RSVP

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is designed for senior (55+) members of the community who are interested in giving their time and talents to 200_ nonprofits in our region.

RSVP connects people to meaningful, long and short term volunteer assignments.  You can volunteer year round, seasonally, once in a while, or start with one hour.  There are endless opportunities for volunteers and can include the following:  helping with nonprofit events, mailings, tutoring and mentoring, friendly hospital and hospice visitors, meals on wheels, and many, manymore.  There are also programs for volunteers to get involved with under the umbrella of RSVP and Volunteer NWMI.

Tuesday Toolmen:  The "Tuesday Toolman" program is modeled after the original program, which was started in Kalamazoo.  Our Mission is to promote the well being of all elders, with special commitment to those who are most vulnerable.

Tuesday Toolmen are a group of volunteers who perform repairs within the homes of low to very low income seniors within our region.  These jobs may include the installation of smoke detectors and grab bars, building railings, repairing plumbing, fixing mailboxes, and much more.  Repairs like this are essential for these seniors who cannot complete them alone, and without the Tuesday Toolmen many of these simple tasks would not get done.

Clients are referred to our program through a partnership with the Grand Traverse and Leelanau Commissions on Aging and the Area Agency on Aging.  Clients who desire to stay in their own homes may request the services of the "Tuesday Toolmen."

The Afghan Angel Project.  Afghan Angels began in 2000 through RSVP.  Donations of yarn and expertise of talented volunteers is the key to its success.  Over the years, hundreds of beautiful afghans have been knitted or crocheted and distributed to medical care facilities and nonprofit agencies in Northwest Michigan.  More than 100 volunteers participate in this program.  Many Afghan Angels have commented that knitting or crocheting has helped their hands keep busy, as well as helped with the effects of arthritits.

If you would like to become a RSVP volunteer simply print out this application and mail it to us or drop it off at our offices; 521 S Union Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

If you are already a RSVP volunteer and need time sheets, you can print those here.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about any of these programs should contact our RSVP Coordinator Kate Kerr, 231-947-3200 x 203