VMC Merges 36th Annual Outstanding Volunteer Recognition with Governor's Jefferson Volunteer Awards

The Secretary of State believes that the stories of our outstanding volunteers should be celebrated throughout New Jersey, since we have the advantage of living in a geographically small state.  VMC knows that we are a BIG state when it comes to our hearts and our community engagement, and we agree that our volunteer stories warrant sharing.
 
This year, during National Volunteer Week (April 18 - 24), VMC will join the Star-Ledger and the Governor's Office of Volunteerism by "Celebrating People in Action" at a state-wide recognition ceremony.  We encourage everyone to read and use the simple nominating form to propose your outstanding volunteers for the recognition they deserve.  For more information and a nominating form, click here.

Because the holidays of 2009 and the devastating earthquake in Haiti have commanded so much attention for our volunteer center and others like us, the deadline for submission of nominations has been extended to February 14th.
 
Please send me a copy of any nomination you submit so that I can be sure it has been received and carefully considered in Trenton.
 
Every year VMC has averaged 70 nominations.  Let's try to maintain or exceed that level this year.
 
With all the sad news - war, natural disasters, the economy - it's time to share some GOOD NEWS of GOOD DEEDS.
 
Thank you for taking the time to nominate worthy volunteers -
 
Carol A. McKinney
Executive Director

Email: cmckinney@vmcnj.org

Welcome to VMC - celebrating volunteerism for more than 35 years

Volunteers enrich their own lives and improve the quality of life in their communities.  Since 1973, VMC has been connecting people who care with community organizations in need of volunteers.

Whether you're looking for a one-day project or a long-term opportunity for yourself, your family, or a group of people, VMC can help identify just the right way for you to make a difference.   We recognize that all people have time and talents to share and  that communities are strengthened when people connect through volunteer service.

VMC makes volunteer connections that are vital to our society.  We work with nearly a thousand not-for-profit organizations in the region and offer services for individuals, agencies and businesses, including referring volunteers to opportunities, training and placing prospective trustees, helping agencies work in collaboration, and telling the story of volunteerism to our communities.

Come join us in changing the world – volunteer!

United Way of Warren County and VMC, as partners, will help more volunteers

The two caring organizations have joined forces to expand volunteerism in Warren County. The United Way of Warren County decided to link up with VMC (Volunteer Management Centers, Inc.), a volunteer center serving northwest New Jersey for more than 35 years.
“We think this will be an ideal match for us,” said Sarah Brelvi, president and CEO of United Way of Warren County. “With a massive database of non-profit contacts and a significant track record of connecting volunteers to those in need, VMC will prove to be a tremendous asset in linking more Warren County employees and residents interested in community service.”

The United Way’s motto is ‘Give, Advocate, Volunteer and Live United,’ added Brelvi, “and both of our organizations are dedicated to building a stronger community by uniting individuals and institutions to create long-term sustainable solutions to issues that affect us all.”

The United Way helps bring communities together to examine the most urgent needs and do what is necessary to improve lives. Describing themselves as “much more than a fundraiser,” they also advocate for effective changes in public policies and programs.

Brelvi describes her organization, just five years young, as a “place where you can connect and get something done. Our job is to create access to the kinds of resources that will help people survive, gain independence, and become contributing participants in society.”

Most recently, the United Way Day of Caring coordinated over 60 volunteers for “Project Homeless Connect” providing information and services to homeless individuals in the Hackettstown and Phillipsburg areas.  

VMC brings to the table a wealth of experience purposefully connecting volunteers and organizations to solve community needs. They currently manage numerous innovative programs designed to serve a wide array of constituents throughout North Jersey.
Specifically, VMC has researched the more than 600 non-profit organizations serving Warren County and has narrowed down the list to those in need of volunteer assistance. Through VMC’s web site, www.vmcnj.org, individuals, families and groups can search for volunteer opportunities, and agencies can register their volunteer jobs. VMC also links their data to the 23 other volunteer centers throughout the state. If the right opportunity cannot be found, VMC will assist with individual searches to make a match and may be reached by calling 973-538-7200.

“We’ve seen a drastic up-tick in volunteerism due to the recession gripping this country,” said VMC’s Executive Director, Carol McKinney. “Thus, we’ve worked hard to fill the gap when workers are displaced in these tough economic times and want to keep job skills fresh. Our participation in helping more people explore volunteer opportunities in Warren County dovetails nicely with our mission. As I and three other VMC staff live in Warren County, it seemed a natural fit for us to step up our connections in the county.”

McKinney describes VMC’s involvement as providing the glue and the grease to enable corporations, agencies and individuals to collaborate more effectively and efficiently to achieve their community service goals. VMC will be reaching out to Warren County non-profits to determine whether they have suitable projects for United Way’s Alternate Spring Break or Community Volunteer Days of Caring. “We have supplied hundreds of volunteers in Warren County through Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Centenary College, Northwest NJ Regional Women’s Center, to name a few,” said McKinney, “and we are eager to expand our services”.  
 

Zonta Plans Fund Raising Event in Support of Women’s Health and Safety CHAIN 

Non-profit members of the Women’s Health and Safety CHAIN  (Collaborations Help: Agency Information & Networking) have a new sponsor – The Zonta Club of the Morristown Area.

During the second week in January, 2010, the Zonta Club will host a fund raising dinner to benefit agencies addressing the issues of women’s health and safety in northern New Jersey. Agencies interested in collaborating and wanting to learn more should send a representative to the first Women’s Health & Safety CHAIN gathering to be held at VMC’s offices on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

The Zonta Club of the Morristown Area is one of more than 1,200 local clubs of Zonta International with 33,000 members in 67 countries. Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  The Zonta Club of the Morristown Area was chartered in 1956, and undertakes service projects to benefit women and women’s issues in the local community as well as supporting projects selected by Zonta International. To learn more about Zonta, please visit their website at www.zontamorristown.org.
 
Sunday, 02 August 2009 08:01

Daily Record features VMC volunteer

Felicia Kennedy is one of VMC's newest volunteers. Downsized in March 2007, she has spent her time as a fundraiser, teacher, charter school developer and devoted youth motivator.

Corporate America's loss is VMC's gain. Felicia shares part of her time with us a volunteer, assisting in the preparation of grants.