Mary Steele is the director of the Northwest Iowa RSVP. She has served as Vice-President of the National Association of RSVP Directors and is past chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

“Volunteerism keeps people engaged, active and in touch with their communities.  Service to others is what makes our society more civil, and makes the world a better place in which to live.” Mary Steele

Susan Howe is the Clay County RSVP Coordinator. She has been with RSVP for five years. She has a BA in Elementary Education and has worked as an elementary teacher and also in agencies serving children and adults with disabilities.

“I enjoy meeting and working with volunteers and helping them find activities that fit their interests and the needs of the community.” Susan Howe

Donna Salz is coordinator of the Kossuth County RSVP. She has been with RSVP for four years. She enjoys camping, biking, reading and spending time with her family.

“It has been such a pleasure to work with senior volunteers in our community. They are so dependable and willing to help.  They enjoy volunteering and making new friends.  RSVP volunteers are old enough to know how to change the world,  and they  have the skills to make a  difference.” Donna Salz

Linda Anderson is coordinator of the Emmet County RSVP and has been with RSVP for two years. Previous to her current position, she was employed by Avera Holy Family Hospital for 26 years working as Activity Coordinator, Home Health, Hospice and Adult Day Care Services. 

“I enjoy working with the senior population in Emmet County. RSVP volunteers are important and vital to our community because by sharing their knowledge and experience, they have made their communities a better place to live.” Linda Anderson

Laura Johnson is the Palo Alto County RSVP Coordinator. She has been with RSVP for two years. She has a BA in business and has 16 years experience working with adults with disabilities prior to joining the RSVP staff. She has also worked as an Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor for Iowa Lakes Community College for the past 16 years. In addition to her part-time RSVP position, she works with the ESL (English as a Second Language) and GED recruiting programs for the college.

“Volunteerism is good for the community and for the individual volunteer. Our community is a better, healthier place to live because of the terrific work done by volunteers. At the same time, the volunteer gets great self-satisfaction, a greater social network, and there is evidence that the ‘giving spirit’ of volunteers adds years to their lives.” Laura Johnson 

Joan McCulloch is the Dickinson County RSVP Coordinator and director of the Voluntary Action Center. She serves as Vice Chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. Joan is a graduate of Morningside College.  

“I feel so fortunate to have a position where I can help people find opportunities to share their time and talents as well as making a contribution to the community.” Joan McCulloch 

Jan Cook is the office assistant in the Algona RSVP office.  

“I enjoy working with RSVP staff, and enjoy volunteering myself. I recruit my friends who like to share their skills and stay busy. They get a lot of satisfaction from helping and, of course, feel free to pick and choose jobs and say “no” when they are busy. It’s been a rewarding experience – a wonderful program!” Jan Cook