Edition: Fall 2017
Editor: Tina M.Weaver

Our Website:  www.rsvpmc.org

 Happy Autumn!
Newsletter Table of Contents
AutumnPlans
Now What Will You Do?

Vacation over? If you're ready to get back into the swing of things and become a valued volunteer, check out our endless opportunities to work with children and seniors.
  Attend an information session or reach out to Marguerite at (610) 834-1040, ext. 123 or volunteer123@rsvpmc.org 
  Bring a friend! 
 
 
Building At-Home Libraries for Deserving
C h i l d r e n
 
The National Center for Education Sciences reports: "61% of low-income families in the USA have no books at all in their homes for children."
 
As children return to school, RSVP is gearing up to provide books for children in the Head Start Programs in Montgomery County and in Children's Village in Chinatown, Philadelphia.
   
Throughout the school year, each child is provided with six festively wrapped books to either start or augment an at-home library.

These gift books generate a lot of excitement because in many cases, these children have never had books at home.
 
Each classroom also receives a mascot Dalmatian named Lucky (who loves to read) and a special canvas book carrying bag. Children take home classroom books and Lucky in the special bag and track their at-home reading on a classroom reading log.

What we have found is not only does the child read more at home, but having their own books also encourages more reading by siblings and parents. A complete win-win-win! 
    
This coming school year, we will begin working with Head Start Programs in Delaware and Chester Counties. Our goal is to double the number of children we work with.
 
If you would like to contribute to the Book Fund, please send your donation to 901 East 8th Avenue, Suite 200, King of Prussia, PA 19406, Attention:Give a Kid a Book. Alternatively, you can donate online through our online Give a Kid a Book program.
 
Your $100 gift will buy books for an entire Head Start classroom of eager preschoolers.
Thank you for your generosity.
 
.
Facebook
Visit our Facebook page often and see what our
  awesome volunteers are up to.
We can never get enough Likes! 
Won't you help us get to 500? 
Be sure to like us and share our posts. 
NickelsforNonProfits
Do you shop at Whole Foods Market ? Now through September 24th, RSVP programs benefit through the Nickels for Nonprofits partnership . Each reusable bag you bring in to the Jenkintown, North Wales and Plymouth Meeting stores is worth a $.05 donation that will support critical RSVP programs to benefit community members.
Thank you!

GuideStar
We're Proud
to use GuideStar Platinum to share our full and complete story with the world. To reach the Platinum level, we added extensive information to our Nonprofit Profile: basic contact and organizational information; in-depth financial information; quantitative information about goals, strategies, and progress toward our mission.

VolCelebration
Volunteer Celebration Event
Chester and Delaware Counties


On July 11th, we celebrated our Delaware and Chester County volunteers to recognize their efforts, their dedication and their tireless activism to improve our communities.

 
Two volunteers earned the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award for 4,000 lifetime hours: Richard Singer (left) with Board President Robert Leib (Frances Dewees was not available to accept her award)



The President's Gold Service Award was given to volunteers contributing more than 500 hours of service in one year. Recipients: L to R: Thomas McKelvey, Jo-Anna Campbell, Gretchen Deeck, Robert Leib, Shirley Carroll, Dianne Roberts-Gibbs, Ruth Whitsett, Simsy Wilson and Kim McDaniel, Director of Schoolhouse Senior Center accepting for Bertie Ritchie. Missing: Beverly Benn, Elizabeth Spraggans, Vincenza Tribuiani, Betty Whitehead, Arthur Weisen and Lois Yost.



Senior Corps Legacy Award recipients: L to R: Thomas McKelvey, Alice Dertadian, Victoria Jackson-Cooper, Rosemary Scapelleti, Robert Leib, RSVP Board President, Joann Donahue, Fran Pieri and Donna Tompkins. Missing: Virginia Graham, Saranne Hale, Steven Samples and Betty Whitehead.



The Citadel Community Hero Award was given to three community members who embody
the humble volunteer spirit of everyday heroism.


Winner Derek Fiorenza for his work to end food insecurity through his organization Fiorenza's Food for Friends. Shown above with Pam Krupansky, Vice President Retail Delivery at Citadel.

Below Finalist Brian Manning for his dedication to supporting families affected by Tay-Sachs disease with Citadel's Pam Krupansky.  Finalist Steve Kirk for his efforts to ensure local children have a safe sports playing field was not able to attend.

 
We congratulate and thank all of our volunteers for an amazing and eventful year! 

We are very grateful to Wesley Enhanced Living  
for their Sponsorship of our Luncheon and Citadel, our Diamond Level Corporate Sponsor and Partner. 

If you would like to add a volunteer activity, please contact us.  
 
