The Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin is a sponsor of a national program called RSVP in Outagamie County. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a great way to volunteer and network with other older adults who have an interest in serving our community. RSVP invites adults age 55 and over to use their life experience and skills to answer the call of their neighbors in need.

The RSVP staff meets one-on-one with potential volunteers to assist them in determining what opportunities best meet their interests, skills and schedule. Volunteering through RSVP has several benefits. Insurance and mileage reimbursement are some of the benefits that we would like to discuss with you.  If you are interested in becoming an RSVP member contact Carol Bloemer or Judy Jodarski at (920) 832-9360.

The following projects have also been created for RSVP members to meet community needs in Outagamie County.

Project Young Minds. This program is designed to enrich the lives of youth by utilizing the time and talents of adult volunteers. With ongoing changes in today's family structure, third party intervention plays a vital role in fostering educational achievement.  Some at-risk behavior and even health-related illnesses are preventable by assisting young students at the earliest possible stages.

Several opportunities are available through Project Young Minds.

• BABES (Beginning Awareness, Basic Education Studies) teaches area students about self-image, peer pressure, decision-making, coping skills, getting help and the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs. RSVP volunteers utilize a seven-week puppet presentation to get the messages across to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students.  If you want to perform behind the curtain, this is the program for you!  Training is provided.  
• TUTORING in reading, math and general homework help is needed in a variety of settings and in every school district in the county.  No experience is necessary, just a love of children and the desire to make a difference in their lives.  Materials are provided. 
• MENTORING is an opportunity to let a young person know that someone cares about their success in life. The matches take place at school - meet for lunch or at another time during the school day to participate in an activity. The commitment is about 1 or 2 hours per week.
• AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS are in need of volunteers to play games, share a skill or hobby, help with reading or homework. Help youth improve their academic performance, develop socialization skills and increase their self -esteem
• VOLUNTEERS IN THE CLASSROOM is a group of volunteers that present a skill, hobby or personal experience in the classroom. Teachers draw from the list of available volunteers to enhance the subject that the class is studying.  Example: a teacher who is teaching about Early American history may call upon a RSVP musician that has expressed an interest in teaching about early American songs. There are so many talents that can become a learning experience for our youth.  Let's meet to discuss the possibilities!

ELDERMATCH and RESPITE VOLUNTEERS. Lutheran Social Services with the help of RSVP ElderMatch volunteers work to meet the needs of homebound individuals.  All that is required is a smile and a friendly face. This important service, along with other "friendly visiting" in nursing homes and at assisted living facilities, enriches the lives of our seniors.  

RSVP MAILING TEAM. Over 30 area non-profit agencies benefit from the assistance in bulk mailings, stuffing bags, folding inserts for the newspaper, applying labels to bike helmets for kids, and more. This is a great opportunity for those who can't commit to a regular schedule and those who may have disabilities that limit their involvement.

HOOKS 'N NEEDLES. This knitting and crocheting group meets once a month to share patterns, ideas and to socialize.  Most of their work is done at home and brought in to the Volunteer Center.  RSVP staff then distributes it to area hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters and others in need.

SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM. This team helps with fundraisers, marathons, walk-a-thons, fairs, and many other events.  A fun way to get invited to area events!  Pick and choose which events suit your needs.

KITCHEN TEAM. Assist in cooking and serving at area meal site nutrition programs, Thompson Community Center's Cafe' and the Kids Cafe' at the Boys and Girls Clubs Fox Valley. 

Please contact RSVP Director for more information about RSVP and our programs. Call  (920) 832-9360 or e-mail at rsvp@volunteercenter.net 

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  Youth Programs

Surveys have shown that our youth do not feel appreciated for their efforts to our community. Yet many youth have contributed to countless hours of service which has had tremendous impact in our community.

As you browse Organizations use the advanced search and add Youth to filter opportunities for your age group.

If you would like to meet with a Volunteer Center staff member to further discuss how to choose a volunteer opportunity, please call us at (920) 832-9360 in the Fox Valley or (920) 230-3663 in Oshkosh to set up a meeting. Once we receive your form we will contact you to further discuss the opportunities that will best meet your skills and interests.

Thank you for all that you do to make our community great. 

 

 Corporate Programs

Companies are getting involved!
Companies are interested in being good corporate citizens. Supporting their community and their employees through volunteer efforts is one of the many ways companies are giving back.

Want to encourage your employees involvement in the community?

Want to raise your company's profile and image in the community?

The Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin can assist you in numerous ways by developing or enhancing a Workplace Employee Volunteer Program (WEVP) for your company.

What is a Workplace Employee Volunteer Program (WEVP)?

A WEVP is a program in which a corporation encourages and supports the volunteer involvement of its employees. It also promotes a positive attitude both in the community and the workplace, while contributing to the well being of the communities being served.

 

Why the need for a WEVP?

The business environment for most industries today is becoming increasingly competitive. At the same time, businesses are facing new uncertainties, including shortages of qualified workers and massive shifts in the global economy. In such an environment, they are being forced to take a critical look at the return on investment of all their programs as well as at the value of all resources. In these times, therefore, where every employee and every effort in the company contributes to the corporation's overall success, a WEVP is way to achieve the ultimate corporate mission.

How does a WEVP benefit my company?

