Visit our
Facebook
page often
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.
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Matching Funds
We are EXCITED to announce we have secured
matching funds
through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Facebook.
If you donate to our campaign,
on November 28th
through our secure Facebook page
Donate Button,
YOU can
double your impact
.
If you don't use Facebook, you can register in advance of November 28th so your donation is ready to go by calling
Jane McGowan (610) 834-1040, x.38.
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Did you recently receive our annual appeal asking for your support?
We thought we would take a moment to explain why an organization like ours that utilizes volunteers needs to raise funds; after all, volunteers are free, right?
RSVP created and runs twelve unique direct service programs that meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We continually monitor the needs in our communities and can modify or adapt programs if necessary.
Our costs are related to program management, volunteer recruiting, screening, training and placement as well as connecting enthusiastic volunteers to clients who need help. Our staff manages the interaction between involved participants such as parents, counselors, teachers, librarians, referring agencies, any facility or nonprofit manager and, of course, the recipient.
We are proud to report that we operate on a lean budget, enabling us to dedicate as much funding as possible to development and management of responsive programming benefiting our most vulnerable community members. For every dollar we raise $.82 goes toward program management.
If you make your donation on November 28th through our Facebook Donate Button, your impact will be doubled, enabling us to reach more families in need throughout our communities. If you are not a Facebook user, click here to donate.
Thank you!
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Because of our
Amazing Volunteers!
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Can Your Volunteer Experience Get Any Better?
Please take our quick survey and let us know how we're doing
If you respond by December 4th, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.
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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 learn more about areas of great need in your community.
Bring a friend along and enjoy light refreshments - you never know what you might find!
Bala Cynwyd December 7, February 1 10:30 am to 1:00 pm - Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd.
Blue Bell/Wissahickon TBD - WVPL Library, 650 W. Skippack Pike
Eagleville
TBD
Now in Chester County!
Exton
December 14, January 24, March 21
noon to 2:00 pm -
Exton Chamber of Commerce (in Exton Mall), 185 Exton Square Mall
Glen Mills
December 11, January 8, February 5, March 5 10:00 to 11:30 am - Whole Foods Market, 475 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Kennett Square
February 21 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - The Market at Liberty Place, 148 W. State St.
Northbrook Marketplace December 4
11:00 am to 1:00 pm - 1805 Unionville Wawaset Rd., West Chester
King of Prussia December 4, January 30, March 20 10:00 am to noon - RSVP Office, 901 E. 8th Avenue, Suite 200
Lansdale
December 12 January 9, February 13, March 13 1:30 - 3:00 pm. - Common Ground Cafe, North Penn Commons, 608 Main Street
Media
TBD - Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson St. Parlor Room
Plymouth Meeting
TBD - Whole Foods, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Community Room
Pottstown January 24, February 28, March 28 12:30 to 2:00 pm - Tri-County Active Adult Center, 288 Moser Road
Souderton
March 7 10:00 to 11:30 am - Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N. Second St.
Willow Grove
January 31, March 27 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! Curious?
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Throughout the school year, Head Start preschoolers are provided with six festively wrapped books to help build an at-home library.
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These gift books generate a lot of excitement because
in many cases, these children have never had books at home
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Each $5 donation will purchase one storybook. If you donate on
November 28th
your
impact will be doubled through a generous match!
Your $100 gift will buy books for an entire Head Start classroom of eager preschoolers (or two classrooms if you donate on November 28th!)
Thank you for your generosity.
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Our 12th
Annual 5K
& 1 Mile Safari Walk was a such a great day!
Thank you to all the runners, walkers and their families and to the many volunteers who made the day possible.
Be sure to mark
October 14, 2018
on your calendars and join us to Run Wild all over again!
First place male Derek Reinhold with his First Place Female Whitney Belmonte
family and Michele Moll with a time of 17:58 and Michele Moll with a time of 20:42
All medal winners from all age categories
Having Fun at the 5K
We are very grateful for our 5k Sponsors
and encourage you to patronize their businesses
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Partner Agency Spotlight
Aldan Elementary School (William Penn School District), in Delaware County, is one of our partner schools that serves vulnerable students. Sixty-seven per cent of students come from low-income families. It is a diverse, small (250 students), K-6 school, with a real feeling of community. The building, constructed in the 1970's era of the "Open Classroom," is a beautiful, one-floor building, with two colorful murals on the walls, created by the children and adults of the community.