RunWild2

 12th Annual 5K & 1 Mile Safari Walk 
Join us 
at the Elmwood Park Zoo on
 
Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.
(rain or shine) 
Check our website for details
This is a perfect event for families! Attend with friends and family and receive free admission to the zoo with paid registration.
Teams welcome to register.
 
Refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market
 
If you would like to volunteer at the race, please contact moganey@rsvpmc.org __________________________________________________
  $5 Off
  •   Registration for all current volunteers.
    (Coupon code: volunteer)
  • Bring a friend
    and they earn $5 off too. (Coupon Code: Friend)
  • Registration for returning runners and walkers
    (Coupon Code: Friend)
 ______________________________________________________________________ 

We are very grateful for our Sponsors
We encourage you to patronize their businesses
 
 
 
       
        
            

     
 
   
VolSpotlight
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Claire Porter 
 

Since Claire began with the Help on Call program to provide in-home assistance to homebound or disabled seniors she has helped ten clients, changing their lives for the better in many ways.
 
One severely epileptic client was not able to get to an all-day doctor appointment in downtown Philadelphia on his own. Claire took him, stayed with him, researched what to do in case he had a seizure, and as a result of his appointment, this client learned he would save $400/month on medications he no longer needed to take.
 
Claire visits and assists an elderly woman with congenital heart failure and mood disorders. She recently lost her husband and lives alone with no family nearby. Claire shops for her groceries and has extended her shopping to buying shoes and sheets and other household items.
 
For two and a half years, Claire has helped a blind woman sort through her mail, pay her bills, organize her paperwork and has assisted her with shopping.
 
All of these assignments (and others not mentioned here) include friendship and caring. Claire has become a trusted friend and confidant to her clients who say things like "Claire is wonderful. I don't have words to say how much I appreciate her."
 
Thank you Claire, we think the world of you!  



  
Whether you are brand new to volunteering or already a veteran volunteer, we would love to see you at one of our information sessions. Share your experiences and find out more about areas of great need in your community. 
 
Friendly presentations provide an overview of RSVP, outline various programs and provide an opportunity to discuss assignments.  Bring a friend along and enjoy light refreshments - you never know what you might find! 

 
Bala Cynwyd - October 5 and December 7 - from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm - Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd.  

Blue Bell/Wissahickon September 6 - from 1:00 to 2:30 pm - WVPL Library, 650 W. Skippack Pike

Eagleville - November 4 - from 1:00 to 3:00 pm - Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Dr. 
 
Now in Chester County!  
Exton - October 11, November 15 and December 14 - from noon to 2:00 pm
Exton Chamber of Commerce (in Exton Mall), 185 Exton Square Mall

Glen Mills - October 16 and December 11 from 10:00 to 11:30 am, Whole Foods Market, 475 Wilmington West Chester Pike 
 
King of Prussia - September 19, October 26 and December 4 - from 10:00 am to noon - RSVP Office, 901 E. 8th Avenue, Suite 200
 
Lansdale - September 5 - from 2:00 to 4:00 pm , October 10 - from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, November 14 - from 1:00 - 3:00 pm and December 12 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Common Ground Cafe, North Penn Commons, 608 Main Street

Media - November 2 - from 10:00 to 11:30 am - Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson St. Parlor Room 

Pennsburg - September 28 -  from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and November 16 -  from  11:00 am to 1 pm - Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA, 1399 Quakertown Rd.

Plymouth Meeting - September 22 - from 9:30 to 11:00 am - Whole Foods, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Community Room

Pottstown September 27, October 18 and November 29 - from 12:30 to 2:00 pm - Tri-County Active Adult Center, 288 Moser Road

Souderton - November 15 - from 10:30 to 11:30 am - Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N. Second St.

Willow Grove - September 26 - from 9:30 to 11:00 am, October 24 - from 10:00 to 11:30 am and November 28 - from 10:00 - 11:30 am - Giant Supermarket, 315 York Road, 2nd floor

Please let us know that you're coming
so that we can plan for your visit
(or let you know if we need to cancel) 
 
Call Marguerite Cunning, Volunteer Coordinator (610) 834-1040, ext. 123 
   
Walk-Ins Always Welcome
There's never an obligation to enroll as a volunteer
.
Limited supply of gifts available at each session to thank you for attending!
 Aren't you curious?   
 
 
STEM

     Volunteers who have signed up as  
    STEM/Career Presenters
   can now access our most up-to-date 
   speaker request list in real time. 
  Signing up for a presentation takes just a few seconds!
  The drop down menu will update daily, so you will always have the most recent list of schools looking for dynamic presenters. Current volunteers will still receive email requests, and the list will also  be accessible on The My free tutor website or click here to view.

