Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

RSVP is the country’s largest volunteer network for the 55 and older crowd. Most of its funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Westbay Community Action has 554 volunteers, coordinated by a staff of four, including the program’s director, Sue Lewis. Sue has 27 years of experience in Human Services, with a bachelor and master's in counseling from the University of Rhode Island. She has been with Westbay for little more than a year.

Sue matches volunteers with opportunities throughout Kent County that are best suited to their interests, skills and available time, and match the needs of a variety of non-profits.

Seniors may offer their time during Westbay’s daily operating hours in the following departments:

Medical Transportation
Driving seniors to doctor, and other medical related, appointments.

To volunteer for this department, call or email Fran Thuotte, at 401-732-4666 x 152 or fthuotte@westbaycap.org.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)/Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Volunteers assist Kent County residents understand their Medicare benefits, and are trained to educate the community on fraud and guide people choosing a health care program. Prescription drug and healthcare coverage counseling is made available to help clients make informed decisions about healthcare insurance and long-term care options. Counselors receive training to become certified. Outreach and data entry clerks are also needed for this program.

To volunteer for this department, call or email Fran Thuotte, at 401-732-4666 x152 or fthuotte@westbaycap.org.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Volunteers provide free basic tax preparation for low to moderate income populations, including the elderly, disabled individuals and those with limited English. This service is available annually, from late January to the end of tax season. Volunteers are trained and certified, free of charge. Training takes place at Westbay in early January.

To volunteer for this department, call or email Fran Thuotte, at 401-732-4666 x152 or fthuotte@westbaycap.org.

Working Wardrobe Clothing Collaborative
Referred by Westbay and human service agencies throughout the state, low income adults entering the workforce receive free clothing appropriate for the workplace. Volunteers are needed to receive donations, assist clients, and complete required documentation.
To volunteer for this department, call or email Fran Thuotte, at 401-732-4666 x152 or fthuotte@westbaycap.org.

Note: Senior Companions are provided only if the Department of Elderly Affairs places them at WCA.

For more information regarding volunteering at Westbay RSVP, call or email Sue Lewis, RSVP director, at 401-732-4666 x154 or slewis@westbaycap.org.


There are additional volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Opportunities page.