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L to R - Top: Sheila Young, office assistant, Janet Braker, Principal. Bottom: Sara Lee Langsam, RSVP Volunteer and Donna Boyer, 3rd grade Teacher
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Sara Lee Langsam has been working as a reading coach with Donna Boyer's third grade students more than eleven years! She is valued for her expertise as a retired teacher and, in Ms. Boyer's words ... Ms. Langsam, in her role as an America Reads volunteer, is helping her students "... practice some life-long reading skills..." The students with whom she works are anxious "... to show her how their reading skills are growing and improving. In turn I know that Ms. Langsam enjoys the time getting to know the students and spending time helping them learn and practice what they need to know to become independent readers."
America Reads is an RSVP impact program that helps all children read well by 4th grade, especially disadvantaged students who attend schools in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Volunteers - called reading coaches - work with struggling students to help them become better readers and they make reading fun! Volunteers are trained to create a nurturing environment in which students feel comfortable taking
the risks needed to master skills and make progress.
RSVP's 2017 Impact Study reveals that 86% of students who spend time every week with reading coaches, improved their comprehension.
Aldan Elementary and other schools need more volunteer reading coaches. Could you (or someone you know) spare an hour a week in January through June? Please let us know if you can help promote literacy to our deserving youth.
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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.
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Opportunities, Right in Your Backyard!
Chester County:
Delaware County:
- Food pantry and Meals-on-Wheels support
- Drivers, escorts and friendly visitors for seniors
- Virtual math tutors and homework helpers
- 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
- Friendly visitors and household repairs
Montgomery County:
- Virtual math tutors
- Thrift shop and office support
- Adult literacy volunteers
- Blood Donor ambassador
- Hospice support
- Home-bound senior assistance - drivers, shoppers, visitors, etc.
- Mentors for at-risk youth
- 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
- Disaster preparedness presenter
- Job readiness coach
Philadelphia County:
- Read to preschool children
- STEM and other career exploration presenters
- Virtual math tutors to assist veterans
Make a Difference!
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Thank you to Board Members Sandy Thomas and Dena Hartigan for hosting gatherings in their homes to inform their friends and neighbors about the work our volunteers are doing in local communities
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Upcoming Workshops
Important Workshops for Nonprofits
Our popular Meet the Funders workshop is scheduled for
Additional workshops will include Marketing and Nonprofit Best Practices
For additional details, please check back in early 2018 or contact VEC Manager, (610) 834-1040 x.11
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
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Holiday Shoping on Amazon?
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It'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!
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APPRISE / MEDICARE News
Open Enrollment ends on
December 7
.
This is your chance to review and make any needed changes to your Medicare plan(s).
Call 610-834-1040 x20 and talk with an APPRISE Volunteer Counselor.
Update for 2018
The good news is the Medicare Part B premium will remain at $134, the same amount as in 2017. Some prior enrollees will experience an increase in their current premium of $109 due to increased social security payments for 2018 which was allowed by the "hold harmless" provision. The Part B deductible will continue to be $183 in 2018. The Part A inpatient hospital deductuble will increase by $24 to $1,340.
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 your income level.
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Memorials and Celebrations
We Are Grateful For Your Thoughtfulness
In Memory of:
Hope Ann Kerr from Joan & Alan Kober
Craig Troxel from Tina Weaver
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.
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Community Happenings & Resources
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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
Lifelong Learning Institute at Immaculata University
is a membership-based educational opportunity for adults aged 50+ who want to continue their learning and spend time with like-minded people. LLI at IU is a chance to learn about non-traditional topics without the pressure of homework, tests, and timelines. You can explore areas such as silver yoga, current events, painting, and more!
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Veteran's Day
To recognize our 75 volunteers who are veterans, we created and sent cards of thanks along with medals issued by the Corporation for National & Community Service to show our appreciation for their service.
SAP employees wrote heartwarming messages of thanks that were distributed to active service men and women and veterans worldwide.
Our My Free Tutor virtual tutoring program, already offering math tutoring support to veterans through the VUB program, will begin assisting college-bound veterans at Philadelphia Community College and we need additional volunteers. If you can spare an hour to support our veterans, please let us know.
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We are very grateful
for the support
of our Diamond and Platimum Level
Corporate Partners
who are 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.
CCRES is now Hiring
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.
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