MACKINAC ISLAND -- On May 05, 2024, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), hosted by United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula (UWEUP), was awarded $920 from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation’s Healthy Youth and Seniors Fund, which was created to support seniors in the EUP to stay in their own homes longer, reduce social isolation, and help with financial questions and management.
RSVP and UWEUP will use this funding to host multiple education sessions titled “Financial Empowerment for Everyone” over the next several months.
“As someone who has gone through dealing with the process of fraud and identity theft, I understand how completely overwhelming it can be. I honestly hope to be able to share financial safety information with every single person, especially Seniors in the EUP in hopes they will be able to spot and protect themselves from any form of fraud,” says Lindsey Flygare, RSVP Director.
By educating the community with the most recent and up to date information on how to avoid scams by spotting the warning signs of financial abuse and exploitation, where and how to report scams and fraud, learning how to keep financial documents safe, and simple technology safety. This makes our community safer while increasing educational and training opportunities for Volunteers to continue these sessions in the future. These educational sessions are similar to previous coffee chats we have hosted in the past.
“We are very thankful to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation for their support and partnership with this project,” says Aleesha Pasquali, RSVP Coordinator. Aleesha will be coordinating volunteers who are 55 years or better to help with this project. Anyone interested can reach out to her by contacting United Way of the EUP - RSVP at 906-632-3700 ext. 4 or emailing aleesha@unitedwayeup.org.
Interested in supporting United Way of the EUP in continuing its work in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties? Visit www.unitedwayeup.org to donate or register as a volunteer!