• Improves relations within the community
• Improves public image
• Produces goodwill and loyalty among members of the community (including shareholders/customers)
• Encourages open lines of communication and camaraderie company wide
• Improves morale and teamwork
• Increases ability to attract and retain employees
• Adds to the current package of benefits

How does a WEVP benefit the employee?

• Increases employee pride
• Learns new skills
• Acts as a career development tool
• Understands the community needs and opportunities
• Gives a sense of fulfillment by contributing to the improvement of community life

How does a WEVP benefit the community?

• Impacts community problems and issues
• Creates a healthy environment that is needed for a strong community/business
• Receives an increase number of active and skilled volunteers
• Receives an increase of support through in-kind and monetary donations

Statistics
(From a 1999 survey done from the Points of Light Foundation)

• 83% of the companies surveyed use volunteer programs as part of the corporate strategy
  to address critical business issues.
• 83% use volunteering to provide training for employees.
• 97% acknowledge that volunteering builds teamwork skills.
• 68% agree that employee volunteering helps the company keep valued employees.
• 58% feel that employee volunteering leads to increased productivity.
• 99% feel that employee volunteering improves the company's reputation and public image within the community.

 

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The Human Race  

What Is the Human Race?

This is a unique opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to come together to raise money for area nonprofit agencies and clubs. Participants can collect pledges toward a non-competitive walk/run.

 

Who Benefits?

Nonprofit agencies, service clubs, church groups and schools are all encouraged to participate in this great event. The Volunteer Center staff and board coordinates the tasks to put on this event. We order the pledge sheets, give-aways and food. We do the set-up and clean-up.

Participating agencies and groups are asked to join us by walking and raising money for their own organization. The best part is these groups get to keep 75% of the money they collect and the remaining 25% goes to the Volunteer Center for operational costs. If an agency collects more than $5,000.00 they get to keep 80% and the remaining 20% goes to the Volunteer Center. The participating group raising the most gets to keep 90%.

How Do You Get Involved?

Be a participating nonprofit agency/group or sponsor someone who is walking in this event. To get involved or for more information contact the Volunteer Center.

May 1, 2010 is the date for the Human Race for both Appleton and Oshkosh.

For more information and your Pledge Sheet click here

Walk for one of the many organizations participating the 2010 HUMAN RACE

To give you an idea of agencies that you could assist in raising funds here is the

2009 Human Race Agencies

• American Red Cross – Neenah Menasha

• American Red Cross – Outagamie County

• Arc of Winnebago County

• BABES Respite and Counseling Services

• Back to School Program

• Beaming, Inc.

• Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha

• Bethania Kids

• Boy Scout Troop 629

• Bubolz Nature Preserve

• CAP Services

• Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin

• Child Care Resource Center

• Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services

• Clarity Care

• Community Benefit Tree

• COTS, Inc.

• Cub Scout Pack 3648

• Easter Seals Wisconsin

• Emergency Shelter Fox Valley

• Equitable Reserve Association

• Friendship Place

• Fox Valley Literacy Coalition

• Habitat for Humanity Fox Cities

• Habitat for Humanity Oshkosh

• Harmony Café - Program of Goodwill Industries

• Haven of Hope Day Care

• Hope and Care Center

• Housing Partnership of Fox Cities

• LEAVEN

• Lutheran Social Services

• Neenah Music Parents

• Northeast Wisconsin Service Dogs, Inc.

• New Hope Support Group/ NAMI

• Orphan Animal Rescue Sanctuary

• Oshkosh AAUW

• Oshkosh Area School District

• Oshkosh Gymnastics Boosters

• Oshkosh Police Crisis Reaction

• Salvation Army Fox Cities

• Saving Paws Animal Rescue

• St. Joseph Food Program, Inc.

• Universal Wellness Project

• Valley Packaging

• Villa Saint Clare

• Volunteer Center/RSVP

• Winnebago County Literacy Council

• Youth Go

 

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 Make A Difference Day

Make A Difference Day began with a simple idea, put your own cares on hold for one day to care for someone else.

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

Millions have participated...millions of people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on this day in the past, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns.

Fox Valley residents can make a make a difference right here!

The Volunteer Center partners with the following companies to encourage not only their employees to participate but to also invite the community to join us.

Thank you to the following companies for your efforts to encourage volunteerism and being a part of the Volunteer Center of East Central WI.

Workplace Volunteer Council

• Community First Credit Union
• Fox Valley Technical School
• Goodwill Industries Inc.
• Kimberly Clark Corporation
• SECURA
• ThedaCare

Mark your calendars.

Saturday, October 24, 2009 is Make a Difference Day. Call the Volunteer Center, (920) 832-9360, or contact us by e-mail for a list of projects to suit your needs.

 

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Celebrity Waiter Dinner

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our 4th annual Celebrity Waiter event at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk on March 12, 2009. The Celebrity Waiter event is a fundraiser for the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin. “Waiters” recruit eight people to sit at their table and then perform tasks for tips. Each table has a theme and each person at that table dresses to that theme. As you can see by the photo of this year's event, our guests were quite creative. There is also a silent and live auction to help fund ongoing expenses of the Volunteer Center.

Watch for next year's date and start thinking about a table theme.

Thank you again for an enjoyable event!