Greater Twin Cities RSVP, Volunteers of America of Minnesota

Age 55+? We can help you create a customized volunteer opportunity to match your skills,interests, schedule and geographic availability. Just give us a call at 952-945-4165 or email us at volunteer@voamn.org. We’re here to help you find the right opportunity.

Volunteers of America of Minnesota sponsors RSVP, which identifies volunteer opportunities for its members age 55 and over, that meet their individual skills, interests, schedule and geographic availability. In addition to RSVP member benefits, members see their involvement is an investment in themselves, the future, their community and the causes they feel passionate about.

RSVP volunteers work with local organizations to have an impact on:

Veterans and Military Families Minnesota’s unemployment rate for post September 11 veterans—at almost 23%—is the third highest in the nation and almost twice the national average. The stress of war, multiple deployments, and frequent moves affects the wellness of many military families. We are looking for over 100 volunteers to assist local organizations in their delivery of vital services to our community’s dedicated military. Examples of volunteer opportunities include: • Assisting with the assembly of care packages for active military personnel • Helping with chores and errands for disabled veterans • Assisting with resume writing and conducting mock interviews

Literacy Every Minnesota youth has an average of 2,000 hours of discretionary non-school time in a given year – roughly equivalent to a full-time job. Participation in after school programs can reduce initiating drug use among youth by nearly 46 percent while reducing the likelihood of skipping school by half. In fi nancial terms, every $1 invested in out of school time programs results in a $10.51 return with the benefi ts of improved school performance, reduced crime and welfare costs, and increased wages. Volunteers are needed for: • Tutoring elementary and middle school age youth in after school programs • Providing mentoring support and leadership development skills

Housing The number of homeless persons in Minnesota continues to increase—up 25% generally and up 26% for youth. Whether becoming homeless after losing a job, or losing a house to foreclosure or being evicted from rental housing, the effects can be devastating. You can help by: • Assisting families in transitional housing locate and secure affordable housing • Teaching new homeowners about the responsibilities and logistics of home ownership

Food Security One in ten Minnesotans runs out of resources before the end of every month, missing a meal every other day. That’s 100 million meals missed every year. From hungry expectant mothers who deliver low birth-weight babies to hungry adults who become diabetic, hunger costs Minnesota at least $1.2 billion in direct and indirect healthcare and education expenses. We can connect you with an organization where you can become part of the solution. Volunteer opportunity examples include: • Assisting food shelves in packaging and distributing food • Delivering home delivered meals to home bound individuals • Taking grocery orders

Independence and Wellbeing for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Nearly one of every six Minnesotans has at least one disability. Approximately 40% of adults age 65 and over has a disability. A disability can affect one’s ability to go out alone, care for self, handle basic physical activities, retain viable employment. You can help someone maintain independence by: • Providing light carpentry skills to make minor home safety/accessibility modifi cations • Transporting persons for errands and to doctor appointments • Being a friendly visitor in person or over the phone

Economic Opportunity According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, Minnesota’s per/capita income and per/job earnings have showed steady decline over the last several years. The poverty rate is the highest it has been in decades. Volunteers are needed for: • Serving as tutors for English Language Learning and GED seekers • Conducting mock job interviews • Assisting job seekers in identifying and accessing community resources • Supporting job training and job placement services

Increasing the Safety of Older Adults in their Vehicles Older adults are much more vulnerable to injury in a crash than younger people. RSVP wants to increase the safety of older adults in their vehicles through the public education program, CarFit. CarFit events are friendly, fun, and educational and are designed to provide a quick but comprehensive check of how well drivers and their vehicles work together. Here’s how it works—drivers drive their vehicles to a CarFit event and a trained volunteer asks simple questions from a 12-point checklist. The entire process takes about 20 minutes and the drivers leave with suggested vehicle adjustments and adaptations, a list of resources, and greater peace of mind. You can help by: • Being trained and serving as a CarFit technician - you choose how many & which events you assist with.

Helping Older Adults Protect Against Fractures Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases the risk of bone fracture which can lead to loss of independence. Bone Builders is an exercise program which relies on weight training to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis through increasing both muscular strength and bone density. RSVP is planning to bring Bone Builders exercise classes to senior housing facilities, high rises, and community centers throughout the counties we serve. You can help by: • Being trained and leading or co-leading a class • Being trained and serving as a substitute leader or co-leader