Member Spotlight

Lisa Mascellino
Director, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
VANTAGE Aging

1.How long have you been a member of FVA?
3 months

2. Why did you join FVA?
For the opportunity to connect with other local organizations that also coordinate volunteer programs in the community and for the professional development trainings through FVA!  The trainings look amazing! My first training was the annual conference on Nov 9 and it was fantastic!

3. Tell us about your organization.
VANTAGE Aging is a nonprofit organization that promotes successful aging by providing programs throughout Ohio that support the needs of older adults that wish to age in place and live independently with dignity. Our mission is to “Promote A Positive Perspective on Aging.”

4. What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? 
Here’s a few quirky things about me: 1) I’m a Fitbit addict! I have to have my 10K steps a day! 2) I love caramel coffee creamer!  3) I love animals. I have 4 rescue cats, volunteer with a local rescue, and feed a lot of animals.  My friends and family jokingly refer to my backyard as an animal sanctuary.  I go through 200 lbs of cracked corn and 20 lbs of bird seed every 10 days.  

5. What is the next place on your travel bucket list? 
Bucket list – Thailand and Brazil.  Realistically, my next place to visit will most likely be Savanna, GA to visit family and friends.

6. What do you enjoy most about volunteering and/or managing volunteers? 
The amazing people we get to meet!  I enjoy learning about our volunteers, their lives, experiences, and passions.  When I have the opportunity to table at an event with our volunteers, it is so rewarding. I have learned so much from them.

7. How do you define a successful volunteer?
A successful volunteer is passionate, reliable, energetic, positive, and compassionate.

8. Who inspires you? 
There are so many people that inspire me: our AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers continue to inspire me with their commitment to service.  Our AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Team at VANTAGE, who are the backbone of the RSVP program.  Our RSVP program success is due to their dedication and compassion for helping seniors and our communities.  All of our VANTAGE staff inspire me, because everyone is truly passionate about our mission.  VANTAGE is truly a special place to work and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of this organization.   

9. What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field of volunteer administration? 
It would be a good idea to talk to and/or shadow administrators in the field, ask them what their day to day roles look like in order to find out what area of volunteer administration appeals to them the most.  For example, in my role, I am heavy on administration: reporting, grants, data collection, and the direct liaison to national AmeriCorps.  The VANTAGE RSVP Managers have more of an interfacing role with volunteers, volunteer stations, and coordinators.  Another suggestion: find a mentor!
I am an Ohio AmeriCorps Seniors mentor and I love it!  For a new volunteer administrator, a mentor can make all of the difference in the world.  It is wonderful for a new administrator to have someone they can reach out to with questions, concerns, and to share their successes.  Often times, volunteer management can feel siloed, so I encourage administrators to join professional organizations to meet others in the field.

10. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a volunteer?
Don’t let the fear of commitment hold you back! Volunteerism has shifted.  Many volunteers are now looking for a variety of service opportunities, not just the traditional long commitments.  If you want to volunteer, but are not sure where to start – contact your local AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  RSVP will guide you through every step of the process.  It’s like a match making service for individuals who want to serve and community organizations that need volunteers.  Let someone help you find YOUR perfect volunteer opportunity! VANTAGE Aging RSVP serves the following counties:  Summit, Medina, Geauga, Wayne, Franklin, Delaware, and Hamilton.  RSVP is a national program, so Google AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP to find the organization that runs RSVP in your community.

 

Organization Spotlight

 

 

VANTAGE Aging

As our population of older adults continues to grow, they will find themselves needing more support to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are many programs and organizations ready to help the seniors in our communities.

One such organization is VANTAGE Aging, headquartered in Akron, OH has been helping seniors throughout our great state remain living in their homes for over 45 years.  By offering programs like Meals on Wheels, Home Wellness Solutions, Senior Community Service Employment Program (paid job training to older adults 55+), and the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Volunteer Program (largest volunteer program in the nation for older adults 55+), VANTAGE is able to support the needs of older adults wishing to age in place and live independently with dignity.  VANTAGE supports senior wellbeing by providing various services in more than 40 Ohio counties.

Director, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Lisa Mascellino says her favorite part of working for VANTAGE Aging is “The people! The people that work at VANTAGE, the people we serve, and the difference we make in the community.  Working at VANTAGE is so rewarding.  Some days I can get caught up in the administration of my role, but when that happens I find myself thinking about our mission and it reminds me why we do what we do!  Every day, we are making an impact in the community and that is my favorite part of working at VANTAGE Aging!”

We are very fortunate to have VANATGE Aging as a member of FVA.