POST FALLS - Bob Small has never stepped away from taking a cut at challenges.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) director for the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho was shot at when he was tasked with clearing the racial divide on the northeast side of Portland, Ore., in the 1970s.

"I was probably the only white person within 20 blocks," he said. "Glass shattered and it hit the headrest on the passenger side of my vehicle."

Small had been living in the exclusive southwest side of Portland when he was asked by a white activist to try to curb racism on the northeast side that was spurred on by the Black Panthers.

"I had iron bars on every window and got death threats every day," Small said.

However, Small, with the help of business and community leaders, was able to bring back youth sports programs that had faded in the crime-riddled section of the city. Community pride was gradually restored.

He lobbied the city council to approve an "enterprise zone" that made residents exempt from a property tax increase for as long as they lived in the home to encourage folks to establish roots in the neighborhood.

"We watched the neighborhood go from all African Americans to 40 percent white," said Small, who developed skills of working with people as a former human resources manager. "Even the chief of police wanted to live in that neighborhood. It was the neatest experience of my life."

What is the common thread between that experience and your job as RSVP director today?

I am passionate about serving the community and helping others. I love challenges.

What does your position involve?

I oversee 527 volunteers 55 and older in the five northern counties who help out at senior centers, schools, police departments, thrift stores and other nonprofits. When I started in this position two and a half years ago, we had 275 volunteers.

What do you believe have been the reasons for the increase in volunteers?

First, you make sure that they're recognized. Even if it has to come out of my own pockets, you buy them breakfast and let them know that they're appreciated. Second, you get out there and see them. Some of them had never seen anyone from our organization before. That's made a big difference. Our director, Jeffery Hill, has also gotten out there to see them.

How would you put the value of these volunteers into perspective?

They are the lifeblood of the nonprofits in our community. Our volunteers in Region I gave 80,737 hours of their time during calendar year 2014. Idaho uses $19.92 per hour as the value of volunteers. So the value was estimated at $1,608,282.04 in 2014. Another way to look at it is with our Volunteers on Patrol for the police departments, for example. When they are on the street, that's a deterrent for crime. You can't put a price tag on that.

Share some specific other examples of how volunteers or the program have made a difference in our community.

We lost Jerry Spreen, who was on our RSVP Advisory Board, in February. He was a volunteer for the police department and school district (in Post Falls). I thought he was invincible. We also recently lost Rod Erickson (from Spirit Lake). He and his wife, Nancy, may have the biggest impact on me of anybody. Rod would do anything to help the seniors and kids of his community, even if it meant that he'd change his plans. Even though he wasn't an RSVP volunteer, he was an iconic singer who made himself available for any volunteer activity that I scheduled. I can't tell you how much respect I had for the man and his wife. In Spirit Lake, he wanted to ensure that the public had access to the land (where the Fireside Lodge formerly was).

How does the RSVP program function?

RSVP is funded by a grant from CNCS (Corporation for National and Community Service). For every dollar the RSVP program receives in funding, our communities get back $23.95 in services. Even the most fiscally conservative individuals are impressed by this.

Overseeing that many volunteers, do you ever feel like you're a babysitter of sorts?

Absolutely not. It's easy compared to HR (human resources). Volunteers just don't have the problems. They have the work ethic and are less likely to complain because they're working on a volunteer basis. It's unbelievable the enthusiasm that these volunteers have.

What is it that makes this generation of senior volunteers special?

They are the people who worked for what they've got. Since I've been doing this, I have never heard someone complaining. That ought to tell you something. They're reliable. They have the work ethic that unfortunately other generations don't have. These aren't people who have large egos. They simply want to help.

How is recruiting some younger volunteers to carry the torch going?

What it will be like in the future, I don't know but we're seeing a good trend of more Baby Boomers becoming volunteers. When I took over, the average age of the volunteers was around 80 and it's now 65 so it's dropped considerably.

What has sparked this change?

These (Baby Boomers) are retiring and we're trying to show them that they can golf and still fit in volunteering. If they're snowbirds, we put them in a position to where they can leave during the winter and they like that. They're finding that volunteering can be flexible and there is a niche for them. It's rewarding to see that. We're also trying to break down the stigma behind the word "senior." I often ask if people go to the senior center and a reply that I get is, "No, that's for old people."

Why is your job so rewarding?

I know how important volunteering is. I've worked with people who volunteer my entire life. It's a privilege and not a job for me. I have the best job in the country. I enjoy meeting people who feel like I do. If you give even a little bit, you can make a big difference in this community. I don't think people fully realize how important volunteers really are.