Serving More Families with Heart: How RMHC Detroit Transformed Their Volunteer Program with SignUpGenius

The Challenge: From Manual to Modern

Before SignUpGenius, coordinating RMHC Detroit's daily meal program was a logistical challenge. Staff spent 20-30 hours per week managing a hand-written volunteer calendar, dealing with scheduling conflicts, and tracking volunteer commitments. Double bookings occurred regularly, and last-minute cancellations were difficult to fill.

"There were times when two groups showed up for the same meal slot, or we'd have last-minute cancellations without an easy way to fill the gap," said Anthony Walker, Director of Operations. “It was frustrating for both our staff and volunteers.”

The Solution: An Easy-to-Use, Automated Sign Up Process

“We’re no longer relying on paper sign up sheets or tracking things in separate places,” Walker shared. “Now, everything is in one spot, and we can focus on what really matters – supporting families during a difficult time.”

Implementing SignUpGenius transformed RMHC Detroit's volunteer management through:

• Automated Scheduling: Volunteers can now sign up in real time, preventing duplicate bookings and eliminating confusion.

• Improved Communication: With automated confirmations and reminders, volunteers stay informed and can easily reschedule.

• Centralized Coordination: Staff no longer need to track meal sign ups manually; all information is stored in one easy-to-access product.

• Branded Portal: RMHC Detroit has a dedicated space where volunteers can access all necessary information about the Make a Meal program and how it works, ensuring a smooth and informed volunteer experience.

• Customized Branding: The volunteer sign up experience is designed to match RMHC Detroit’s familiar website branding, creating a professional, ad-free experience that builds trust and encourages greater engagement from volunteers and donors.

Additionally, the robust reporting features in SignUpGenius have been invaluable. “We love the reporting—it allows us to track volunteer participation, analyze trends, and provide meaningful insights to our donors and stakeholders,” said Walker. These reports help demonstrate the program's impact and allow the team to make data-informed improvements.

"We love the customizable options, the reporting features, and the ease of use," said Kelly Klemmer, Director of Marketing and Development. "We haven't even tapped into its full potential yet, but we're already seeing huge improvements."

The Impact: Nourishing Families, Building Community

The Make a Meal Program operates 365 days a year, making reliable coordination essential. Since implementing SignUpGenius, RMHC Detroit has experienced:

• More Reliable Meal Coverage: Elimination of scheduling conflicts ensures families always have meals—no more double bookings.

• Stronger Community Engagement: Volunteers find it easier to sign up, leading to increased participation.

• Expanded Fundraising Opportunities: Meal program volunteers often become donors, and corporate volunteer groups have turned into sponsors.

• Freed Staff Time: Reduced administrative work allows for more focus on family support and community building

"This has been a game-changer for our development efforts," said Klemmer. "When volunteers come in, we now have a structured way to engage them further—whether through sponsorships, attending our fundraising events, or making direct contributions."

Looking Ahead: Growing Community Connections

Building on their success, RMHC Detroit is expanding their use of SignUpGenius to coordinate volunteer activities, housekeeping tasks, and special events. They also leverage volunteer data to identify deeper engagement opportunities and potential corporate partnerships.

"We couldn't imagine going back to the old way," Klemmer said. "SignUpGenius has helped us work smarter, engage our volunteers better, and ultimately, serve more families."