YMCA Project Warm-Up

12/30/2025

It is with sadness that we are writing this post to share the news that as of December 31, 2025, the RSVP (AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) program will end due to cuts in state and federal funding for AmeriCorps programs. In 1975, the YMCA became the sponsoring agency and has held that honor until now. Unfortunately, the YMCA is not in a position to continue sponsorship of the RSVP program without the assistance of state or federal funding.
From 1971 until now, the staff of the RSVP program has worked tirelessly to promote senior volunteer opportunities to 69 local non-profit agencies by building a stronger community with schools, food banks, health care organizations, low-income serving agencies, senior community centers and the YMCA of the Inland Northwest by actively recruiting volunteers to serve with these agencies.
We have had the Honor of placing 1,863 + volunteers, who in turn provided 1,808,300 + hours of volunteer time to those agencies.

The Good News! Teri Wallace and the YMCA are committed to keeping Project Warm Up alive, with the help of funding from the Avista Foundation and the many volunteers who spend countless hours crocheting, knitting and quilting so that we can share warmth and comfort with those in need across our community. Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you for your support over the past 30 plus years!

Sincerely,
RSVP of Spokane County Team

Send a message to learn more

04/29/2025

Some people know that since 1998 I have worked in non-profits serving our community. During that time I worked with AmeriCorps, mostly with the RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) Volunteers. 2 1/2 years ago I took on the role of that program director here in Spokane. AmeriCorps weaves in and out of nearly every non-profit at some time. Over the last two weeks the AmeriCorps.gov and its programs have experienced massive cuts. We don’t know if those cuts are going to keep going.

I hesitantly open my email each day wondering if our AmeriCorps programs are one of the next to be cut.

As a Washington State Commissioner and AmeriCorps Program Director I can help educate but I cannot ask for financial support because I work under a federal grant. If you are interested in sharing your support for AmeriCorps there will be a link here. Keep AmeriCorps across the US, Washington and us in your thoughts. Thank you for your time. Please let me know if you have questions. Best, Cyndi
https://voicesforservice.org/take-action/contact-congress/

Apr 23, 2025Apr 23, 2025National Service in the News AmeriCorps shaped these lawmakers’ careers. They’re fighting to save it. Read More »

11/11/2024

Veterans, active Military and their families.
Thank you for your service.

09/15/2024

And now we know where the Face Painting booth is at the fair - not at our "Volunteer!" booth this year - maybe our next booth we will have something like that! Fun at the Spokane County Interstate Fair!

09/11/2024

Most don't know that Spokane County has nearly 3,000 non-profits. And they need volunteers. An hour or two could do so much to help others in our/your community. Help spread the word. Pick a charity you want to support and tell others about it. They all need help. ☀️Thank you. Take care. Be safe. ☀️ Tagging a few here. Discovery Shop Spokane Meals on Wheels Spokane Spokane County Library District YMCA of the Inland Northwest YWCA Spokane Cancer Can't Meals on Wheels of Greater Spokane County Alzheimer's Association KSPS PBS Spokane Southside Center Corbin Senior Activity Center Women & Children's Free Restaurant Vitalant - Northwest SNAP Spokane Public Library Second Harvest Inland Northwest The Friends of Manito and so many more this is just a small number.