Tami DiCostanzo

Project Director, RSVP

Joined CSS: 1992

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Bio

Tami DiCostanzo began working for CSS in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a Project Coordinator with the award-winning Prejudice Reduction Program, an intergenerational pilot program that trained and placed older adult volunteers in Staten Island elementary schools to encourage respect for human differences. In 1999, she became a Project Director and led the expansion of the program to schools throughout the five boroughs. She also oversaw the efforts of the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, the RSVP volunteer newsletter, and annual calendar.  She also supported the o

In 2006, she took time off to raise her family and returned to CSS in 2013 to oversee volunteers’ efforts to respond to, and rebuild, after Superstorm Sandy caused major destruction in our area.

After completion of that project, Tami focused her attention to the overall success of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program in Staten Island, the birthplace of RSVP. CSS created the original pilot project SERVE in 1966 that gave way to the national RSVP program.

Tami is responsible for most aspects of program management including implementation and innovation; development of partnerships with community based organizations; recruitment, placement and recognition of 55 and older volunteers; grant writing and reporting; day to day operations of the Staten Island office; and grant compliance. She also supports the efforts and expansion of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP city-wide program and oversees the volunteer team that produces the quarterly RSVP volunteer newsletter.

She is most passionate about developing and strengthening volunteer opportunities that address food insecurity, or provide service to veterans, service members and their families. In 2017, she created the RSVP Veterans Task Force to meet the needs of the Staten Island veteran community. The task force has evolved into 70+ member coalition co-led by Tami, now known as the Staten Island Service Member, Veterans, and Families Task Force. She is also the chairperson of the Volunteer Committee for the Staten Island Hunger Task Force.

Tami shares her 30+ years of experience in the field by conducting a variety of volunteer management workshops for non-profit professionals. In 2023, she received the Life of Service Award from AmeriCorps to recognize her many years supporting older adult volunteer service as an integral key to supporting all generations and the health of their communities.

“I am lucky to be part of the Community Service Society’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP team because I get to interact with the most amazing people – the volunteers. No matter the situation or circumstance, these folks are there to ask “how can I help?” They give freely of their time and talents to address critical issues and improve the quality of life for their fellow New Yorkers. They are inspiring!”