RSVP serves:
• Seniors
• Adults with limited mobility
• Individuals managing chronic health conditions
• People without reliable transportation or nearby family support
Many RSVP clients live alone or on fixed incomes and rely on the program for recurring appointments throughout the year.
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The service is free, and at no cost to you. We reimburse our drivers for mileage, and they donate their time. We only request that you respect our drivers, and our employees that help handle the administrative side of scheduling out your ride.
RSVP volunteers across Iowa give their time to support programs like tutoring, food pantries, meal delivery, community gardens, and tax assistance. Volunteers can choose when, where, and how they serve while building skills, forming connections, and making a meaningful impact. Together, RSVP volunteers help strengthen education, financial stability, and health throughout Southeast Iowa.
As an RSVP volunteer, you can use your skills and experience to support your community in a way that fits your schedule. Volunteering also offers opportunities to stay active, build social connections, learn new skills, and receive recognition for your service. While serving, volunteers also receive additional insurance coverage and the chance to stay meaningfully engaged in their community.
The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program provides reliable, no-cost transportation and companionship for seniors and adults in Southeast Iowa who face barriers accessing medical care and essential services.
RSVP connects clients with trained volunteer drivers who offer more than just a ride. Our drivers provide consistency, care, and human connection. For many riders, a trip is not only how they get to an appointment, but also their only regular social interaction.
RSVP primarily supports transportation to:
• Medical appointments
• Dialysis and ongoing treatments
• Specialty care
• Follow-up visits and essential healthcare services
Our RSVP Volunteer drivers are the heart of the program. Volunteers choose when and how often they drive. Some drivers volunteer once a week, others once a day. Participation is 100% flexible.
Volunteer drivers receive:
• Mileage reimbursement:
• $0.45 per mile for in-town rides
• $0.70 per mile for out-of-town rides
• Training and ongoing support
• The opportunity to build meaningful relationships and reduce social isolation
Many volunteers share that the connections they make with riders are the most rewarding part of their service. You do not need special medical training. Just a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and a willingness to help others.
Scheduling a ride with us is simple:
Provide Appointment Details
We’ll ask for basic information such as appointment date, time, location, and any mobility needs.
Ride Matching
A United Way staff member will match you with a volunteer driver and confirm the ride details.
Ride Day
Your driver will arrive at the scheduled time and provide safe, reliable transportation to and from your appointment.
Advance notice is appreciated whenever possible to ensure driver availability.
If you are a caregiver, healthcare provider, or social service agency, you are welcome to help clients schedule rides on their behalf.
RSVP’s transportation services continue to play an essential role in connecting local residents with the resources, appointments, and support they need. Over the past year, the program has experienced consistent growth in both ride requests and cumulative miles driven, demonstrating the increasing need for accessible, volunteer-supported transportation in our area.
This continued growth would not be possible without the commitment of our volunteer drivers. Their dedication allows RSVP to respond to rising community needs while offering flexible, meaningful service opportunities for those who want to give back.
As we look ahead, RSVP remains focused on expanding our volunteer driver base, strengthening program capacity, and ensuring that transportation remains available to those who rely on it. Together, we can continue moving our community forward, one ride at a time.
