RSVP Volunteer Site Spotlight– Jackson County Food Pantry March/April 2016

Two times a month in Taylor at the Jackson County Food Pantry, many RSVP volunteers are

hard at work putting out food for participants. You can easily see each volunteer at their ‘station’ to

ensure everything is ready to go by the time the doors open. There is a constant buzz in the air.

Volunteers are talking amongst each other while organizing the necessary items onto tables, and getting paperwork ready at the registration table ensuring an easy transition for participants from beginning to end.

When asked why they volunteer, most of the RSVP Volunteers that were asked mentioned that they are fortunate and blessed, feeling the need to give back to their community. RSVP volunteer Gaylord Rhoades enjoys helping other people. He helps un-load the delivery trucks, provides carry-out assis-tance to participants, and delivers boxes of food to

the homebound. He always takes great pride and will help out wherever and whenever he is needed.

He always has a smile on his face and a story to tell.

Dorothy Janzen enjoys people and talking/visiting with others. She states, “The volunteers are giving of their time because they want to.” Clarice Franke says, “It’s a great social event. I am fortunate and it gives me a good feeling to help those in need.”

For many years, the Jackson County Food Pantry was open on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am. RSVP Volunteer pantry coordinators Carol Anderson and Linda McCullough recognized the need to serve additional individuals that were not able to make it to the pantry during the morning time. They added an additional pantry day on the last Wednesday from 4-6pm to accommodate these households. On average 180 households and 450 individuals are served each month. Although the pantry is only open two days a month, it takes a lot more than that to prepare for participants. There are many “behind-the-scene” activities that bring the whole pantry together. This includes inventory, checking and logging temperatures on the freezers, ordering food, unloading the trucks when food deliveries arrive, recycling, organizing the items for distribution, and much, much more. This volunteer team labors joyfully together, working hard for their community. Without team work and a good attitude, the pantry would not function as seamlessly as it does. Each volunteer is assigned a duty and makes sure it is executed as smoothly as possible. The Jackson County food pantry is 100% volunteer operated. Without volunteers, this food pantry would simply cease to exist.

Jackson County and its participants are very lucky to have such a well-oiled team working together to provide a successful pantry for those who rely on it for food.

If you are interested in volunteering at this food pantry or another partnering site as an RSVP volunteer, please give us a call at 715-985-2391 ext 1205.

Pantry Coordinators Carol Anderson & Linda McCullough

N E W S L E T T E R B U L L E T I N : 2 |

RSVP Contact Information

Western Dairyland EOC Inc. is a private, non-profit community action agency established in 1966 for the purpose of alleviating poverty-related conditions & assisting low-income families to achieve their economic self-reliance.

Address:

Western Dairyland EOC Inc.

RSVP Program

23122 Whitehall Road Independence, WI 54747

Phone:

715-985-2391 ext. 1205

Office hours:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Website: www.westerndairyland.org

Email: Cheryl.padula@wdeoc.org

We welcome your comments & suggestions about the Western Dairyland RSVP program.

Have You Moved?

Give us a Call!

The RSVP Program has had the pleasure of working with many wonderful volunteers and watching the impact each person has made in their own community through volunteerism.

We ask that you please help the RSVP office stay updated. Are you still volunteering? Have you changed your

volunteer location? Perhaps you are not feeling well or maybe you have been physically unable to volunteer due

to an illness or surgery? We also know you are busy and may be enjoying more time with your family which may result in being too busy to volunteer at this time.

Whatever the reason, we would really like to hear from you. To insure that you receive RSVP volunteer recognition and to assist you with future RSVP volunteer

opportunities, we ask that you be sure to record all volunteer hours at your volunteer work site.

Feel free to contact us at anytime; we welcome your input, concerns and volunteer stories.

Call us at 1-800-782-1063 ext. 1205 or 1232.

We want to hear from you!

Welcome New Volunteers!!

Cheryl Schreiner

Debra Lee

Maryann Weideman

Judith Tabor

DON’T TOSS IT, DONATE!

