July 27, 2010 10:17 AM
It truly did demonstrate "the love of Christ to people living in the Grand Rapids community." As part of their annual Family Bible Conference, nearly 160 members of Grace Gospel Fellowship participated in a "Day of Service" organized by Volunteers In Service. The volunteers served at a variety of agencies that included UCOM, St. John's Home, D.A. Blodgett, Emerald Meadows, ICCF, Pine Rest, and Garfield Park Neighborhood Association. Volunteers did landscaping, painting, alley clean-up, assisted clients at a food pantry, and spent time with retirees.
"I'm sure it was a day they'll never forget," said VIS Executive Director Doug Redford. "I sensed they really understood how valuable their service was and how much their work impacts the lives of so many. I know the agencies were very pleased with the work they did and with how much that was accomplished."
Volunteers In Service, which enables churches to be Christ's servants in their communities, can help your church develop a service program or assist with a service project. Contact us at Info@visgr.org or call (616) 459-7500.
July 14, 2010 8:55 AM
It's a question we're often asked: "Is what volunteers are doing making any kind of difference?" We'll let you decide after reading this story.
Gina and Tim have three daughters ages 8, 18 months, and three months. Due to complications at birth, their third daughter has multiple physical problems including breathing difficulties that require her to have a trach tube and possible brain damage. This was totally unexpected and has left the family, especially Gina, who is home with the children during the day, totally exhausted in trying to meet all of the needs of her family. You see, in addition to this special needs child, Gina and Tim's oldest daughter was born with cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair.
The family was referred to VIS by a nurse with a local law firm. The request was to try to find some volunteers who could walk along side the family and help Gina with some of the care that is needed and just the every day tasks associated with having three children. Here's what happened through VIS: two volunteers from one church are providing meals for the family. One of these volunteers is also coming over once a week to help Gina with some household chores and to play with the 18 month old. In addition, two other volunteers-a mom and her daughter-from another church have agreed to help Gina as well. The amazing thing is that the mom is a retired pediatric ICU nurse and knows all about babies with tracheotomies. While mom takes care of the baby, her daughter plays with the 18 month old. This leaves Gina some time to do other things around the house or just take time for herself.
So we'll ask again: "Does it make a difference?"
February 9, 2010 12:31 PM
There is probably no argument with the statement, “One person can make a difference.” We know it is true because we have either been the person who made a difference or saw someone who did.
But how much more of a difference can be made when a group, such as a small group from a church, decides to tackle a large service project through Volunteers In Service?
That’s what happened when a small group from Ada Bible Church, led by Steve Stepek, decided to help a Grand Rapids family with a large clean-up and organizing project.
The project, which was referred to VIS by Gerontology Network and was posted on thecommon.org, involved cleaning the house, organizing the contents, and significant lawn work.
“It was a lot of work and more involved than what we thought when we signed-on,” said Stepek, a senior transportation planner for the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study. “It was very dirty and there had been a lot of hoarding.”
Stepek said that Ray and Ann, who needed to get the house ready to be sold, were absolutely amazed at the help the small group provided.
“They were overwhelmed that anyone would want to help,” said Stepek, noting that nearly 20 people have so far participated in the project over four different weekends.
Debbie Jones, Connections Director at VIS, said the group did some amazing work in a stressful situation.
“Not only was there all this work that needed to be done, but Ann was also the caregiver for Ray’s 78-year-old sister who is mentally impaired, learning disabled, and hearing impaired. She was feeling extremely overwhelmed and did not know where to turn to get this work done.”
“We’re not quite done yet as we have a couple more days worth of work to do, some of it in preparation for a possible yard sale,” Stepek said. “There was a lot of stuff in that house, including antiques and cash.”
Stepek also said it has been a great experience for the group.
“We’re all here to be servants; this is what we’re supposed to be doing. It has really helped us get to know each other better and it has been a lot of fun.”
If you’re in a small group, and know that serving is “what you’re supposed to be doing,” contact us here at VIS at info@visgr.org or 616.459.7500.
December 29, 2009 6:43 AM
Because of legislation signed recently by Governor Jennifer Granholm, donated vehicles to Volunteers In Service will continue to be eligible for a state tax credit. The credit, $50 for an individual filing separately and $100 for a married couple filing jointly, was scheduled to expire at the end of 2009.
"While not a large amount of money, it does provide an additional incentive to donate a vehicle," said Doug Redford, Executive Director of Volunteers In Service. "I'm glad to see this was continued, especially in the aftermath of 'Cash for Clunkers' which removed a significant number of good vehicles from the market."
Redford said that taxpayers can also receive federal tax credits for donating a vehicle and recommended that all donors consult with their tax professional for additional information.
To donate a vehicle to VIS, call Chuck Roetman at 217-6698 for more information and to arrange a pick-up. Proceeds from all donated vehicles are used to further the programs and services of VIS.
December 3, 2009 6:40 AM
We're often asked what it looks like when a "need" is connected to a volunteer. This is not only what it looks like, but this is what God is doing through VIS!
Connections Director Debbie Jones tells the story:
"I had posted a need for a "friendly visitor" on TheCommon.org. Kendra responded to that request along with telling me of her family’s desire to invite a family to spend Christmas Day with her family. She said she would be going to her parents’ home on Grand Rapids' west side and they had discussed how they would like to share dinner with another family. She asked if I knew of a family who might be spending Christmas alone.
Well, we knew of a single mom named Tess who has two children ages 7 and 10 and has been working hard to provide for her children. The only family Tess has in the area is a sister. My ears perked up because Kendra is also a single parent with two children ages 7 and 10. Tess was really feeling down because she misses home, which is in the Philippines. Tess was very interested in accepting Kendra’s invitation because it would be something different and it appealed to her that she and Kendra had something in common.
We emailed Kendra to let her know that she had a family who would like to accept her invitation and she told her all about Tess. Kendra called us after reading the email and said she couldn’t believe the connection she had with Tess. Not only are they both single parents with children the same ages, but Kendra’s parents were missionaries and Kendra graduated from high school in the Philippines. Can you believe it?! God is SO amazing and SO good!!"
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