Flint Hills Volunteer Center

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Since its inception in 1974 as the Riley County RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and now RSVP of Riley County, we have been working tirelessly for 50+ years to increase rates of volunteerism in the community and boost overall quality of life. RSVP volunteers are ages 55 and over.

Our organization utilizes volunteers for two objectives – keep seniors active, engaged in their community, and remaining mentally and physically active. By keeping seniors active and engaged, we are also accomplishing a long-term goal, helping to keep those same seniors living independently in their own home, which allows them to age with dignity.  Studies show volunteering improves both mental and physical capacity, thus leading to more independent living.   

By 2035, there will be more people aged 65 and older than there will be children under age 18. This will be the first time in U.S. history that the elderly population outnumbers children. Now is the time to prepare for the immediate future. Our RSVP program keeps seniors active and engaged, while helping those that are homebound with the opportunity to age with dignity. 

Riley County is the only Kansas county that ranks as being in persistent poverty, according to a nationwide study. With a 23.3% poverty level in Manhattan, the needs in the Riley County area are astronomical, but we have RSVP volunteers who are here to take on this challenge.  

Mission

Inspiring volunteers and efficiently connecting them to the needs of our community

Profile

The Flint Hills Volunteer Center is driven by its mission of connecting volunteers to the needs of our community. As our community grows rapidly, we face an increased need to provide resources for unmet basic human needs.

• AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP has been working tirelessly for 50+ years to increase rates of volunteerism in the community and boost overall quality of life. RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over and has been active in our community since 1974. Volunteers use the skills and talents they’ve learned over the years, or they develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within our community.

• Suicide Awareness utilizes trained volunteers to educate the community on risk factors for suicide, along with the interventions available for help.

• Neighbor to Neighbor is a volunteer program in the city of Manhattan that helps elderly residents remain in their home. This program connects volunteers, volunteer groups, and organizations with Manhattan residents who need assistance. Volunteers help with snow removal and basic yard work.
• Medical Transportation utilizes volunteers to provide Manhattan senior residents, without reliable transportation, with safe rides to medical appointments within the Manhattan community. Approximately 57 seniors benefit from this program each year. Without this service, they are at risk of not receiving adequate care.

• 2025 Program Impact:

  31,000 Volunteer Hours Served

  1,253 Volunteers & Groups 

  340 Students Enrolled

  79 Opportunities Served

  $956,660 Monetary Value of Service

$3,610.00 received
in 35 gifts 36.10%  of  $10,000.00 Goal