Since 2011, the United Way of Marathon County RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has been supporting the volunteer efforts of persons ages 55 years and over.
In the past year alone, 406 RSVP volunteers provided 57,604 hours of service to local nonprofit organizations helping to support our local community.
In Marathon County, RSVP volunteers are involved in service at nearly 40 nonprofit agencies addressing community priorities such as:
- Tutoring and mentoring youth
- Hunger and homelessness
- Elderly support services
- Health care
United Way RSVP is a nationwide volunteer program made possible through a federal grant by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The RSVP program is free and open to anyone age 55+.
RSVP provides personalized volunteer placement assistance to help members get connected with the right volunteer opportunity. RSVP will arrange for agency visits, tours, and other ways to check out a potential volunteer opportunity before making a commitment, ensuring members’ talents, skills, and interests are being utilized in the best way that is meaningful for them.
(Photo courtesy of United Way of Marathon County.)
Monthly RSVP Coffee Hours offer an opportunity to meet new people and get a behind-the-scenes look at local nonprofits. RSVP also presents other community education and social programs to promote healthy, active living. These events are free and open to the public.
Another unique benefit is that all RSVP volunteers receive supplemental volunteer liability insurance, auto liability insurance, and accidental medical coverage while volunteering. All insurance provided by RSVP is secondary to a current provider.
In addition, RSVP provides a Community Connection Calendar featuring free or low-cost events geared to adults 55+. This handy monthly calendar includes educational programs, entertainment, and community events available to everyone in the community. View RSVP’s Community Connection Calendar here.
The calendar features TONS of free events. To pique your interest, here is a tiny sampling:
- Coffee Hour on Volunteering With Area Students. Learn how you can help at the Wausau School District, Weston Elementary School, the United Way Reading Buddies program in Mosinee and Marathon City, or mentoring with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club programs. September 25 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Event details.
- Early Birds Flock Together, A Conversation About Retirement. RSVP Volunteer Nancy Runner will share stories about some of the challenges and opportunities faced in retirement, plus resources and strategies for a happy and meaningful retirement. She will also provide information on how you, too, could publish “the book within you.” September 26 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Event details.
- Fall and Winter Birding. Lori Schubring, longtime birder and owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, will provide information on what birds to get ready for in the fall and winter, identifying and attracting birds to your yard, types of feeders and what to feed, how to provide water in winter, and other helpful tips to enjoy your feathered visitors. October 9 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Event details.
- Medicare Basics. This program provides information for those who are new to Medicare (or will be soon). Or refresh your knowledge of benefits provided by Medicare A, B, C, & D, plus Medicare supplement policies and other prescription drug coverage. October 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Event details.
- How to Make Spring Rolls. Learn how to make homemade spring rolls, plus connect with other active adults. October 10. Coffee & social time begins at 8:45 a.m.; program begins at 9:00 a.m. Event details.
- One-to-One Technology Assistance. Marathon County Public Library staff will provide you with technology assistance on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, including basic computer skills, saving and moving digital files, using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), using the library’s online resources, and more. Event details.
An event you won’t want to miss is Volunteer Fest on October 17, 2018, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at Cedar Creek. Bring a friend to meet, socialize, and network with other community-minded people, plus learn more about volunteering and the United Way RSVP volunteer program. Visit with representatives of over 30 nonprofit organizations who will have informational booths and can talk with you about their services and volunteer opportunities. Enjoy a short program, live music, refreshments, appetizers, and a chance to win door prizes. This event is hosted by United Way RSVP of Marathon County and sponsored by Ascension.
Register to attend Volunteer Fest — or learn more about the RSVP program in general — by calling 715-298-5721 or emailing tomernik@unitedwaymc.org.
Tony Omernik
RSVP Program Director | United Way of Marathon County
Tony Omernik has served as Program Director for RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) since 2010. Locally, the RSVP program supports adults ages 55+ in Marathon County with programs that go beyond volunteering. Tony works to coordinate retirement well-being and healthy aging education programs, technology tutoring, blood pressure screening and hypertension education, community coffee hours, and a community connection calendar, which all support healthy, active living for older adults and are provided free of charge to the Marathon County community. Email Tony Omernik.
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