Lab. Their efforts helped spark curiosity and excitement among young minds. At the International Festival at Main Street Child Development Center, volunteers supported children and families, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation. 

Welcome Wednesday Projects 

Volunteers used their creative skills to decorate 40 pillowcases for our troops to use for rest and as laundry bags as part of Operation Gratitude Project Pillowcase. Volunteers also completed 100 community partner appreciation candy jars for Shepherds Center Fairfax-Burke, expressing gratitude and strengthening community bonds. In addition, volunteers assembled 200 RSVP-NV outreach and recruitment gifts, enhancing efforts to connect with and recruit new members. Volunteers assembled and donated 100 summer care kits to Cornerstones, ensuring families have essential items for the season. Volunteers assembled 25 literacy kits for True Ground to help students on their educational journey.  

Recurring Connections 

Volunteers established meaningful connections with several organizations, including the English Empowerment Center, where they serve as English level testers. At New Hope Housing, volunteers provide shelter support and assist with donations. Food for Others benefit from volunteers collecting client intake information and ensuring efficient service delivery. Additionally, volunteers assist Cornerstones with their farmer’s market and serve as math tutors, contributing to educational and nutritional support. 

Bee Better 

Volunteers participated in an informative Bee Better presentation to learn about Red Cross preparedness activities such as Home Fire Safety, Sound the Alarm, and Be Alarmed. These activities are crucial in saving lives and promoting safety within communities. 

Communication Involvement 

Volunteers engaged in a Virginia Science Center Foundation Community Conversation, sharing their thoughts, goals, and aspirations for the community. This involvement highlights the importance of communication and collaboration in driving community progress. 

Thank you to every volunteer engaged in those or other volunteer opportunities. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on various projects and initiatives. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we look forward to continued volunteer efforts that make a difference in the lives of many. 

On March 28, 2025, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Northern Virginia (RSVP-NV) hosted its Annual Bites & Bubbly Recognition and Celebration Event at the Volunteer Fairfax/RSVP office. The event marked the end of a successful grant period and celebrated the marvelous and meaningful contributions of volunteers, partners, and supporters. 

Stacey Iden, the RSVP Program Manager, kicked off the event with a warm welcome on behalf of RSVP-NV. She expressed gratitude to all attendees for their dedication and support.  

Mayjean Deem, Senior Director of Volunteer Fairfax and RSVP-NV’s authorized representative, emphasized the importance of AmeriCorps Seniors support, celebrating 13 years of collaboration. Jennifer Williamson, CEO of Volunteer Fairfax, highlighted Volunteer Fairfax’s 50-year history and its continuous support for RSVP-NV. Volunteer Fairfax has been an important partner for RSVP-NV since 2012. 

The event also acknowledged our 46 partner organizations, including six new partners during this grant year, for their responsiveness and hospitality extended to volunteers. The contributions of the RSVP-NV office staff and Advisory Council members, who play a crucial role in the program’s success, were also recognized. 

The celebration featured a variety of engaging activities; attendees participated in a fun and interactive game of “flavor of the day M&M chocolate tasting,” trying to guess M&M flavors. Guests also enjoyed food, fellowship, fun, and gifts. The raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the event. 

RSVP-NV Meaningful Impact During Grant 5 Year 1 

Recurring/Ongoing Volunteers: The program needed 175 volunteers and successfully engaged 180. These volunteers tirelessly served, giving their time, talent, experience, and compassion across six focus areas and 11 work plans. 

Welcome Wednesday: Held on the third Wednesday of each month, this initiative involved 86 different participants during the grant year, with a cumulative total of 274 participants over 12 months. They accomplished 19 projects, averaging 23 participants monthly. 

Group Service Projects: 78 volunteers participated in 13 projects, making a significant impact on the community. 

See all event photos here.

Coffee Chats

Who doesn’t love a cup of coffee and some good conversation and connection with others? Over the course of this new grant year that just started (April 1), RSVP team members and volunteer leads are going to be out and about at local coffee shops throughout the grant service areas (Fairfax, Alexandria and Arlington) and would love for RSVP volunteers, volunteer station contacts, and new folks interested in our program to stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee, on us!



Be sure to read the Monday Memos for upcoming dates, times and locations. We hope that during the course of the year we will be in a convenient location near your home and you can stop by and say hello.  

Volunteer Tales & Tidbits, Mary Ellen Dawley: A Few Fun Facts!

Volunteer Station/role: Video and photography, Welcome Wednesday, Cricut work.

Favorite season? Spring because things look different every day.

Coffee or tea? Decaf tea, preferably chai. 

Early bird or night owl? NOT a morning person. 

Favorite movie? I forget movies quickly, so my favorite is always changing. One of the best lately is Música. 

Favorite food? Blueberries. 

Favorite color? Red and Blue. I can never decide. 

Best place you ever traveled to? Australia-I got to hold a koala. 

One fun fact about yourself? I had my modeling debut on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1996 (never modeled after that). 

If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be? I wish I could draw all the images I imagine. 

What’s one word or phrase you would use to describe volunteers? Generous. 

What’s the most memorable volunteer experience you’ve had? Seeing the smiles on elementary students when they get to choose a book that they can keep. 

What’s your favorite thing about volunteering? Seeing how appreciative everyone is when I help them.