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CSSW Feature Stories

An In Depth Look at Domestic Violence

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DomesticViolenceWDIVDid you get an opportunity to see the “In-Depth Look at Domestic Violence” segment on WDIV on October 28? Please click the image below to view the video, including interviews with CSSW’s COO David Garvin and Alternatives to Domestic Aggression (ADA) counselor Jeffrie Cape.

 

 

This segment is titled “Understanding Domestic Violence”.

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Additionally, October 28, 2014, David Garvin, along with several other professionals, conducted a workshop for the Detroit Lions players and coaches entitled “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Workshop for Professional Athletes”.

Detroit Lions and Sasha Training Photo 10-28-2014

RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon 2014

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On June 12, 130 volunteers and their guests enjoyed a luncheon and raffle to celebrate their service in the community. Each year, over 330 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers (aged 55+) serve well over 50,000 hours of service in nonprofit organizations throughout Washtenaw County!

Thanks to the amazing generosity of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Hillside Terrace, and 37 local businesses, the volunteers enjoyed a beach themed event, complete with palm trees, beach balls, lunch and a raffle! After brief speeches by CSSW’s own Larry Voight, President, and David Garvin, Chief Operating Officer, volunteers enjoyed lunch, followed by a sing-along of favorite tunes led by the Ypsilanti Township Recreation Center’s 50 & Beyond Music Makers. Volunteers were treated to a raffle with items supplied by local businesses.

“It was a pleasure to be in the company of such giving, compassionate seniors,” said Peggy Harless, RSVP Program Director. “We are thrilled to be able to honor them by hosting the 41st annual recognition event! The donated raffle items from community businesses were impressive and greatly appreciated!”

For more information on the RSVP or how to get involved, visit the RSVP website.

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Bill Yaeger and Art Messiter take a moment to smile for the camera.
CSSW President Larry Voight addresses the volunteers and guests.
CSSW President Larry Voight addresses the volunteers and guests.
The Ypsilanti Recreation Center's 50 & Beyond Music Makers led a sing-along.
The Ypsilanti Recreation Center’s 50 & Beyond Music Makers led a sing-along.
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Thank you to our supporters who donated items for the volunteer raffle.
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Vicki Maina happy to win a scarf donated by Collected Works.
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Thank you, RSVP Volunteers!

 

Senior Corps Week: Raycean Hunter

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racine“If I don’t live tomorrow, I’m satisfied with what I did today by helping others.”

Raycean Hunter is 71 and is House Director at House by the Side of the Road.

Q & A with Raycean Hunter

How long have you been an RSVP Volunteer?
6 years.

What skills do you utilize volunteering that you gained from your professional/ life experiences?
My personality and willingness to help people do better.

 What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
I enjoy feeling the satisfaction of helping someone and seeing the satisfaction of someone in need getting help.

 What impact do you feel you are making in your community through volunteering?
House by the Side of the Road is giving people in the community who care for those in need a chance to give back. Small businesses and local organizations are collaborating to help the needy by donating services and goods. It is good to know that there are so many giving people in our community.

What are some of the personal benefits volunteering has had in your life?
I have a good feeling of personal satisfaction from helping others on a daily basis.

What is the significance of programs such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to you?
RSVP gives Seniors a chance to have a fulfilling life and get involved in the community, instead of sitting at home wilting away.

What advice can you give to other retired seniors who are considering volunteering?
Join RSVP, get involved, stay active, and do something good for yourself and others.

 

Senior Corps Week: Lola Ashby

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Lola“I look forward to the opportunity to make new friends through volunteering.”

Lola is 91 and volunteers as an RSVP Office Assistant, as well as helping out at the Ypsilanti Township Senior Center.

 

Q & A with Lola Ashby

How long have you been an RSVP Volunteer?
12 years.

What skills do you utilize volunteering that you gained from your professional/ life experiences?
My sense of responsibility and I am very detailed oriented.

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
I enjoy working with other volunteers.

What impact do you feel you are making in your community through volunteering?
It is necessary, in the scheme of things, to use what we have to give back to the community.

What are some of the personal benefits volunteering has made in your life?
I have a sense of being needed even while accomplishing small things. Volunteering also allows me to develop new friendships.

What is the significance of programs such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to you?
RSVP provides a place to go for advice, help, and friendships.

What advice can you give to other retired seniors who are considering volunteering?
Just do it. You will be surprised at what volunteering has to offer. It keeps you in touch with other seniors.

Senior Corps Week: Linda Klimach

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Linda Klimachedited“I love being an RSVP volunteer as it gives me opportunities to give back to our community where I have been so blessed.”

Linda is 66 and works as a Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) Counselor, Tax Preparer, RSVP Office Assistant, and a Mass Market Fiction Specialist & Bookshop Supervisor at the Ann Arbor District Library.


Q & A with Linda Klimach

How long have you been an RSVP Volunteer?
Almost 4 years.

What skills do you utilize volunteering that you gained from your professional/ life experiences?
At the library and through being an office assistant, my organizational skills, working in the Tax and MMAP programs at CSSW, my analytical skills.

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
The opportunity to assist community needs.

What is the significance of programs such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to you?
Programs like RSVP provide structure for identifying opportunities to volunteer.

What impact do you feel you are making in your community through volunteering?
Through the tax program, I am assisting low income seniors in getting Home Heating and Homestead Property credits. While volunteering at MMAP, I assist seniors in navigating Medicare and low income clients in getting Medicaid.

What are some of the personal benefits volunteering has had in your life?
I have made new friends and learned about Medicare for myself and friends.

What advice can you give to other retired seniors who are considering volunteering?
Volunteering is definitely a good thing to do and they should contact RSVP.

To Get Started: Call: 734.712.4325