United Way of
East Central Iowa |
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| United Way Becomes Sponsor of RSVP |  United Way of East Central Iowa has officially become the sponsor for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Linn and Jones County.
Its mission is to engage people 55 and older in volunteer services which meet critical community needs that impact and benefit citizens of all ages, while providing a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.
"This moves us one step closer to our goal of offering lifelong volunteer opportunities in eastern Iowa," said Sue Driscoll, United Way's Manager of Volunteer Programs. "We're very excited to be working with the RSVP staff and volunteers and look forward to developing the program significantly in the years ahead."
RSVP of Linn and Jones Counties was initially sponsored by Aging Services and has been sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital since 1989, with additional support from Jones Regional Medical Center, United Way, the Heritage Agency on Aging and St. Luke's Rural Healthcare Foundation.
RSVP engages over 500 area residents in volunteer programs that have significant impact in our community. They include nursing home visitation, meal delivery, transportation, supporting food pantries, small claims mediation, insurance counseling, flu immunization clinics, tutoring children, mentoring young adults, preschool and income tax assistance. There are many other assignments available to RSVP volunteers.
If you would like to get involved with RSVP, in Linn County call Barbara Hoffman 319-398-5372 ext. 37 or e-mail linncountyrsvp@uweci.org; in Jones County call Rachel Menard at 319-560-0811 or e-mail rmenard@uweci.org. |
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| Governor's Volunteer Awards
Rockwell Collins Retiree Volunteers (RCRV) with Governor Chet Culver.  | | |
The annual Governor's Awards were held at College Community Schools on July 22, 2010. Volunteers nominated by United Way of East Central Iowa who received awards included: Preston Smith, the Retired Plumbers (members of Local 125) and Old Farts Electric for their service and commitment to flood recovery.
RSVP volunteers who received awards included: Linn County - LaVonne Bova, Volunteer Director Lisbon History Center; Patricia Edgerly, Volunteer Director Central City Historical Society; Elizabeth Hutton, Olivet Clothes Closet; Helen Kurth, Volunteer Coordinator Coggon Historical Society; Ken Techau, Usher's Ferry and St. Luke's Hospital. Jones County - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers; RCRV recipients: Charlie Kress, Kay Nelson, Art Roderick, John Wauer and Joe Wells.
"The devotion of these volunteers has helped Iowa achieve the second highest state volunteer rate in the country," said Governor Culver. "Lt. Governor Judge, the First Lady, and I are honored to have this opportunity to personally thank this year's award recipients for donating their time, dedication, and talent to making a tremendous difference in our state." |
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According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Volunteering in America Report, Iowa ranked 2nd in the nation, with 38.7% of residents volunteering in 2009. |
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Interesting Facts About RSVP:
-- In 2009, RSVP volunteers donated more than 90,000 hours in the community.
-- According to the federal guidelines, the value of one volunteer hour is $20.85.
-- The impact of RSVP volunteers was nearly two million dollars in 2009.
If you are interested in joining these active volunteers who are making a difference in the community please contact Barbara Hoffman at bhoffman@uweci.org or 319.398.5372 x 37. |
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| Emergency Volunteer Center Training
The Linn Area Community Organization Active in Disaster (LACOAD) will be hosting an Emergency Volunteer Center Training. The training will be held on September 28, 2010, from 6:30-9:30 pm at the River of Life Ministries located at 3801 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52402. There is no cost to attend.
This session prepares participants to staff an Emergency Volunteer Center which registers and places spontaneous volunteers in times of disaster.
The training includes an interactive emergency volunteer center exercise where participants experience the EVC model and practice managing spontaneous volunteers. For more information contact Sue Driscoll 319-398-5372 x22 or email sdriscoll@uweci.org. 
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Cedar Rapids is ranked 15th among mid-sized cities, with 34.8% of its residents volunteering. |
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Save the Date
RSVP volunteers, please save the date; Tuesday morning, October 12 for the Annual Volunteer Recognition event. |
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General Volunteer Opportunities
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has expanded the Volunteer Chore program to include home maintenance and repairs. Volunteers generally provide 2-8 hours of service per month. Please contact Teresa Robinson at 319-398-3644 or click here
www.corridorvolunteers.org to learn more. |
Young Parents Network
YPN is looking for volunteers to assist with child care on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, while parents participate in discussion groups and for group facilitators to assist young parents in becoming the best parents they can be. For more information contact Beula Dvorak, bdvorak@youngparentsnetwork.org Ph. 364-8909 or visit www.corridorvolunteers.org. |
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HACAP Food Reservoir
HACAP Food Reservoir is seeking Food Donation Drivers for the warehouse. Drivers pick up donated product from Wal-Mart stores in the Cedar Rapids/Marion areas three times per week. Drivers must have a valid drivers license and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Shifts are flexible. Contact Krista Andersen at the HACAP Food Reservoir at 319-393-7811 for more information. |
| Community Recovery Center
Skilled finish carpenters are needed at the Community Recovery Center through the month of August. For information contact Sue Driscoll, 319-398-5372 x22 or sdriscoll@uweci.org. |
To find more local, regional and statewide volunteer opportunities go to www.corridorvolunteers.org. Sponsored by Rockwell Collins. |
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RSVP Volunteer Opportunities
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If you are interested in any of the following RSVP volunteer opportunities please contact Barbara Hoffman at 319-398 5372 x37 or bhoffman@uweci.org. |
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Witwer Center and Horizons
In Linn County both Witwer Center, Inc. and Horizons, a Family Service Alliance are looking for drivers for their Meals on Wheels programs. This is more than delivering hot meals; it also provides a safety check and a friendly hello for those homebound individuals. |
Indian Creek Nature Center
Indian Creek Nature Center is looking for teacher/naturalists to facilitate field trip experiences for groups of school children visiting the Nature Center this fall. Training will be provided. |
STARS
There is a need for volunteers in the before school STARS program (Success Through Academics, Recreation and Social competency) at Johnson elementary school. |
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
In Jones County, RSVP is looking for more volunteer drivers and volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. |
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