Retire United

Retire United Logo

Because giving back doesn’t have an age limit.

Who We Are
Retire United (formally RSVP) is all about staying active, connected, and making a difference, because giving back doesn’t have an age limit. Designed for volunteers aged 55 and better, this program is powered in part by RSVP, a federal grant from AmeriCorps Seniors.

What We Do
Retire United connects experienced, passionate individuals with meaningful events and volunteer opportunities that fit their skills, interests, and lifestyle. Whether you choose to give one hour a month or five, short-term projects or ongoing, you WILL make a difference in our community. With Retire United, the choice is yours! You choose the volunteer opportunity, you choose the amount of time you want to give, and you choose whether you want to draw on your skills or develop new ones. In short, with the guidance of United Way, you'll find the opportunity that's right for you.
 

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Benefits of Joining
Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. When you volunteer, you are not just helping others, you are helping yourself. Some benefits of Retire United membership include:

  • Choose how, where, and how often you want to volunteer
  • Give back to your community with a cause that is important to you
  • Meet new people and build lasting friendships through service
  • Participate in exclusive educational and social opportunities, including the annual volunteer recognition event
  • Receive personalized, ongoing support from United Way Emerald Coast staff
  • While volunteering you are covered by FREE excess accidental medical coverage, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance

Retire United is open to all Okaloosa and Walton county residents age 55 and up. Volunteers must commit to one hour of service per year.

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Retired United Group Photo 1

How It Works/Apply

  1. Complete and submit the Retire United Volunteer Application via email or mail (or submit the Volunteer Interest form below).
  2. A UWEC Staff member will contact you for an interview either in person, by telephone, or on Zoom
  3. Attend the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP orientation
  4. Select your Volunteer Station and attend a hands-on orientation with your station (Please note some Volunteer Stations may require a background screening)
  5. Set up your schedule and start volunteering!
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Retired United Group Photo 2

Current Volunteer Opportunities

  • Mentor/Tutor – Help students develop their skills in math, reading, writing, and other subjects so they can improve or maintain their grades.
  • Food & Nutrition – Helping with a variety of different activities that range from food preparation to food distribution.
  • Kit Builds –  Assemble food, hygiene, mental health, and or literacy kits to be delivered to individuals and families in need.
  • Pen Pals –  Adopt a pen pal with a local library summer reading program to help improve student writing skills.
  • Delivery Support – Help transport food kits, hygiene kits, or school materials to partner agencies, schools, and non-profits across our community.
  • Non-profit Support – Lend a hand with administrative tasks, organizing supplies, or assisting with special projects to help strengthen local non-profit partners.
  • Event Support – Volunteer at UWEC events by welcoming guests, assisting with registration, helping with setup, or providing general event support.

Not yet ready to join Retire United, but interested in learning more?

Complete our Volunteer Interest form here or fill out the form below, and staff member from UWEC will be in touch to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have.

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