History

Interfaith Senior Programs was born in 2007 as the result of a year-long process in which the Boards of Directors of Interfaith Caregiving Network, Inc. and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Waukesha County, Inc. met to discuss ways in which the two organizations could more effectively serve the community by partnering together.

As a result of the dedication of both Boards, the organizations became become one, creating administrative efficiencies and allowing more community resources to be directed to programs like the Intergenerational Folk Art Fairs, and the Holiday Basket Program.

Executive Director Kathy Gale and 2006 Board President Anna Pepelnjak spoke with Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund about the merger process. Podcasts of both interviews are available as a resource through BoardStar, a Program of the Nonprofit Management Fund.

Interfaith Senior Programs has also produced a case statement detailing the merger process, which is available as a resource for other agencies exploring possibilities for collaboration. For more information on each organization’s pre-partnership history, read on.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Waukesha County, Inc.
RSVP of Waukesha County was launched as a part of the Volunteer Center of Waukesha County in 1977, and incorporated as an independent nonprofit agency in 1982, with the goal of matching the personal interests and skills of older Waukesha County residents with opportunities to serve their community.

RSVP as a nationwide program was started in 1969 as one of three Senior Corps programs creating opportunities for friendship, activity, growth and engagement for older Americans.

Interfaith Caregiving Network, Inc.
Interfaith Caregiving Network was established in 1991 to create a network of faith communities who by working together could meet the growing needs of seniors and adults with disabilities in Waukesha County. A steering committee comprised of local clergy and representatives from human service agencies began laying the groundwork for the organization in 1989.

Interfaith Senior Programs is part of the nationwide Faith in Action Network, and the Wisconsin InterFaith in Action Network.