General

Question: Where is the office located?

Answer: The office is located at 1940 Eastern near, near the Burton and Eastern SE intersection. Parking is located behind the building off of Ardmore Street.

Question: What are your hours?

Answer: We are open Monday through Friday from 9-4.

Question: I am interested in having a VIS representative speak at my church, school, or group. Whom do I contact?

Answer: You can send an e-mail request or call the office at (616) 459-7500.

Volunteering

Question: I want to volunteer. What opportunities can I sign up for?

Answer: We recruit volunteers primarily through local churches. If you do not have a church, call 211, the United Way Volunteer Connection, to find where help is needed.

Question: If I call my church to volunteer, what jobs are there?

Answer: Volunteers do a multitude of tasks including: basic home repair, meals, transportation, friendship, and lawn care. Volunteers are also encouraged to be involved in more long-term relational types of serving including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Sisters in Support.

Question: What needs do you meet?

Answer: Most of our referrals come from social service agencies that see the needs as a result of their work. They call VIS and we then contact a local church to meet that need. We also accept “self-referrals,” which may come from a relative, a friend, or the person with the need.

Leadership Training Event (LTE)

Question: When is it held?

Answer: Usually the fourth Thursday in September. In 2008, it was held on September 25 with registration at 6:00pm, worship at 6:45pm and workshops from 7:15-9:30pm.

Question: Where is it held?

Answer: In 2008, it was held at Brookside CRC at 3600 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids, MI.

Question: Who leads the workshops?

Answer: People who have demonstrated skill, experience and passion.

Question: What workshops are being offered this year?

Answer: A link to the workshops is available on the Home Page in August and September.

Question: Who can attend?

Answer: The LTE is open to anyone, and is particularly useful for people who are leading a ministry at church, such as youth leaders, elders, deacons, outreach, etc.

Mentoring

Question: What type of mentors are you seeking?

Answer: Almost all! Because of our relationship with D.A. Blodgett's Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, we are continually recruiting mentors for children in Grand Rapids. There are currently 400 children who have requested a mentor. In addition, they have their Sisters In Support program which provides mentors for young, single moms. There is also a continual need for mentors for adults to help with things like budgeting and organizational skills.

Question: What training do you provide?

Answer: VIS uses an excellent training program which was developed by Enfold Ministries. This training prepares a person to begin a mentoring relationship. For more information on the training, or to schedule it for your church or community, contact us at info@visgr.org.

Question: How long does a mentoring relationship usually last?

Answer: We ask for an initial commitment of one year with two "activities" per month with your mentee.

Question: Do you provide support for your mentors?

Answer: Yes, in a variety of ways. Our Connections Directors are always available via e-mail or phone. We also have volunteers who call on a regular basis to see how things are going, regular contact via e-mail with tips and suggestions, and - depending on the area and initial training - quarterly support meetings to discuss issues and situations.

Coaching

Question: Who do I contact with questions?

Answer: Our Congregational Coaches can be reached via e-mail or at 616-459-7500 - Wayne Squires at ext. 12 and Jim Schepers at ext. 14.

Service Projects

Question: Can VIS help me organize a service project for my small group?

Answer: Yes. Please remember that the larger your group, the longer it will take us to locate, and help organize a service project. We have had the most success when we've assisted small groups of 8-12 adults.

Question: What about groups of young people? It seems like it is difficult to find projects for them to do.

Answer: The younger in age you go, the more difficult it is to find suitable projects. Many of the organizations with which we work have age requirements, due to liability issues, which prevent children from serving. Our recommendation is that you contact us and we'll let you know if we can help your group.

Question: How do you find your service projects?

Answer: We are in contact with a multitude of social service organizations. These organizations often contact us when they have a need which a VIS-sponsored group could accomplish. We also initiate projects from our end. If we know of a group that wants to serve, we can contact some agencies and see what is available. This is a valuable way in which VIS can serve your church and group.

Question: How important is the skill level of the group?

Answer: The more skills and abilities which the group possesses, the better our chance of connecting you with a meaningful project. However, we frequently have projects that involve little or no skills, as well.