The Western Dairyland RSVP Program has

volunteers involved in many projects benefitting

Trempealeau, Buffalo, Eau Claire, and Jackson

counties. Some of the projects require fabric/

material and sewing supplies, as well as batting

to make quilts for those in need. Yarn is also

used. Some of the supplies are used to make

child-size quilts to go in the boxes for RSVP’s

birthday box project when available. If you

have any questions regarding additional sup-

plies any of our projects could benefit from,

please contact us for more information.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: | 3

Are you 55 or older? Unemployed? Low income?

Willing to work nearby for 20 hours/week at minimum wage?

Call Dolores at Workforce Connections: 608-789-5645.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

TTY users 1-800-947-3529.

RSVP Advisory Council

The purpose of the RSVP Advisory Council

is to help the RSVP program strengthen and

grow.

Current Members:

Grady Gutknecht

Madeleine Kostohyrz

Dorothy Halvorson

Dora Jean Blaha

Joan Sosalla

Marge Peterson

Wm. Craig Brooks

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM VOLUNTEERING? RSVP volunteers

make our best recruiters! Feel free to pass on this newsletter to someone you think may be a great match for our volunteer program. We have a variety of opportunities. Be sure to tell them what being a RSVP vol-

unteer means to YOU! Also, see the volunteer opportunities located on pages 4 and 5 of this newsletter for

the most recent availabilities in your community. As always, you can call our office any time regarding a volunteer opportunity or any questions you may have.

National Volunteer Week is April 10-16, 2016

National Volunteer Week, a program established by Points

of Light in 1974, is about inspiring, recognizing and

encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage

in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the

nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to

meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

National Volunteer Week is about taking action and

encouraging individuals and their respective communities

to be at the center of social change – discovering and

actively demonstrating their collective power to make a

difference.

*See more at http://goo.gl/zCgwJg

Thank you volunteers!!

SITE SUPERVISORS: Please let the RSVP office know if there is a volunteer opportunity at your site.

This could be for a one-time project or continuous assistance. We would be happy to help you in finding a

volunteer to assist and/or put it in an upcoming RSVP newsletter.

FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 4 |

Food Distribution: Give back to those in need! The local

pantries are always seeking volunteers. Volunteer once a

month in Buffalo, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties.

Volunteer one time or more a month in Eau Claire county.

This placement offers a variety of duties including regis-

tration desk, distributing food, stocking pantry shelves, etc.

RSVP Advisory Council: Have your voice be

heard! If you like to brainstorm and provide

ideas/feedback, this is the opportunity for

you! Volunteers from Eau Claire County are

currently needed to serve on the Advisory

Council.

Tax Assistance: It’s tax time! Short-term assistance

needed. Help with individual tax preparation and general

clerical duties in Jackson and Trempealeau counties.

Caregiver Project: Support older adults in

Trempealeau county! Provide companionship

and assistance in their home. Flexible hours!

Thrift Store: Join our team! Volunteers are needed in

Independence at Cents & Sensibility to help process

donations, organize, launder and steam items to be hung

on clothing racks. Flexible hours!

** Attention Site Supervisors! Your RSVP

Volunteer Site could go here...give us a call

if you are currently in need of volunteers!**

“Volunteering is at

the very core of being a

human. No one has

made it through life

without someone else’s

help.”

Heather French Henry

The Western Dairyland RSVP Program has several partnering sites located in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson

and Trempealeau county. We are in need of volunteers for the opportunities listed below. If you do not see

an opportunity below that you feel would match what you are looking for, please let our office know. We

have over 100 volunteer opportunities to choose from! We will do our best to find an opportunity matching

your interests. Please keep in mind, the opportunities listed are just a few of the options we have available.

Pictured (Left to Right): Alma Area School RSVP Volunteers- Charlene Brovold,

Maryann Dusenbery, Ruth Breitung, Delma Mahlman, and Carol Jahn.

