RSVP Newsletter
January 14, 2022
Knitters & crocheters continue to make impact  
 
A big thank you to Hooks ‘n Needles volunteers, who make clothing for people in need in the Fox Cities.  
 
In 2021, 37 volunteers served 12,479 hours creating 1,803 items, including 117.5 pair of Knitted Knockers. Volunteers knit and crocheted hats, headbands, mittens, finger gloves, scarves, blankets, shawls, slippers, socks, lap throws and a variety of baby clothes.  
 
Donations were distributed to local nonprofit organizations, including: 
  • Fox Valley Memory Project 
  • Circles of Support 
  • The Salvation Army-Fox Cities
  • Appleton Area School District Homeless Student Program
  • Community Clothes Closet
  • Heartland Home Health & Hospice
  • St. Paul Elder Services
  • ThedaCare Cancer Center 
  • B.A.B.E.S. 
  • St. Vincent de Paul – Kaukauna 
  • Fox Cities Greenways (Cycling Without Age) 
Give the gift of a phone call
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and even death.

TeleMatch Fox Cities is an RSVP program designed to increase social connectedness of seniors who may be isolated and to help them remain healthy and independent in their own home. We are seeking volunteers to place a telephone call to older adults in Outagamie County who want to engage in a friendly conversation once a week. Conversations touch on everything from happy memories, hobbies, vacations and just plain small talk.
Programs like this have popped up all over the country due to the pandemic. One senior who is receiving calls refers to them as “a gift.”

If you have 15 minutes a week to spare, contact Jan at 920-832-9360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org
Join the fabulous Habitat Senior Crew!
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to do something good for the world, then volunteering regularly is an ideal way to do that! Learn more about the Habitat Senior Crew at an upcoming informational meeting. 

Friday, Jan. 21, 10-11 a.m. at the Habitat Affiliate, 921 Midway Rd. Menasha 
Friday, Feb. 4, 10-11 a.m. at ReStore West, 5402 W. Integrity Way Appleton (next to Costco) 
 
Each session includes an orientation to Habitat, testimonials, how to sign up and refreshments.   
 
This amazing crew is a core group that devotes a regular schedule to Habitat. Have no fear, scheduling is very flexible to fit your schedule. If you feel you can volunteer 1-2 shifts per month or more, the Habitat Senior Crew may be for you!   

Perks: 
Make new friends 
Give back – share your time and talents! 
Free cool red t-shirts, hats and name tags 
Fun social events like monthly breakfasts, summer picnic, Timber Rattlers games and more! 
Be part of something bigger than yourself that truly impacts families in need right here in our community! 
 
Please RSVP to Jodi at jodii@foxcitieshabitat.org or call 920-544-7856. Choose either date, or join us for both! If you can't make either of these meetings, you can set up a one-on-one meeting with Jodi using the contact info above. 
Covid-19 homeowner assistance
Income-eligible homeowners who experienced a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for mortgage and/or utility assistance from LEAVEN. Call or email LEAVEN with any questions: 920-738-9635 casework@leavenfoxcities.org
Set SMART goals for the new year 
The new year offers an opportunity for reflection and thinking about how we can make the coming year our best one yet. One of the best ways to do this without setting yourself up for falling short is by using SMART goals:  
Specific—What exactly do you want to achieve? Think of potential setbacks within your goal and how you plan to overcome them.  
Measurable–This means breaking your goal down into measurable elements so you can see your progress and know if you need to redefine your goal.  
Attainable–If your goal does seem impossible, start small and break it down, but make sure it is something that will challenge you enough to keep you engaged. 
Relevant—Is it something that is important to you? Knowing why you want to do something is powerful. Maybe you want to start creating a to-do list to help develop your time-management skills. 
Time-bound–You need a finish line. Make sure there is a reasonable amount of time to achieve the goal. Keep it realistic and flexible.  
   
Network Health’s mission is to create healthy and strong Wisconsin communities by being a health and wellness partner to our members and our communities. For more information, please visit: www.networkhealth.com
Caregivers Save the Date!
Family Caregivers Rock will be hosting a Marcus Theatre Event on Saturday, February 12 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For only $5, family caregivers can attend a movie of their choice with a small soda and a small popcorn. You may also sign up a guest for an additional $5. This event will take place at Marcus Theatres in Green Bay, Oshkosh and both Appleton locations. Simply RSVP on their website FamilyCaregiversRock.org starting on January 1 and be sure to indicate that location of your choice.
Wisconsin is ranked 12th among states for the number of residents who volunteer. An AmeriCorps report cites 37% of residents in our state serve their community.
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: Is looking for volunteers throughout the Fox Cities to help schedule appointments for taxpayers. Tax prep experience is not required; however basic computer skills are desirable. Training will be provided. Contact Jackie, Goodwill NCW VITA Site Coordinator, at 920-968-6021 or jzolp@goodwillncw.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Appleton: Is looking for a front desk assistant to help two nights per week. The front desk is integral to the club’s everyday operations. Duties may include answering phones, communicating basic club information, filing or signing in members, visitors and volunteers. You can choose your own schedule Monday-Friday between 3:30 and 6 p.m. If interested, contact Sam at spackard@bgclubfoxvalley.org or 920-731-0555. 

Outagamie County Mentoring Program: An 11-year old boy living with his mom in Kimberly would enjoy getting out of the house and spending time with a male mentor. He likes doing art and gaming on his PC. He is interested in skiing, tubing, hiking and trying new activities. He could benefit from having a trusting adult to talk to. For more information, contact hhsmentors@outagamie.org, 920-832-2223 or 920-832-2460.
GRAB N GO MEAL SERVICE

Outagamie County Nutrition Program offers APPLETON GRAB N GO Meals for pickup by Outagamie County residents age 60 and older, regardless of income, on Wednesdays.

GRAB N GO Meal Service is available at Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton. 

Eligible residents must call in their weekly meal order to 920-209-4175 by noon the Monday prior to the Wednesday pickup. All Outagamie County residents age 60 years and older may receive this meal service. Residents who have not received a meal since April 29, 2020, must register. Download a form here.  

For more information on this program, click here.
To view January's menu, click here.
Happy birthday to volunteers celebrating in January!
Ruth Ann Gorski - 1/02
Marie Halmstad - 1/02
JoAnn Weber - 1/02
Carla Hilton - 1/06
Cal Gardner - 1/10
Janna Zimmerman - 1/11
Robert Logan - 1/13
Dave Martin - 1/13
Marion Plass - 1/15
Karen Eiting - 1/16
Mike Fox - 1/18
Debbie McKee - 1/18
Dar Lucht - 1/19
Faith Mauk - 1/22
Thomas Sinclair - 1/23
Germaine Ambrosius - 1/24
Ray Schmoeker - 1/24
Glenn Mintern - 1/25
Rita Trader - 1/26
Karen Jenneman - 1/27
Carol Anderson - 1/28
Mary Vande Berg - 1/28
Kathleen Salm - 1/29

Volunteer Fox Cities
2616 S.Oneida St. Suite 2
rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org
Volunteerfoxcities.org

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