Pete Amar, Project Director

Lisa Smith, Program Coordinator

Sponsored by Otsego County United Way A Freedom Corp partner RSVP connects adults age 55 years or older to agencies and organizations which need their skills, knowledge and experience. Volunteers are actively helping: United Way American Red Cross First Call for Help Salvation Army Otsego Memorial Hospital Hospice of Michigan Commission on Aging plus other agencies and organizations in Otsego County.

Become involved....donate your time to helping make our community a better place to live.Transporters to take seniors to medical appointments.If you are interested in becoming a member of RSVP or would like further information, call RSVP at 732-6232.

Jennifer Russell, Program Director

SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATION FORM   forms are due back to us by March 11, 2013

Program Descriptions

ROAD TO RECOVERY

With a partnership with American Cancer Society the Volunteer Center organizes drivers and schedules to offer transportation to Petoskey for cancer patients seeking radiation treatments.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCE CENTER

The Volunteer Center continues to be a link between volunteers and opportunities. Communication is done via email, Facebook, and website.

SPIRIT AWARDS

Purpose is to recognize outstanding volunteers in our community. Awards are divided up into 6 categories. Nominations come from the community and winners are chosen by a selection committee. Award program is part of the Dinner/Auction fundraiser in April. Click here for this year's Nomination Forms.

DINNER/AUCTION

This is the biggest fundraiser for the Volunteer Center. The evening consists of the Spirit Awards program, dessert auction, live and silent auction, and raffles.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

During this week we honor volunteers in our community through the blue ribbon campaign.

SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT

Youth who have earned 400 hours or more of volunteer hours during their 4 years of high school are honored during scholarship night.

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

Program is for 7^th through 12^th graders who are interested in doing various volunteer projects throughout the summer. The purpose is to educate youth in the value of volunteer work.

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

The Volunteer Center participates with the Community Giving Program program. Volunteer Center offers volunteer support to many of these programs as well as running the Adopt a Family program.

DAY OF CARING

United Way’s Day of Caring connects volunteers with local nonprofit groups to complete projects that may not otherwise get done.

Projects range from painting a mural to building a playground, reading to preschoolers or sponsoring a seniors project.

This unique event gives employees an opportunity to spend their workday or a Saturday on volunteer projects that make a difference in the lives of children, family and seniors.

The Day of Caring also provides a way for companies and groups to develop long-lasting relationships with colleagues and agencies.

Why Should My Company or Group Participate in Day of Caring?
The benefits for volunteer involvement include a bolstering of team spirit among participating employees or other group members, increased productivity and morale, exposure in the community and a greater understanding of the needs of the community.

Benefits for your Company
•    Improve your community.
•    Enhance your company's image.
•    Distinguish your company by associating with Day of Caring.
•    Boost customer loyalty by giving customers a new reason to support you.
•    Improve employee retention and attract new workers.
•    Garner positive media attention.

Benefits for your Employees
•    Increases teamwork, morale, and trust among your employees.
•    Boost retention.
•    Enhance communication, organization, time management skills and accountability.
•    Develop leadership skills among your staff.
•    Increase employees' understanding of co-workers and respect for diversity and other cultures.
•    Increase employees' awareness of community needs.

Would you like to join us in making a difference? In one day you can:

JOIN HANDS.
OPEN YOUR HEART.
LEND YOUR MUSCLE.
FIND YOUR VOICE.
LIVE UNITED.