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      Programs &  Partnerships

The following programs and partnerships were developed to fill needs in our community or to enhance efforts already working to meet those needs.  Click on one of the links below to read more about each program.

Project Young Minds
Special Events Team
Experienced Volunteer Executives & Professionals Team
ElderMatch Team
RSVP Mailing Team
RSVP Hooks and Needles Team
Disaster Response Team
RSVP Kitchen Team
RSVP Strong Bones

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 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! 

SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM.  Throughout the Fox Cities this team helps with fundraisers, marathons, walk-a-thons, fairs, and many other events.   Members of this team are offered a variety of short-term assignments to pick and choose from according to their interest and availability.  For instance, many RSVP members assist with the Fox Cities Marathon; some help prior to the event and some on the day of the event. A fun way to get invited to area events! 

EVEP.  The Experienced Volunteer Executives and Professionals Team is designed for those volunteers who have a professional skill that they want to use to help build the capacity of area non-profit agencies. This is a small but growing team. Some of the services that have been offered by these volunteers are website design, graphic design, marketing, public speaking, accounting and strategic planning.

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. Training is provided. 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. This is a very sociable group!

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

DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM. Developed in 2009 as a response to the increased need for vaccination clinics, RSVP members have indicated their interest in serving in this capacity.  Other assignments for this team are serving in the Volunteer Center's Volunteer Reception Center to assist in processing emergency volunteers who are responding in time of local disaster.  

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. 

RSVP STRONG BONES A collaborative effort with the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Centers)in Outagamie and Calumet counties. Training provided to RSVP volunteers interested in leading free-weight strength training classes to men and women.

Please contact the RSVP staff to discuss how your skills and interests can help meet community needs. Call  (920) 832-9360 or e-mail at rsvp@volunteercenter.net