For ad info. call Denise Canterbury at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Western Dairyland, Independence, WI A 4C 02-1030

WORD SEARCH: RSVP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES

| 5

Food Pantry

Thrift Store

Volunteer Driver

Tax Assistance

Birthday Box

Caregiver Project

Education

Disaster Services

Nursing Home

Sewing

Quilting

Museums

Congregate Meals

Home Delivered Meals

Veterans Transportation

Weekend Food For Kids

RSVP Volunteer Opportuni!es

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PERSONAL SAFETY: CREATE A SUPPORT NETWORK 6 |

The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of

several individuals who will check in on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance

if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants,

co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you

regularly spend time, for example at work, home, school or volunteer site.

There are seven important items to discuss and implement with a personal support network:

1- Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a

disaster and, if needed, offer assistance.

2– Exchange important keys.

3– Show them where you keep emergency supplies.

4- Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information

card.

5- Agree on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency. Do not count on the telephones

working.

6- You and your personal support network should always notify each other when you are going out of town

and when you will return.

7- The relationship should be mutual. You have a lot to contribute! Learn about each other's needs and

how to help each other in an emergency. You might take responsibility for food supplies and preparation,

organizing neighborhood watch meetings and interpreting, among other things.

*See more at: http://goo.gl/omZ2dV

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Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care

www.thehomeplaceof.com

715-429-1007

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING VOLUNTEER HOURS

| 7

Reporting hours, along with other data collection is federally mandated. As a federally-funded program, RSVP must abide by the accountability and compliance guidelines and standards set by governmental agencies.

This data also represents a statistical snapshot of what we are accomplishing with regard to the mission of RSVP — which is to engage volunteers in activities that will make a difference in our communities by meeting the needs of nonprofits and the people they serve. The data we collect is sent to legislators and other funders and helps them to determine allocation amounts for our program.

Reporting hours also verifies that our RSVP-registered volunteers have been active over the course of the fiscal year. Only those volunteers who are serving in the current year are eligible to enjoy the benefits of RSVP, e.g., supplemental insurance coverage, recognition events, the newsletters, etc.

Reporting hours keeps RSVP volunteers insured. The hours reported and signed by the volunteer and/or the volunteer supervisor is the only documentation we have

that an individual is serving at a site or participating in a volunteer activity. If we have no written documenta-

tion, our supplemental insurance policy does not cover that volunteer in the event of injury.

Reporting hours helps local nonprofits tell their story of service to the community and to funders. Accurate records about the volunteers that serve at local sites allow local nonprofits to highlight the fact that they are

utilizing volunteers to help provide their services. This represents a cost savings to already tightly-budgeted organizations, as well as in-kind match for their budgets. This leveraging of funds is critical — and potential funders look positively upon this wise and creative fiscal management.

RSVP, through its national efforts and marketing tools, promotes an image of today's seniors as active and contributing members of their communities. This helps to dispel the myths held by some that older adults are a drain on society — financially and otherwise. As a national network of over 500,000 volunteers and 750 projects, the RSVP program promotes expertise and advocacy for volunteerism by older adults. The more we can track, on a local level (and, by extension, a national level) the reality of the contributions of today’s volunteers, the more we help dispel the stereotypes surrounding aging.

Tracking volunteer data is a valuable tool in detailing and highlighting how volunteers impact a community,

what they actually accomplish, and just how valuable they are to the operation of hundreds of non-profit organizations, schools, and health care facilities in communities and cities nationwide. Without the tracking done by RSVP, the efforts of volunteers remain unidentified in any comprehensive way.

M-F H +

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Black River Falls, WI

715-284-8400

For ad info. call Denise Canterbury at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Western Dairyland, Independence, WI D 4C 02-1030

Contact Denise Canterbury to place an ad today!

DCanterbury@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x2440

HEALTHY FUTURES: RSVP CAREGIVER PROJECT 8 |

On a recent Tuesday morning with the temperatures below zero, RSVP Volunteer Shirley Dahl was visiting with 93-year old Jerri Olson in her rural home south of Galesville. Shirley was organizing the kitchen, making coffee, and chatting with Jerri about local news, restaurants, and their shared love of gardening. Shirley is a RSVP Volunteer Caregiver through West-ern Dairyland’s RSVP Volunteer Pro-gram. Her visits prevent Jerri from being alone, allowing her to continue living independently in her own home.

