United Way EUP temporarily suspends senior programming

EASTERN UP – Many organizations and businesses globally are restructuring the way they handle day-to-day operations with safety at the forefront of decisions being made. United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula has been monitoring information shared through the State of Michigan and the Center for Disease Control and has made the decision to temporarily suspend many of the activities scheduled for March, including programming which involves senior citizens.

Beginning immediately, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) activity has been temporarily suspended across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. According to UWEUP’s CEO, Raulaniesa Aranda, with volunteers age 55 or better involved in this program, United Way has chosen to err on the side of caution to ensure the health and well-being of all volunteers and staff – especially those who may be at higher risk. While schools have been closed through April 5, volunteer activities for RSVP will be suspended through April 17.

“We will continue to monitor the school shutdown and State of Emergency, as well as CDC recommendations for senior populations, prior to placing elder volunteers back into schools,” assures Interim-RSVP Director, David Brey.

Additionally, United Way chose to cancel the Night in Diagon Alley fundraising event that would have taken place Saturday, March 14 as well as their annual Citizen’s Review Panel which had been scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020. United Way is waiting on word as to whether the themed fundraiser will be able to be rescheduled however, the Citizen’s Review Panel already has a new date of Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Aranda reminds residents, that CRP is a half-day event where local supporters and volunteers from Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac counties can come together to review grant applications and program presentations to help decide where funding will have the greatest impact in EUP communities. United Way encourages volunteers from all walks of life to flex their voice during the event to help steer funding for the upcoming year. Those interested in volunteering can email barb@unitedwayeup.org

For more information about United Way of the EUP, visit www.unitedwayeup.org, call 906-632-3700 or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @UnitedWayEUP to stay up-to-date on programs, events and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

EUP News Staff

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