WhereVolsNeeded
Where Volunteers are Needed Most 
Just 15 Minutes WILL Change the World 
 
 
 
There are many important volunteer opportunities
 in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Opportunities, Right in Your Backyard! 



Chester County:
  • Meals-on-Wheels drivers and food pantry support
  • STEM and other career exploration presenters
  • Virtual math tutors (great for corporate employees - just one hour from your desk)
  • Marketing, planning and other management skills needed to assist nonprofits
  • Visit with lonely Veterans
  • Consignment store support staff
  • Reading coaches needed to motivate elementary school students
  • Family Literacy volunteers needed to read to Head Start preschool students 
     
Delaware County:
  • Food pantry and Meals-on-Wheels support
  • Drivers, escorts and friendly visitors for seniors
  • Virtual math tutors
  • Adult literacy volunteers
  • Nature center support
  • Thrift shop staff
  • Mentors for teen mothers and women in transition
  • Marketing, planning and other management skills needed to assist nonprofits
  • Reading coaches needed for elementary school students
     
Montgomery County:
  • Virtual math tutors
  • Thrift shop support
  • Adult literacy volunteers
  • Blood Donor ambassador
  • Hospice support
  • Home-bound senior assistance - drivers, shoppers, visitors, etc.
  • Mentors
  • Sort donations to organize personal and household essentials
  • Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen support and meal delivery drivers
  • Crisis hotline counselors
  • Facilitate interactive/learning programs for children

Philadelphia County:
  • Read to preschool children
  • STEM and other career exploration presenters
  • Virtual math tutors to assist veterans
   
         Make a Difference!
  
  To learn how, contact Marguerite Cunning 610-834-1040, ext. 123
WeAreGrateful
We are very grateful
for the support  
of our Diamond and Platimum Level  
Corporate Partners 
committed to supporting our local communities

   Diamond Level Sponsor and Partner 




 Platinum Level Sponsor and Partner
 
  


If your company would like to explore the benefits of becoming a corporate partner, please contact
  click here To view RSVP's Corporate Sponsorship package.  

 


Additional Benefits to Businesses:
RSVP is a certified Educational Improvement Organization, providing innovative and engaging educational programming for public schools.  Through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) businesses in the state can receive up to a 90% tax credit by partnering with RSVP. To learn more visit the EITC site or contact Tony Giunta. 
UpcmingWorkshops
Upcoming Workshops
  Important Workshops for Nonprofits

 2017 VEC Workshop Series:  
All workshops will be held at RSVP, 901 East 8th Avenue, Suite 200, King of Prussia. 
Each workshop opens at 9:30 for coffee and networking, sessions begin at 10:00 am to noon
 

Getting to 501c3 Status              September 12
 
A must for any nonprofit startup. Most start up nonprofits are driven by the goodwill of individuals who have had their lives impacted by some external event and who want to do something to help the broader community cope with that issue. But, good intentions do not necessarily lead to successful results. Most organizations fail for the same reasons. This workshop will discuss what must be covered in the planning process before the legal paperwork is done. The IRS has made it easier for startup organizations to gain nonprofit status, and the workshop will provide detailed instruction on taking an idea and moving it forward to acceptance of a 501(c)(3) application.
Workshop facilitator: Alan Frankel has been active in RSVP's Volunteer Executive Consultants program for the past seven years. He is a retired entrepeneur and senior executive with a 40-year career in financial services and has served as President and COO of two publicly held companies. He has also been a partner and worked with various healthcare equipment leasing companies including Lighthouse Capital Corp., The Alta Group, Copelco Leasing Corp. and American Business Leasing.



Facebook: How to do it for YOUR Nonprofit    October 17

A hands-on interactive session. Join us for an interactive Facebook for Nonprofits Seminar! VEC has teamed up with Citadel to bring you an interactive seminar and mini-workshop to help nonprofits navigate through the ever-changing social media landscape. Learn everything you need to know about using Facebook to boost awareness, promote your nonprofit, and engage with supporters, donors and volunteers. This workshop is a follow-up to our Basics of Social Media seminar on March 7, 2017. We encourage attendees to come prepared with specific questions and challenges related to Facebook Marketing that your organization is facing. We will answering as many questions as time permits!
Workshop Facilitator: Melissa Thompson, Social Media Specialist at Citadel
To register, contact Jolene Ewing (610) 834-1040, ext. 11


Financial Management for Nonprofits        November 14 
 
Learn the basics of nonprofit finance and accounting procedures.
This Seminar will cover:
  • The elements of a financial plan
  • Legal and financial requirements for nonprofits
  • How to connect to your budget
  • What danger signs to look out for
Our presenter, Jay Freed, leads the VEC Education program.  He is a retired senior executive and business owner with over 20 years of professional training experience.  His background includes marketing and developing financial software, and leading revenue forecasting activities.  He has worked for AT&T, Lotus Development Corporation and Vertex Inc
To register, contact Jolene Ewing   (610) 834-1040, ext. 11 
   
