Northeast Iowa RSVP Welcomes New Volunteer Coordinator

DECORAH — More than 600 people in Winneshiek, Allamakee and Howard Counties volunteer for nonprofit groups in partnership with Northeast Iowa RSVP. That's why the organization is happy to have added a new volunteer coordinator, Michelle McLain-Kruse. "Our program continues to grow, so it is wonderful to have Michelle join the team," shared RSVP Director Deana Hageman. "Having her here to assist volunteers in finding opportunities that match their time availability, knowledge and skills is crucial to our program." A Decorah native and 1987 graduate of North Winneshiek High School, McLain-Kruse graduated from Luther College in 1991 with a degree in Business Management. McLain-Kruse led the Thunder Rode nonprofit organization for 16 years, which resulted in her passion toward nonprofit organizations. In August of this year, she signed up with RSVP as a volunteer. In October, she saw a notice that the agency was looking for a part-time volunteer coordinator. She began her new job in November. McLain-Kruse praised "the positive work environment" of the RSVP office in Decorah, which is located in the lower level of the Decorah Public Library. "Everybody who's here wants to be here and wants to serve our communities," she added. The goal of the position is to be in contact with RSVP's volunteers from the time they join the program and supporting them as they volunteer. Michelle will also respond to requests for volunteers from the 82 partner stations with RSVP. "It's all coming together," McLain-Kruse reflects. Recent projects include her work with the database that tracks the more than 600 volunteers. The work of the volunteers is worth $28.88/hour in Iowa, according to a survey by the Independent Sector, which says the average nationwide figure is $33.49/hour. For the first half of the fiscal year, Hageman notes volunteers have already logged over 21,000 hours, which has a value of over $600,000 of service. McLain-Kruse can be reached at the RSVP office from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. She is also available by appointment. For more information about the Northeast Iowa RSVP and opportunities to volunteer for nonprofit organizations, contact McLain-Kruse at rsvp2@decorahlibrary.org or call 563-277-5180. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.