DeGroot Hired as RVSP Coordinator

(Spencer, Iowa) The Northwest Iowa RSVP program has hired Dorothy DeGroot as the new Clay County Coordinator starting on November 11, 2020, on the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

DeGroot, a retired educator, has lived in Spencer for nearly 30 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Morningside College and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University. Her children attended school in Spencer, and they all went on to graduate from Iowa colleges.

The Spencer school system previously employed DeGroot as the High School Teacher-Librarian, and she worked at Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency as an Instructional Technology Consultant. Her years in Spencer have included school, community, and church activities, where she developed many lasting friendships.

“Spencer has always been a community with a lot to offer families, and I still find it a place where people of all ages can get involved. I’m looking forward to helping many people find rewarding activities in my new role as the RSVP Coordinator for Clay County,” shares DeGroot.

DeGroot will be responsible for coordinating current RSVP volunteers, recruiting new volunteers, working with partner volunteer host sites, and overseeing the RSVP Literacy Partners program with all area schools. DeGroot will also manage the RSVP Transportation program.

“We are eager for Dorothy to join the RSVP team. Her technology skills, pleasant demeanor, and experience with Spencer area schools are perfect for her role as RSVP Coordinator,” says Dawn Bernhard, Director of Northwest Iowa RSVP. “Dorothy brings an attitude of service and giving back to her community to her position. Her passions for education and literacy fit well with the RSVP focus on K-12 Success.”

RSVP is a part of the national AmeriCorps Seniors program that matches volunteers with service opportunities to meet community needs. Although RSVP volunteers must be 55 or older, they can serve people of all ages. RSVP has been sponsored in Northwest Iowa by Iowa Lakes Community College since 1977.

AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and helps make service to others a cornerstone of national culture.

If you would like to learn more about RSVP volunteer opportunities in Clay County, contact Dorothy DeGroot at 712-262-8858 or ddegroot@iowalakes.educreate new email.

For More Information:

Dawn Bernhard at 515-295-8522 or dbernhard@iowalakes.educreate new email