60 for 60: RSVP at Durham Tech provided senior residents tax services, volunteer opportunities

In celebration of Durham Technical Community College’s 60th anniversary, the College is publishing 60 for 60 – a storytelling campaign that highlights the people, places, and events that have progressed and shaped the College’s six decades of impact. To view more 60 for 60 stories, visit www.durhamtech.edu/60for60.   

In 1976, Durham Technical Institute and ACTION, a federal agency, partnered to launch the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Durham Tech. Prior to offering this service at the College, the Volunteer Center of Greater Durham hosted the program.  

RSVP provided senior residents, identified as those over the age of 55, with opportunities to volunteer in different capacities within the community.  

Durham Tech locally sponsored the program by matching personal interests and skills of volunteers with opportunities to serve. 

Helen Featherson began as an assistant to the then Director of RSVP, Mary Ingram, and later became Director for 25 years. After retiring, she also became a volunteer of the program.  

“Being able to place seniors in a capacity that gave their lives more meaning and allowing them to use their skills from the workplace or help with different things was very fulfilling,” Featherston said. 

Featherson also said volunteers were very dependable and their engagement added value to their lives and the lives of members in the community. 

Volunteers served in a variety of roles, including teaching crafts and hobbies, librarians, teachers’ aides, office workers, offered companionship to confined individuals, provided childcare services, visited individuals in the hospital, and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. 

This program allowed seniors to make a difference in the community but also provided them with an opportunity to meet new people, gain knowledge, and stay active. 

Dr. William T. Fletcher was a volunteer of RSVP for more than 20 years. After retiring as an instructor for 40 years, he wanted to ensure he had a plan for effective use of his leisure time. He said he was happy to hear about RSVP from Featherson.  

“RSVP gave me tremendous satisfaction by helping people in need,” said Fletcher.  

Fletcher assisted with free tax preparation services by teaching new volunteers how to use the E-file system, educating volunteers on tax laws, and monitoring the three tax sites in Durham.  

RSVP provided tax services for low-income individuals or senior citizens. Volunteers also served in roles with various organizations like Meals on Wheels, the Durham Tech Campus Harvest Food Pantry, Durham Public Schools, VA Hospital, and countless non-profit agencies.  

More than 40 years since its inception, RSVP volunteers have served thousands of Durham residents. 

RSVP continued at Durham Tech through 2021 and is now sponsored by the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center (TNVLC). 

View some of the volunteer videos below: 

RSVP Paula and Helen - YouTube 

RSVP McKenzie Brannon - YouTube 

For more information, contact Desiree Towson, M.S., Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu