November is National Family Caregivers Month. This is the time to honor the many individuals and loved ones who care for seniors in their own lives. Their tireless dedication, compassion, and strength often go unseen, yet they are the foundation of support for so many. On behalf of our entire organization, thank you for the love and commitment you show every day.

Consider celebrating these individuals by showing your appreciation, sharing their stories, or by volunteering yourself!

As we enter the Holiday Season, I want to take a moment to reflect on something close to our hearts — the Sponsoring a Senior program. Every day, countless seniors in our community are in need of companionship, transportation and essential in-home assistance. Through this initiative, we have the chance to change that story — one senior at a time.

When you Sponsor a Senior, you are doing more than improving quality of life. You are restoring dignity, creating connection, and sending a powerful message: you are not forgotten.

Currently, we face an urgent need, particularly in Carson City. At this time, some 160 program eligible seniors are on a wait list for our Homemaker Program, which provides essential in-home help such as light housekeeping, laundry and linens. These services allow seniors to live safely and independently in their own homes, a dignity every person deserves. To meet the growing demand, we need to raise $200,000 to provide Seniors with these bimonthly services in the coming year.

Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts the life of a senior waiting for care.

As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to expand our reach and bring comfort, companionship, and dignity to even more seniors. Whether you choose to sponsor, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your contribution helps build a community where every senior feels seen and valued.

Thank you for continuing to embody our shared values of empathy, respect, and service. Together, we are not only supporting seniors — we are honoring the caregivers and families who stand beside them every step of the way.

With gratitude,
Molly Walt, M.A.Ed.
Chief Executive Officer

This November, as we recognize National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the many individuals who selflessly care for their loved ones each day. One of those remarkable caregivers is Victoria, who has been caring for her mother since 2018. Before that, she also cared for her grandfather until his passing in 2023.

Victoria describes her mother as kind, loving, and filled with gratitude. Despite her health challenges, her mother continues to express appreciation for life and the care she receives. “She was always there for me growing up,” Victoria shared. “Now, it is my turn to be there for her.”

The caregiving journey, however, is not without its challenges. Victoria admits that feelings of loneliness, lack of rest, and constant responsibility can be overwhelming at times. “It is hard being on call 24/7,” she said. “Sometimes I wonder if I am doing enough or doing it right. But I have learned to adapt, accept change, and give myself grace.”

Through it all, moments of joy continue to shine through, like knowing she can be there for her mother just as her mother once cared for her. Victoria has created a peaceful environment in their home, with her room painted a soothing dark green and filled with comforting touches. Gardening, spa time, and daily moments of connection help her find balance and peace.

Victoria credits RSVP’s Respite Program with making a tremendous difference in her life. “Before I started with RSVP, my health was declining,” she shared. “The respite support I receive allows me to rest, recharge, and take better care of my mom. It gives me time to clean, stay organized, and maintain my own well-being.” She said RSVP’s Respite Provider is dependable, caring, and feels like family, bringing comfort and consistency into both her and her mother’s life.

Victoria’s story is one of strength, compassion, and perseverance. Her advice for others beginning their caregiving journey is heartfelt: “If help is offered, accept it. You cannot do this alone. Take care of yourself so you can care for your loved one. You are not perfect, give yourself grace. Cherish every moment, because time together is what truly matters.”

Her story reminds us that caregiving is both a challenge and a privilege, a testament to love in its truest form.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, we share the story of Art Paulus, who has lovingly cared for his wife, Patricia, since 2020. Married for 48 years, Art describes their enduring bond as something truly special, built on decades of love, devotion, and shared experiences.

Caregiving has brought both challenges and moments of grace. Art admits that one of the hardest parts has been understanding and adapting to Patricia’s changing needs as her health evolves. “It takes patience,” he said. “You have to learn not to get angry, to take it one day at a time. I remind myself often, ‘life by the inch is a cinch, life by the yard is hard.’”

For Art, joy comes in seeing Patricia recover from difficult periods, like overcoming illness or regaining moments of clarity and connection. “Those small moments of progress mean everything,” he shared.

While caregiving takes up the majority of his time, Art finds balance in the quiet moments with reading, working outside, or simply relaxing while Patricia rests. He keeps a baby monitor close by to stay attentive but uses the peaceful intervals to recharge.

Support from family and community has played a vital role in Art’s journey. His sister, son, and two granddaughters stay closely connected, providing encouragement and a listening ear. His loyal dog, Bourbon, has also become a constant companion and comfort. In addition, hospice nurses, CNAs, and RSVP’s Respite Program have given Art the help he needs to sustain his strength. The respite care allows him the opportunity to attend support meetings, grocery shop, or take care of his own health needs, time that is invaluable in maintaining balance and well-being.

Art’s advice for others stepping into the caregiving role is simple yet powerful: “Seek help. Do not try to do it alone, and do not let pride stand in the way. You have to talk, confide, and take care of yourself. And if you are religious, do not give up on prayer, it helps you keep going.”

His story is a moving reminder that caregiving, while deeply challenging, is also an act of love that reflects the truest form of commitment, one that endures through every season of life.

Every day, many seniors in Carson City face the challenge of staying safely and comfortably in their homes. The Nevada Rural RSVP Homemaker Program helps bridge that gap — but we can’t do it without your support.

Our Homemakers bring comfort and care to frail, homebound seniors by helping with light housekeeping, laundry, and linens—creating a safe, clean, and welcoming home environment.

For just $100, you can sponsor a senior in need, for one month, providing bimonthly homemaker services (2.5 hours, twice a month) at no cost to them. These services include help with:

• Light housekeeping
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Laundry and living areas

Our dedicated Homemakers are paid a modest $20/hour, making your donation stretch far while making a real difference.

Many seniors have been deemed eligible for homemaker assistance through our vetting process. These individuals are unable to provide adequate care for themselves. Currently, we have over 160 eligible seniors on a waiting list due to limited funding. With your support, they won’t have to choose between safety and independence.

Donate today and be the reason a senior can stay in the home they love.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

When:
Friday, November 21, 2025

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Where:
Elko Senior Citizens Center
1795 Ruby View Dr.
Elko, NV