Jerri has lived by herself since she was widowed in 1998. Jerri also has two sons who live in California and Colorado. She

stopped driving a few years ago, and with no relatives nearby she relies on neighbors

and volunteers like Shirley to keep her from being isolated and complete day to

day tasks that can easily be taken for granted.

“I love it here, and I don’t know what I would do without her…what would I do without Shirley?” Jerri

said. “Shirley doesn’t know how important she is to me.”

Jerri has lived in her home since 1970. “I plan to live independently in my home for as long as I can.” Jerri stated, “It would be hard to let it go…I am attached to it.” With assistance from the RSVP Volunteer Pro-gram Caregiver project and friendly neighbors, Jerri is able to stay in the home she loves.

For Shirley the reason she volunteers for the RSVP caregiver project is simple; providing care for others in need was something she has done for 38 years beginning as a homecare provider. “You begin to know their needs and I enjoy working with elderly people. I get along well with them.”

Like Jerri, many older adults and disabled individuals wish to remain independent and in their own homes. However, driving, grocery shopping, errands and household chores may be beyond their physical

capabilities. In rural areas loneliness is also a common problem. This is how the RSVP Volunteer Program’s Caregiver Project can make a difference. We match those in need with volunteers who give of their time and talents; there is no cost to the care recipient. This project provides companionship along with practical assistance to people in their own communities.

Affordable Alternative to Larger Tax Services

ACTION

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715-832-1534

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For ad info. call Denise Canterbury at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Western Dairyland, Independence, WI E 4C 02-1030

Contact Denise Canterbury to place an ad today!

DCanterbury@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x2440

RSVP VOLUNTEER CAREGIVER PROJECT | 9

About RSVP Volunteer Caregivers Project:

How We Help Others:

RSVP Volunteer Caregivers matches individuals in need with a RSVP Volunteer who can give of their time

and talents. THERE IS NO COST TO THE CARE RECIPIENT.

Our RSVP Volunteers Can Help!

Services provided:

à Local Transportation/Outings

à Help with Meals

à Light Housekeeping/Household Chores

à Companionship/Outings

à Respite

à One-time Jobs

à Telephone Assistance/Reassurance.

Help Us Help Others!

Do you have time, compassion, and the desire to help? We are looking for men and women to join the

RSVP Volunteer Program-Caregivers Project in Trempealeau County. Also, if you know of anyone in your

area who needs assistance, please contact eh RSVP Volunteer office.

“ To often we underestimate the power of

A touch,

A smile,

A kind word,

A listening ear,

An honest compliment,

Or the smallest act of caring,

All of which we have the potential to turn a

Life around.” Leo Buscaglia, author

To learn more about our RSVP Volunteer Caregiver

Project, please visit:

www.rsvpvolunteercaregivers.org

You can also call us at 715-985-2391 ext. 1205 or

1232 to obtain more information.

Adult Day Program

Church Street Community Club

Our Adult Day Program provides services, to older adults in our region, seeking a caring community

setting for during the day care.

Services Provided Include: • Nutritious meals and snacks • Occupational, Physical, and Speech "erapy* • Music from the community • Cra#s and games • Worship • Exercise • Special Events • Transportation* • Beautician* * additional fee

www.tchcc | 715-983-2293 ext 4024 | Pigeon Falls, WI

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For ad info. call Denise Canterbury at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Western Dairyland, Independence, WI F 4C 02-1030

MARCH IS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH- 10 |

Eat a diet low in salt and fat Eating healthy can help prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. A healthy diet has a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, lean meats and beans. Even small changes like limiting salt (sodium) and fat, can make a big difference in your health.

