John Miller

John Miller is the Jefferson County coordinator of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

The organization provides an opportunity for those 55 years and older to serve their community in a number of ways, whether it be helping seniors with tax returns or connecting them with young children in a pen pal program.

Under Miller's leadership, the club now boasts 61 volunteers. It has established relationships with 19 nonprofit agencies, and at least one of its volunteers serve on 14 of those agencies.

Miller said RSVP's outreach has three main prongs: education, finance and housing.

Its educational component includes a tutoring program and pen pal program with local elementary schools. Miller said the program, like too many things, has been disrupted by the coronavirus.

Volunteers were writing regularly to children at Pence Elementary School in Fairfield until their in-person classes ended in March. The volunteers continued writing to their pen pals at Maharishi School through May, since that school was able to continue its normal curriculum online through the rest of the school year.

Though the pen pal program with children has now stalled, Miller said volunteers have begun a new letter-writing campaign to the staff at local nursing homes. He said the group is exploring a program whereby volunteers could chat with the nursing homes' residents.

Miller was thirsty for meaningful work, and when he learned of the opening to be a county coordinator with RSVP, he jumped at the chance. Miller loves volunteering. Earlier this month he and another member of RSVP volunteered at a cycling event in Fairfield where he educated riders on the history of Lamson Woods State Preserve.

Those interested in joining RSVP or learning more about the program can contact Miller at 641-919-4242.

– Andy Hallman