RSVP of Dane County aspires to build and expand a community-wide network of volunteers and organizations that unites compassionate, experienced adults with meaningful and fulfilling service opportunities, which enrich the lives of the volunteers while enhancing support for people in need.
To make a positive impact in the community by recruiting volunteers 55 and older to help deliver priority services to people of all ages, providing Dane County with a valuable resource.
| 1972: |
RSVP of Dane County is established under the sponsorship of the Dane County Planning Council. |
| 1973: |
The Colonial Club of Sun Prairie becomes the sponsor of RSVP. |
| 1975: |
The Driver Escort Program is organized in rural Dane County. |
| 1977: |
RSVP becomes a self-sponsored 501(c)(3) incorporated agency. Margie Zutter is hired as Group Projects Coordinator. |
| 1978: |
Mary Stamstad becomes Executive Director of RSVP of Dane County. |
| 1980: |
RSVP receives a special grant to develop a National Clearinghouse on Intergenerational Programs and to publish a newsletter. |
| 1983: |
RSVP becomes computerized through a bequest. |
| 1985: |
The first direct mail fundraising campaign is launched. |
| 1987: |
RSVP partners with the Madison Police Department to provide volunteers for their information desk. |
| 1988: |
RSVP receives a national award from Generations United for intergenerational program development. |
| 1990: |
The City-County Information booth is staffed by RSVP volunteers. |
| 1992: |
RSVP becomes a founding member of the Wisconsin Intergenerational Network (WIN). |
| 1993: |
A Senior Youth Alliance grant is received for Service-Learning Projects. |
| 1994: |
A Summer of Safety grant involves volunteers in many community safety and crime prevention projects. |
| 1995: |
Triad, a crime prevention and safety program for older adults, kicks off on National RSVP Day. |
| 1997: |
Mary Stamstad retires after 25 years of service. Rita Meihsner is hired as RSVP's Executive Director. |
| 1998: |
A new support group, Friends of RSVP, is formed to focus on direct-mail fundraising. |
| 1999: |
RSVP helps form CSCI - Community Service Center Incorporated - to purchase its current building. |
| 1999: |
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is launched with an America Reads grant. |
| 1999: |
RSVP takes a giant technology step: Each staff member is provided a computer, e-mail, and the web site is launched. |
| 2000: |
The Driver Escort Program celebrates 25 years of service. |
| 2001: |
RSVP of Dane County receives the Wisconsin State Literacy Award. |
| 2002: |
RSVP partners with United Way of Dane County and the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison's Schools of Hope Americorps*VISTA Literary Project. |
| 2003: |
The first Dane County TRIAD Crime Prevention and Safety Conference is held. David Tetzlaff is hired as Executive Director. |
| 2004: |
RSVP volunteers perform the first In-Home Safety Assessments and give Disaster Preparedness presentations. |
| 2005: |
RSVP hires its first Director of Development to enhance fundraising efforts. |
| 2007: |
RSVP and its partners, United Way of Dane County and the Madison Metropolitan School District, are awarded an AmeriCorps* State grant for the Schools of Hope Project. |
| 2007: |
RSVP celebrates its 35th Anniversary. |