“That’s what our goal is, to make a lasting impact and to help where we are needed.”
Arledia Bennett reminds us all of just how giving members of the Oxford community truly are. She works as the project director of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
(RSVP), a community service program that helps provide volunteer opportunities to citizens 55 years old and up. With over 40 volunteer stations, RSVP provides a wide variety of places where Bennett says people “can go and make a difference in our communities.”
Many of their volunteers have unique stories like Frances Smith, who has been with RSVP for seven years. She enjoys volunteering with Memory Makers and performing her skits in costumes she describes as “Outrageous! I want them to either laugh at me or laugh with me.” She provides a smile for those who watch and lights up the room with her smile and sass. She reminds us what it truly means to be a volunteer: to give back and enjoy every moment of it. “Just pay it forward. Besides I enjoy it!”
FNB Oxford Bank and RSVP have a close relationship, with one of FNB’s long-time employees volunteering with RSVP. Carolyn Faust has been working with RSVP for 9 years and enjoys giving back to her community. When she is not at the bank, you might be able to catch her volunteering with the arts at the Gertrude Ford Center. And many others just like Frances and Carolyn show just how much of a lasting impact RSVP has made on their lives. RSVP reminds this particular group of individuals that they are vital to our ever-growing community. “RSVP does a lot for us personally as well as the community.”
And RSVP plans to give even more to the Oxford community. FNB and RSVP are partnering with TRIAD, a nation-wide program of volunteers working with law enforcement, to inform and protect senior members from scams and fraud through community presentations. “If we save one person out of a group of fifty, then we have accomplished our goal,” shares Bennett. They hope by even starting an open dialogue, they can help prevent another person from losing their hard earned money.
Johnny Barrett has been the president of FNB for 19 years.
“We feel it is our responsibility to help our community protect itself from potential threats and fraud through education,” Barrett said. “By working with RSVP and TRIAD, we are able expand our reach and share information as well as answer questions from individuals in our community”.
Being a local, community bank allows FNB the opportunity to connect on a more personal level, as well as become a trusted partner for individuals of all ages.
RSVP and FNB have had a great relationship for many years. Giving back and investing in the community is a common mission for both organizations. To learn more about the calendar of events or how to volunteer through RSVP, please call 662-232-2377.
By Jessica Shipp, an intern for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at jashipp@go.olemiss.edu.
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