RSVP Greater Twin Cities- West Metro

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Watertown Community Remembers Local Soldiers

Care Packages Completed and Ready to Send!


On the morning of Saturday, December 1st, 2013 the cafeteria at the Watertown-Mayer High School was a flurry of activity. More than 20 community members had gathered to put together care packages for active duty military stationed throughout the United States and overseas in Afghanistan.  Many of the care packages were designated for military members with local connections.  Students at Watertown-Mayer Primary School had been busy in previous weeks, gathering up donations such as toiletries and snacks to be included in the boxes.  Local churches, businesses, and other community groups also donated items, and a generous donation from the Watertown American Legion provided both a package of beef jerky for each box and the funds needed to mail the boxes.  Watertown-Mayer Community Education provided much of the planning expertise with an assist by RSVP/Volunteers of America Minnesota.  Volunteers who attended the event were happy to help honor and remember soldiers, especially at a time of year when it can be difficult for them to be away from loved ones. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Bone Builders Exercise Program Launches


On a beautiful autumn day, the Wellness Center at Nicollet Towers apartment building was buzzing with energy. Jokes were being told, people were laughing, and friends were connecting…all while strengthening their bones.

RSVP has recently launched a Bone Builders exercise initiative that aims to connect older adults with physical and social benefits. Bone Builders is an RSVP Signature Program, developed based on research from Tufts University. The class is held twice a week, and participants use a combination of weight-bearing exercises, balance, and strength training. The idea behind the program is to increase muscle and bone density, which reduces the risk of falls associated with osteoporosis. Classes are taught by peer volunteers and are designed to make participants feel comfortable and welcome.

Pat Reisenger, a retired teacher, is a talented, energetic class leader at Nicollet Towers. She told jokes and gave good advice to the particpants, encouraging them to work at their own level. “The best thing about Bone Builders is that I can do it for myself and others,” says Reisenger, who also teaches yoga. “It’s good for me too.”

The mental and social component of the class is just as important as the physical aspects are. Relationships are often formed in the classes as the participants encourage and support each other.
 
“It’s nice to be with other people,” said vibrant 99 year-old Inez, who kept up with the class quite nicely. “My doctor said that I should exercise since I broke my hip.”

A similar class also takes place at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Class leader Bunny Anderson leads a full class with age ranges between 64-90. Her enthusiasm and care for the participants is very apparent in her teaching style. “I enjoy it just as much as they do,” said Anderson.

And the class is free…a refreshing change from the big box gyms and other health care programs. Bone Builders strives to remove financial barriers and eliminates the intimidation factor of traditional gyms. All older adults are welcome to attend, however, participants are required to complete a health information form and get medical clearance from their physician. In order to receive the greatest benefits from Bone Builders, participants are also asked to commit to attending class twice weekly for at least six months. Volunteer physical therapists and health educators will also track the success of individuals, using a health assessment on the upper and lower body.
 
Nancy Sonmore, is a health educator who completed assessments on the participants at Nicollet Towers and Hope Lutheran. “I think Bone Builders is a great program. Any senior can do it,” said Sonmore. “It is a source of stimulation for them and a way for them to connect with others.” Sonmore will re-assess the class members in 3 months to track their success.

Due to the popularity of the program, RSVP is always looking for Bone Builders class leaders and volunteer physical therapists or health educators to do assessments. Please call 952-945-4161 for more information.

Monday, June 25, 2012

CarFit Success

RSVP held its' first round of CarFit events in May and June.  Despite some days of heat and rain, trained volunteers persevered in checking the person-to-vehicle fit for more than 30 drivers.

Follow up surveys conducted with drivers after the events revealed that 85% had at least one item that needed adjusting in their vehicle.  Resetting one or both side view mirrors to reduce or eliminate blind spots proved to be the biggest item of adjustment with two-thirds of drivers reporting this change.  Changing the tilt of the steering wheel to aim the airbag into the chest rather than the face was suggested to one-third of the drivers needing adjustments.  Showing drivers how to move their seats and adjust the height of their seat belts into a more comfortable position were other common educational pieces.

"Changing the seat [position] made all the difference in the world.  I'm very pleased with the results", remarked one driver.  Most found the event to be a very good learning experience and many drivers commented that they passed along CarFit educational materials and information about upcoming events to friends and family.  "Drivers of all ages would benefit from having adjustments done", noted another driver. 

Future CarFit events are being scheduled in the Twin Cities and East Central Minnesota for fall 2012.  If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, hosting a CarFit event at your organization, or attending an event as a driver, contact RSVP at 952-945-4161.  For more information about CarFit, visit the website at www.car-fit.org

Monday, March 19, 2012

Congrats to RSVP partner site Store To Door!

Store to Door made the front page of the St Paul Pioneer Press the other week.  The organization, which utilizes volunteers to take orders and shop for groceries for homebound seniors in the Twin Cities, serves 1,400 people each year.  More volunteers are needed, especially those interested in taking orders from home via their phone and the internet.  Here's a link to the story: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20050870?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

Contact RSVP at (952) 945-4165 if you'd like to learn more about how to get involved.