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RSVP Reflections

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program September 2024

Find a volunteer role that fits your interests at Brillion Nature Center

By Diane Kortus RSVP volunteer


Volunteers have been key to Brillion Nature Center’s success since its very beginning in 1982. But many of its long-time volunteers are aging and are unable to participate at the same levels they have in the past.


Volunteers helping with pumpkins at Brillion Nature Center are (from left): John Brockmann, Carol Emmer, Bill Emmer, Kathy Brockmann, Karen Emmer and Dan Emmer. 


And that’s why Brillion Nature Center, a 40-acre wildlife area with a unique environmental education program, has recently become a nonprofit partner with the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at Volunteer Fox Cities. Read more.

Meet RSVP volunteer, Cyndy Hanson

By Diane Kortus, RSVP volunteer


 Q&A


When did you decide to start volunteering?

I started looking at volunteer opportunities before I retired in 2017. I like to stay busy and am very social, and was glad to discover Volunteer Fox Cities and all of its volunteer opportunities.

 

How did you get involved in our Hooks ‘n Needles group?

I was already a knitter and crocheter, so when I learned about this group, I thought it would be perfect for me, and I joined in 2017. We meet once a month to work on projects for local charities, making hats, scarves, mittens, blankets, lap blankets and baby blankets. We have lots of fun socializing and working together. Read more.

Cancer survivors join Livestrong at the YMCA

An evidence-based, free 12-week program uses traditional exercise methods to ease adult cancer survivors back into activity.


The YMCA helps to fill the gap from that transitional period of the disease to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to return to activity. Activities are tailored to match only what the survivor is able to accomplish.


The next session is from Sept. 9 through Dec. 6. For program dates and times, contact your local YMCA:

Apple Creek - Jen at joaks@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-702-2316

Appleton - Kristina at kschultz@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-954-7616

Fox West - Genifer at gschaefer@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-560-3413

Heart of the Valley - Sandy at scampbell@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-830-5726

Neenah-Menasha - Susan at schristel@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-886-2127

Ogden - Cindy at cbaumgartner@ymcafoxcities.org or 920-560-0001

Join the Senior Crew!

The Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity invites volunteers to a 1-hour informational session at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, to learn about its award-winning Senior Crew. This elite group of core volunteers commit to a somewhat regular - yet very flexible - schedule.


Attendees will receive an orientation to Habitat, overview of volunteer opportunities, testimonials, instructions on how to sign up to volunteer and refreshments.


The session will be held at Habitat ReStore, 5402 Integrity Way, Appleton. RSVP to Amy at amyc@foxcitieshabitat.org or call/text 920-544-7856.

Beware of government imposter scams

Scammers impersonating government officials are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal your money or personal information. Here’s how to recognize their new, layered approach:


  • Faked Caller ID: Scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though a government agency is contacting you, aiming to gain your trust.
  • Fake credentials: They may provide a fake employee ID or badge number or use the name of a real government employee.
  • Phony letters: Scammers send official-looking letters, complete with seals, and invent government agency names that sound legitimate but are not.

Government officials will not contact you to ask for your personal information or ask you to make a payment with gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. If you feel like you are a target of an attempted imposter scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission




AmeriCorps Seniors connects individuals and organizations to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. The focus is on these key areas to make an impact: economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, disaster response, healthy futures and veterans and military families. 

Volunteer Opportunities


St. Paul Elder Services ElderMatch: Is seeking volunteers to visit an older adult at least once a month for a minimum of one hour at their home in Outagamie County. Play games, take walks, spend time outside, browse family photo albums, talk and share stories or read books. Volunteers will not engage in housekeeping activities, cooking or shopping. For more information, or to enroll, contact Josie Troullier at josiet@stpaulelders.org or 920-766-6020, ext. 108.


Brewster Village: Is seeking volunteers with varied skills, experiences and interests to meet the social needs of residents in short- and long-term nursing homes. Examples of opportunities include companionship/friendly visits, entertainment/activity assistant, café host, meal serving, or villager escort. There are many options available for individuals, groups, or families. For more information on how to get involved, contact Pam at 920-832-5400 or Pamela.Schmidt@outagamie.org.








