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Jim & Karen Purvis

Written by Belva Seaberry

JIM and KAREN PURVIS, two RSVP volunteers, are sure to have interesting stories to share after a day of volunteering.

Karen Purvis

Karen's lifelong love of horses and her volunteer work with special-ed children led her to Saddle Pals, a therapeutic horsemanship program. Open to children and adults with emotional, physical or mental difficulties, Saddle Pals began in 1993, and Karen has been there since her retirement from the State a few years ago. Saddle Pals is located in a country setting in Citrus Heights, and just visiting the tidy grounds and gentle horses is therapeutic. The staff consists of a licensed physical therapist, certified instructors, and well-trained volunteers. Karen's orientation included training in all aspects of the program as well as instruction in various disabilities and how to interact with challenged clients. Proven benefits to these clients are enhanced attention span, coordination, and ability to follow directions as well as social and emotional growth, increased strength and extended mobility. Volunteers are needed not only to assist with the lessons, but also in caring for the horses, facility maintenance, and gardening.

Karen Purvis

Jim's energies go in a different direction. At the Senior Legal Hotline (SLH) Jim advises seniors troubled by legal problems. His background as a paralegal and his skills creating and coordinating work-site wellness programs for the State make him well suited to the trouble shooting at SLH. His previous volunteer experience answering phones at a Sheriff's Center office and at Channel 3's Consumer Hotline also made SLH a good fit, as all contact with clients is by phone or email. He does client intake and provides guidance on a wide range of legal problems (except criminal). Backed by extensive, on-going training, a staff of attorneys, a legal library, and strong research, Jim offers solutions to problems spanning the range of quick and simple to complex.

Thanks to Jim and Karen, Saddle Pals and the Senior Legal Hotline, disabled youngsters have gained in control and self esteem, and worried seniors are reassured and advised.

To explore volunteer opportunities throughout the Sacramento region call RSVP.

Website: www.rsvpsacramento.org

To arrange an appointment at: 

    3727 Marconi Avenue Sacramento, 95821
    between 8:30 and 5:00 
    Monday – Friday
    Call: 916.875.3631