SUNY Oswego’s Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations recently hosted the 52nd Annual Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Oswego County Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Swiech for iHeart Oswego)
The spirit of service was alive and well last month as SUNY Oswego’s Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER) hosted the 52nd Annual Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Oswego County Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
The event at the Lake Ontario Event Center on Sept. 25 celebrated more than 275 dedicated volunteers for their exceptional service and longstanding commitment to making a difference.
Founded in Oswego County in 1973 and proudly sponsored by SUNY Oswego since its inception, RSVP continues to be a cornerstone of civic engagement for older adults. Last year alone, volunteers aged 55 and older contributed more than 43,000 hours of service across 38 partner organizations throughout Oswego County.
RSVP supports a wide network of local initiatives, including partnering with food pantries, Oswego County Opportunities' home-delivered meals program, and pet therapy nonprofit PAWS of CNY. In addition to these partnerships, RSVP directly contributes to the operation of initiatives like senior camp, a day-camp style experience offering social, recreational and enrichment activities for local seniors.
Additionally, RSVP is essential to the operation of the Osteo Bone Builders program, a free, evidence-informed osteoporosis prevention program designed to improve bone density, strength and balance through light weight training and structured exercise. Osteo Bone Builders, offered exclusively in Oswego County by RSVP, provides a supportive, social environment where participants engage in regular, low-impact weight-bearing exercises. The program aims to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures while promoting overall well-being and mobility.
As RSVP celebrates another year of service, the organization reaffirms its mission to create meaningful volunteer opportunities that enhance the lives of both the volunteers and the communities they serve. Some RSVP volunteers have been a part of the program for over 20 years, with nine volunteers being 90 years of age or older.
“Our RSVP volunteers are the heart of this program and of Oswego County,” said Kathryn Watson, RSVP project director. “Their generosity, compassion and commitment to serving others inspire us every day. Whether it is delivering meals or supporting cultural nonprofits, their impact is both powerful and lasting. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of them, for the time they give, the wisdom they share, and the difference they make in our communities.”
At this year’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event, attendees enjoyed a keynote by Amy Dumas, assistant dean of Extended Learning at SUNY Oswego and a long-time PAWS of CNY volunteer, highlighting the profound impact of volunteering as an act of love and community. Dumas delivered a heartfelt message that reminded all in attendance that every act of service — no matter how small— serves to strengthen communities and reflects the best of shared humanity.
RSVP is funded by grants from AmeriCorps Seniors, United Way of Oswego County and the New York State Office for the Aging. Their continued support makes it possible to sustain and grow RSVP’s impact in the region.
RSVP is staffed by SUNY Oswego’s Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations’ staff members Kathryn Watson (director of workforce innovation and community impact and RSVP project director) and Tracie Wallace, RSVP program coordinator, and is supported by a dedicated RSVP Advisory Council, who play an integral role in the success of the recognition event each year.
For more information about RSVP of Oswego County or to get involved, visit oswego.edu/owier or email rsvp@oswego.edu.