VOLUNTEER
FRIENDS OF PUERTO RICO
Serving and supporting those who need it most
WHO WE ARE
The Volunteer Friends of Puerto Rico (VAPR) initiative of the Hispanic-American Institute aims to harness the energy and commitment of our community residents to support those most in need. Currently, VAPR includes two projects sponsored by the federal agency AmeriCorps Seniors.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Companion Program (SCP) aim to engage individuals aged 55 and older in volunteer services to address critical community needs while providing a high-quality experience that enriches the lives of the volunteers themselves.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and SCP Programs
MISSION
The mission of the RSVP program is to train volunteers to support communities in southeastern Puerto Rico in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and their aftermath.
The mission of the SCP program is to train volunteers to provide companionship and transportation to older adults so they can continue living independently in their homes for as long as possible.
ABOUT US
The Hispanic-American Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support to low-income communities in Puerto Rico and the United States.
Our new initiative, Volunteers Friends of Puerto Rico, is the successor to our valuable Southeast Volunteers project, which has been serving and supporting the southeastern region of Puerto Rico since 2020. The initiative is supported by the Institute, philanthropic entities, and the federal agency AmeriCorps Seniors.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Older and retired individuals in Puerto Rico deserve to be seen as useful and functional members of society. Giving them the opportunity to collaborate, support, and volunteer in the resilience-building process of their communities is a way to enrich their knowledge and strengthen their commitment to their neighbors.
--- María Eugenia Buscaglia
Tel (787) 231-6141
OUR PROJECTS
PROJECT 1
Collaboration with Municipalities
Volunteer Friends of Puerto Rico (VAPR) actively collaborates with Mayors and with the Community Services and Elderly Affairs Offices in the municipalities we serve. We support and participate in community orientations and direct services to residents.
PROJECT 2
Emergency Management Support
Volunteer Friends of Puerto Rico (VAPR) supports initiatives and activities of FEMA, the Red Cross, and the Municipal Emergency Management Offices in the areas we serve. We also provide direct support to affected populations through our RSVP project sponsored by AmeriCorps Seniors.
PROJECT 3
Companion Services
Volunteer Friends of Puerto Rico (VAPR) provides companion services to older adults in the municipalities we serve through our Senior Companion Project sponsored by AmeriCorps.
PROJECT 4
Transportation Services
Volunteer Friends of Puerto Rico (VAPR) offers transportation services for medical appointments and other needs to participants in our Senior Companion Project sponsored by AmeriCorps.
OUR SPONSORS
SU EMPRESA
WORDS FROM OUR PARTNERS
We write on behalf of the Hispanic-American Institute. This program currently serves seventy low-income residents in southeastern Puerto Rico with the support of fifty community volunteers.
Hon. Jennifer González-Colón
Governor of Puerto Rico
Volunteers Friends of Puerto Rico provides essential services to vulnerable communities in urban and rural areas of Puerto Rico.
Hon. César R. Miranda
Former Secretary of Justice of Puerto Rico
The Municipality of Yabucoa is proud to support the Senior Companion Program of the Hispanic-American Institute.
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Hon. Rafael Surillo
Mayor
Municipality of Yabucoa