 
Workshops are free for current or past clients; $20 for non-clients. 
For information contact vecinformation@rsvpmc.org  
       $ New VEC logo
   VEC Volunteers now Providing Off-Site Consulting 

VEC volunteers are providing free consulting sessions for area nonprofits at the Regional Foundation Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street. To register, contact erefrfc@freelibrary.org
  
Check back - additional dates and topics coming soon



MoreTrainingEvents
More Training Coming Soon 
 
Literacy Workshop for Delaware and Chester County Volunteers 
 


Volunteers interested in participating in our Family Literacy or America Reads programs should contact Jackie Matusow 610-834-1040 x.66  
 
   


AmazonSmile
Do You Shop on Amazon?


When you do, here's a simple way to support RSVP programs:
 
By shopping through Smile.Amazon.com (simply designate RSVP of Montgomery County as your charity of choice,) a portion of your sales are donated to us.
Thank you!
 
      
APPRISE
APPRISE / MEDICARE News

Click below to watch this video to see if YOU qualify for Medicare Savings. Email donnau@rsvpmc.org or call (610) 834-1040, ext. 75


Open Enrollment begins on October 15 through December 7.  This is your chance to review and make any needed changes to your Medicare plan(s).




You should be receiving your NEW Medicare card in April 2018.  The new cards will NOT include your Social Security number

There is no charge for your new card and you can use it immediately. Remember to destroy your old card as it contains your SSN.
 
 
If you receive a call asking for your banking or other financial information, hang up immediately!

Remember:
  • The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration will NOT call you to update your information.
  • If someone calls and asks for your personal information do NOT provide it
  • If calls persist, you may contact your phone company about features that would allow you to be selective in the calls you receive.

     
    Whether you've been a beneficiary for many years -- or you are turning 65 and just about to enroll in Medicare for the first time, our counselors can help you be selective and informed about your coverage, regardless of income levels.

Call 610-834-1040 x20 and talk with an APPRISE Volunteer Counselor.
 
memorialcelebrations

Memorials and Celebrations
We Are Grateful For Your Thoughtfulness  
 
In Memory of:
 
Jim Kolar from Joan & Alan Kober
Brian McGarvey from RSVP Staff and Board 
Brian McGarvey from Robert Leib 
Len Ross from Michele Moll 
Bob Sykes from Michele Moll
 
 In Celebration/Honor of:

Maria Strohl and the HOC Program from Sharon Sandy



Offering a simple way to honor someone who is deceased 
 or to celebrate a special occasion or gesture.
To make a donation in memory or celebration of someone special click here

CommunityHappenings
 
Community Happenings & Resources
* * * * * * 

If you know someone in Flourtown, Oreland, Lafayette Hill, Glenside and other parts of Montgomery County who is in need of Meals on Wheels food delivery click on image


__________________________________________________________ 
 
Veterans Expo 

November 20  9:00 am to noon 
Montgomery County Community College 
College Hall 
340 DeKalb Pike 
Blue Bell, PA

 
Information for Veterans of all ages, with special emphasis on services for our men and women returning to civilian life.
Featuring organizations that provide support, education and employment to our veterans.
Visit our table to learn how we are supporting veterans.


Hosted by Congressman Patrick Meehan and PA State Representatives Kate Harper, Thomas Murt and Todd Stephens

For information contact Rep. Harper's District office:      (610) 277-3230 or email mdiehl@pahousegop.com

__________________________________________________________  
 
Blood Donors Needed

Carol Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive

October 9 and 10 
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lankenau Medical Center
100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynwood 

To Register visit www.chablooddrive.org
 
 
____________________________________________________


Offering several workshops that are
 
free to the public.
 
 
Steady and Strong: Aging Safely
October 9, 2017  
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Abington Hospital
Zaslow Auditorium
Frobese Conference Center
To register: (215) 481-2204 
 
and
 
A Matter of Balance
Thursdays, September 4 through November 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. to noon
Abington Lansdale Hospital
Classrooms C & D  
To register: (215) 481-2204 
 
 
TeleScams
Telephone Scams
Take them Seriously

If you are a senior and you receive a suspicious call hang up and please call  U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging's FRAUD HOTLINE to report 
1-855-303-9470 
RSVP - Responding to Community Needs Through Volunteerism!
Now Serving Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties and educationally disadvantaged children, youth and veterans in Philadelphia

610-834-1040
  PLEASE SUPPORT THE GROWING NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITIES