The Erie County Department of Senior Services has welcomed a new Director for the popular Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (“RSVP”), which connects Erie County seniors with volunteer opportunities. Carrie Smith, who joined the program in 2011 and served as Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Director began as the new RSVP Director in February 2018.

“Carrie brings knowledge, excitement and above all a caring attitude to the RSVP program. There are many seniors in Erie County who give back to their communities by volunteering their time and talents to make others’ lives better, and Carrie’s energy and experience will be strong assets in organizing this enthusiastic group,” said Senior Services Commissioner Timothy Hogues. “Carrie has already shown herself to be a capable, hands-on leader in our department and I look forward to working with her as the RSVP program continues to grow.”

Ms. Smith was awarded the Gretchen E. Stringer Award as Volunteer Administrator of the year in 2013 and has been closely involved in recruiting and retaining volunteers for RSVP. Her advocacy has resulted in new partnerships for the program and greatly expanded volunteer opportunities for Erie County seniors. She has also re-energized the annual RSVP volunteer recognition event as well as creating and maintaining the program’s Facebook page, building the RSVP social media profile and a growing network of caring, committed seniors. Before joining the Erie County Senior Services department Ms. Smith worked with AmeriCorps as Program Coordinator, leading volunteer teams locally and nationally to assist others. In this role she led and supervised a team of volunteers in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, addressing critical human and community needs over a 30-day deployment. In recognition of her leadership skills and dedication to service she received the National Service Award, presented by Hillary Clinton in Washington, DC.

For more information:

On the RSVP Program, click here .  

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