PUDENZ RETURNS AS PALO ALTO COUNTY RSVP COORDINATOR

(Emmetsburg, Iowa) – The Northwest Iowa RSVP Program is pleased to announce the return of Kathy Pudenz as the coordinator for the Palo Alto County RSVP program.  Having previously served in this role, Kathy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to connecting seniors with meaningful service opportunities.  Pudenz is located on the Emmetsburg Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

“I’m honored to rejoin RSVP as the Palo Alto County Coordinator, and I look forward to the privilege of supporting our incredible volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents.  My commitment is to strengthen connections, identify local community needs, and expand our volunteer network to connect people with possibilities throughout Palo Alto County.”

Pudenz brings a personal record of volunteer service and commitment to RSVP.  She has past experience as a non-profit board member and advisory council member, Hospice volunteer, and extensive support and advocacy of individuals with disabilities and their parents.

Pudenz will also be responsible for coordinating current RSVP volunteers, recruiting new volunteers, and collaborating with partner volunteer host sites. One of Pudenz’ first goals was to launch spring Pen Pal Programs with third-grade classes at Emmetsburg Catholic, Ruthven/Ayrshire Elementary, and West Bend/Mallard schools.  The Pen Pal Program is one of RSVP’s longest-running community contributions.  Volunteers are matched with 3rd or 4th graders to exchange “pen pal” letters for a predetermined schedule.  Adults and students know each other only by name and whatever they learn throughout the Pen Pal writing project.

RSVP is a national AmeriCorps Seniors program that matches volunteers with service opportunities to meet community needs.  Although RSVP volunteers must be 55 or older, they 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 improving communities and helping make service to others a cornerstone of natural culture.

To learn more about RSVP volunteer opportunities in Palo Alto County, contact Pudenz at 712-852-5236 or kpudenz@iowalakes.edu.