The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (for those over age 55), is celebrating 40 years of service to northwest Michigan!  The symbol for 40 years is the Ruby, because rubies are thought to possess an eternal inner flame which is a symbol that the passion in a marriage is still very alive and strong after 40 years together.   Our union with over 500 volunteers is also still very alive and strong! Our volunteers are passionate about volunteering and 217 nonprofit agencies depend on that passion.

Who has old pictures?  Please give Susan a call if you have some photos that you would like to share, 947-3200 x 205.  We will gather memories and share them at our spring 40^th anniversary celebration.  All through 2011 we will commemorate what RSVP volunteers do to make a difference in their community.  Thank you for your involvement!   

It is that time of year again.  We are looking for 30 individuals who are willing to dedicate their time (2 full days) to helping us determine which agencies will receive grant funding from United Way of Northwest Michigan in 2011. 

If you are interested please fill our and submit our quick online form and we will contact you for more information.  If you would like more information about the Citizen Action Team please contact Michelle Gallagher 947-3200 x 201. 

Thank you volunteers!

A HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers who generously donated their time and talent towards the United Way's Martin Luther King Day event.  We are very excited to announce that we were present  in 12 elementary schools and a total of 76 classrooms!  That means we reached approximately 1,900 students! Volunteers were  welcomed in preschool thru second grade classrooms where they read and discussed books that related to Dr. Kings life and his teachings.  We couldn't be happier with the outcome of this event and look forward to next year!

The Maples of Benzie County is looking for volunteers to be friendly visitors to their residents.  It would be ideal if the volunteer could make two or three visits each week to spend time with residents.  These visits tend to be the highlight of the week and are looked forward to greatly by the residents. If you would like more information, or would like to volunteer your time please contact Jennifer Flynn at 231-352-9674.

During spring break, hundreds of young adults and student volunteers from across the United States trade swim trunks for tool belts and team up with United Way to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country.

This spring we (Amanda and Michelle) will be taking some students from Northwestern Michigan College to New Orleans to help rebuild houses in Saint Bernard's Parrish. The trip is being funded largely by donations from friends and family.  If you would like to help make this trip possible you can donate here.  Money donated will be used for housing at the City of Hope and for the cost of transportation to and from New Orleans.  Thank you.

Give.

Again this year we are asking you to donate a portion of your Michigan tax return to our community fund.

To donate use form 4642 - line 11.  Please be sure to "check off" for the United Way fund.  All proceeds will benefit people in your community.  Giving has never been so easy.

WOW! We have a lot going on during the first quarter of 2011! Can you volunteer to help?

• Special Olympics February 1 - 4
• Poverty Reduction Invitiative Saturday Special, February 5
• Women's Winter Tour, February 5 & 6
• VASA, February 12 & 13
• Winter WOW Festival February 18 & 19
• National Cherry Festival 5K, March 12

We have lots of positions available for all ages.  Please contact us and let us know how you can help.

 

Giving Back...NWMI Style is a program designed to promote non-profit agencies and the volunteers who serve them.  It airs on UpNorth Television (channel 97) every Sunday and Monday nights at 7pm and every Friday morning at 9am., or you can view online at Upnorthmedia.org.  Simply click on the series name.

January's show looks at Big Brothers Big Sisters with new Executive Director Cecilia Chesney as they celebrate Mentoring month.  United States Coast Guard Commander Jonathon Spaner tells about his experiences as a Big Brother.  

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore needs volunteers! Meet Thom Woitas Manager of the store here in Traverse City, hear from one of their volunteers and a Habitat for Humanity recipient. 

Amanda Hilt, Youth and Family Coordinator at the United Way Volunteer Center also brings information about Martin Luther King Day and the volunteer opportunities surrounding that holiday.

If you know of a nonprofit agency or a volunteer that should be recognized, please contact Susan McQuaid, at 947-3200 x 204.

Poverty Reduction Initiative

"Poverty to Progress: a Report to the Community."

The Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) will host a free half-day event on Tuesday, February 1. "Poverty to Progress a Report to the Community" is designed for everyone, PRI regulars and those unfamiliar with the initiative's work. The morning promises to be both informative and interactive. The event will be held at the Hagerty Center on Tuesday the 1^st from 7:30 a.m. to noon and includes breakfast. For more information or to register call Anna 231.922.6508