Limit salt · Shop for items that say “reduced-sodium” or “low-sodium.” · Avoid processed foods like frozen dinners and lunch meats. · Limit fast food and salty snacks, like chips, pretzels and salted nuts. · Do not add salt to your food when cooking or eating. Try cooking with fresh herbs, lemon juice or other

spices. · Choose fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables. If you do use canned vegetables, rinse them before eating or cooking with them to remove extra salt.

Limit fat · Try olive oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil. · Bake, grill or broil your foods instead of frying them. · Choose egg whites or egg substitute rather than whole eggs. · Shop for fat-free and low-fat dairy products, salad dressing and mayonnaise. · Choose lean meats or fish. Remove the skin and trim the fat off your meats before you cook them.

Choosing healthy foods is a great start, but eating too much of healthy foods can also be a problem.

The other part of a healthy diet is portion control (watching how much you eat). To help control your

portions, you might: · Avoid eating when watching TV or driving. · Be mindful of your portions even when you do not have a measuring cup, spoon or scale.

· Do not eat directly from the bag or box. Take out one serving and put the box or bag away. · Check nutrition facts to learn the true serving size of a food. For example, a 20-ounce bottle of soda

is really two and a half servings. · Eat slowly and stop eating when you are not hungry anymore. It takes about 20 minutes for your

stomach to tell your brain that you are full.

Be physically active

Exercise can help you stay healthy. To get the most benefit, exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days of the week. If that seems like too much, start out slow and work your way up. Look for fun activities that you enjoy. Try walking with a friend, dancing, swimming or playing a sport. Adding just a little more activity to your routine can help. Exercise can also help relieve stress, another common cause of high blood pressure.

For ad info. call Denise Canterbury at 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Western Dairyland, Independence, WI G 4C 02-1030

TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING | 11

Keep a healthy weight Keeping a healthy weight can help you manage your blood sugar, control your blood pressure, and lower your risk for kidney disease. Being overweight puts you more at risk for diabetes and high blood pres-sure. Talk to your doctor about how much you should weigh. If you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can make a big difference.

Control your cholesterol Having high cholesterol, especially if you have diabetes, puts you more at risk for kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. It can also cause diabetic kidney disease to get worse faster. For most people, normal cholesterol levels are:

· Total Cholesterol: Less than 200

· HDL (“good” cholesterol): More than 40

· LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Less than 100 Your triglycerides are also important. People with high triglycerides are more at risk for kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. For most people, a healthy triglyceride level is less than 150. If your total cho-lesterol, LDL or triglycerides are high, or if your HDL is low, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest exercise, diet changes or medicines to help you get to a healthy cholesterol level.

Take medicines as directed To help protect your kidneys, take medicines as directed. Some medicines may help you manage conditions that can damage your kidneys, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor how to take any medi-

cines he or she prescribes. Make sure to take the medicines just how your doctor tells you. This may mean taking some medicines, like blood pressure medicines, even when you feel fine. Other medicines can harm your kidneys if you take them too much. For example, even over-the-counter pain medicines can damage

your kidneys over time. Follow the label directions for any medicines you take. Share with your doctor a list of all of your medicines (even over-the-counter medicines and vitamins) to help make sure that you are not

taking anything that may harm your kidneys.

Limit alcohol Drinking alcohol in large amounts can cause your blood pressure to rise. Limiting how much alcohol you drink can help you keep a healthy blood pressure. Have no more than two drinks per day if you’re a man and no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman.

Avoid tobacco Using tobacco (smoking or chewing) puts you more at risk for high blood pressure, kidney disease and many other health problems. If you already have kidney disease, using tobacco can make it get worse faster. If you use tobacco, quitting can help lower your chances of getting kidney disease or help slow the disease down if you already have it.

*See more at: http://goo.gl/pE8rek

“If we could give every individual the right

amount of nourishment and exercise, not

too little and not too much, we would have

found the safest way to health.”

Hippocrates

RSVP Volunteer Office

23122 Whitehall Road

PO Box 125

Independence, WI 54747

NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

EAU CLAIRE WI

PERMIT NO. 2000

Western Dairyland’s RSVP program serves Buffalo,

Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties.

WE LISTEN, WE ACT, WE CARE

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