General

Question: Where is the office located?

Answer: The office is currently located at 2303 Kalamazoo, one block north of the Kalamazoo/Alger intersection. By the end of the year, we expect to move into our new building at 1940 Eastern, near the Burton and Eastern SE intersection.

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.

Car Connection

Question: Why should I donate a car to VIS?

Answer: You can help a low income family get transportation, and get fair market (“Blue Book”) value as your deduction on your taxes.

Question: How do I donate a vehicle to VIS?

Answer: You can fill out the website form or you can call Carolyn at 459-7500 ext 250.

Question: Will you take cars that need some work or don’t run?

Answer: Usually, yes. We have repairs done on all our donated cars. If the repair is too expensive, or more than the value of the car, we may sell it for parts. We welcome such donations because these funds help support our ministry.

Question: Is my large van (or truck) appropriate for your ministry?

Answer: If donated vehicles are not appropriate for our low income families, then VIS will try to sell it. Such vehicles will likely be displayed at Mel Trotter Ministries, 555 28th St. SE.

Question: What is my tax deduction if VIS sells the vehicle and it doesn’t go to a low income family?

Answer: Your deduction will be whatever amount we receive from the sale.

Question: How can someone get a car through VIS?

Answer: Participants must have a mentor from a Christian church or be willing to be matched with one at the discretion of VIS. They must work on a budget either with their mentor or through a budgeting class. Participants are required to attend a VIS car maintenance class, which is held in June and November.

Question: Who can be a mentor and what does VIS do if a participant doesn’t have a mentor?

Answer: A mentor could be a pastor, deacon or volunteer from the participant’s church, and must have mentoring skills or training. A mentor could also be a volunteer from a faith based mentoring or budgeting program or from a Christian agency. If the participant cannot find a mentor, VIS may, at its discretion, search for a mentor.

Question: How long does it take for a participant to receive a car?

Answer: The normal waiting time is 2-6 months, since our supply of cars is limited by the number of donated cars we receive.

Question: Are the cars free to the participants?

Answer: No. The participants are usually charged about 25% of the “Blue Book” value after the car is repaired.

Question: How do I get an application?

Answer: Applications are sent only to mentors. Your mentor must contact Carolyn Cooper via e-mail or at 459-7500 ext. 250.

Question: How do I find a budgeting class?

Answer: VIS has a list of classes available in the Grand Rapids area located under Financial Resources on the Programs & Resources page of the website.

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: Who do I contact with questions?

Answer: Contact Bernita Tuinenga at 616-459-7500 ext. 270 or e-mail.

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. 260 and Jim Schepers at ext. 230.

Service Projects

Question: Who do I contact with questions?

Answer: Contact Debbie Jones via e-mail or at 616-459-7500 ext. 240.