Calumet County ADRC: Is looking for substitute home-delivered meal drivers from 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday on the Calumet County side of Appleton. The transfer of meals is at St. Bernadette's Parish parking lot, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr., Appleton, Mileage reimbursement of .67 cents/mile, sanitizer, masks, and gloves are provided by the county. Volunteers return meal delivery warming bags the following week. Contact Jodi at 920-849-1451 or jodi.kautzer@calumetcounty.org.


Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin: Is looking for volunteers to pack traditional tribal food boxes every other Wednesday through Dec. 4 in Appleton. Shifts: 810:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m., with a brief orientation at the start. Each box contains perishable Indigenously sourced items. Contact Andrew at aramsey@feedingamericawi.org to sign up for the next available shift! 


Fox Valley Literacy: Is seeking an English language tutor in New London. Help motivated adults by teaching an intermediate-level class one evening per week (1 to 1.5 hours). No teaching experience or knowledge of other languages is required—training and materials are provided. Join us in making a difference! For more information, For more information, contact Heather at heather@foxvalleylit.org.


Harbor House: Is looking for childcare volunteers ages 14 and older on Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Must enjoy working with kids and have strong boundaries. Help is especially needed on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Volunteers may use the childcare and art rooms and the outdoor playground. Complete a volunteer application at www.harborhousewi.org/volunteer.


Linwood Community–A Ministry of Fox Valley Lutheran Homes: Is looking for friendly visitors to spend time with the residents - play games, do crafts or plan a luncheon. Share your passions and talents with our community daily, weekly or monthly. Contact Sue at 920-734-7225 or edasst.fvlhomes@gmail.com.


Outagamie County Volunteer Services: Is seeking volunteers to monitor visits between children in alternate care and their parents during the day, evenings or weekends. Visits are held at a site determined by the social worker and family. Mileage reimbursement is available. Volunteers need to maintain strict confidentiality, communicate with the assigned social worker and complete paperwork in a timely manner. Training is provided. Contact 920-832-5515 or hhsvolunteers@outagamie.org.


St. Vincent de Paul Appleton: Is looking for volunteers to help with pricing and sorting merchandise. Tasks include sorting, pricing, and placing merchandise on the sales floor. Generally, the hours to volunteer are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday-Friday. Contact Jessica at jessica@svdpappleton.org.


YMCA of the Fox Cities: Is looking for volunteers to read to small groups of students in their after-school care program for grades kindergarten through 4th grade. Volunteers are needed one or more days per week, Monday through Friday, from approximately 3 to 6 p.m. To learn more, contact Kate at kyates@ymcafoxcities.org or Brandon at bvanderhoof@ymcafoxcities.org.





Enjoy a mid-day meal with your neighbors


Congregate meal service is senior dining in a communal setting for individuals 60 years and older, their spouse or caregiver, and/or disabled adult residing with an eligible older individual. Congregate meals offer opportunities for socialization, nutrition education and counseling. In addition, resources are available from the Aging & Disability Resource Center to support the well-being and independence of older adults. View dining options here.


When do I sign up?

Eligible residents must call in their weekly meal order to 920-858-5619. Reservations are required for lunch one day prior before noon. Residents who have not received a meal will be asked to fill out a registration form. Click here.


What's for lunch? View menu here:

Happy birthday to volunteers celebrating in September!

Jane Stevenson – 9-1

Timothy Gleichner – 9-3

Debra Sheleski – 9-4

Mark Hanson – 9-5

Fritz Otto – 9-5

Jim Reid – 9-9

Daniel Stojak – 9-13

Paul Stelter – 9-14

David Opsteen – 9-15

Jackie Kempf – 9-18

Brenda Thomson – 9-20

Mary Jo Goldsmith – 9-24

Judith Goodson – 9-26

Jillian Lallensack – 9-27

Jim Mauthe – 9-28

Joyce Bongers – 9-30


Volunteer Fox Cities

48 Jewelers Park Dr., Ste. 100

Neenah, WI 54956

rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org

Volunteerfoxcities.org


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