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SERVICES FOR POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND REFERRAL:  We find meaningful and convenient volunteer opportunities for adults, youth and groups who are interested in giving back to our community.  United Way has long-standing relationships with a variety of nonprofit, governmental and cultural agencies that need the help of volunteers to do their important work.

ADULTS:
We work with individuals, families and employee groups to find projects that match their skills and schedules. Just click here to look for on-line opportunities, or contact our Volunteer Resource Center.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE:

YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE (YLC) was formed to provide area high school students an opportunity to become involved in community service. Students, through their involvement on the United Way Board and various committees, see firsthand how United Way's strategies for community problem solving are developed and implemented. The YLC meets monthly to plan community service projects. Contact our Volunteer Resource Center for more information or call 522-7933.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS (YVC) focuses on youth, ages 11 -18. The program goals are to: engage young people in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational; serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents; promote, among young people, a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community; and promote a lifetime ethic of service among young people. In addition to year-round volunteer projects, the YVC crew organizes 2- and 3-week summer projects at a variety nonprofit agencies. Call 522-7933 for more information.

KIDS UNITED clubs at area elementary schools provide 4th, 5th & 6th graders the opportunity to become active, responsible and caring citizens. The clubs organize structured volunteer-service activities throught their schools. For more information, contact our Volunteer Resource Center.

LENDING LIBRARY:  A small library of reference materials (books, periodicals, video and audio tapes) are maintained and available to the public. Please call 522-7931.

SPEAKERS BUREAU: Volunteers and staff are available to provide an overview of the center’s programs, services and events. Please call 522-7931.

FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TRAINING FOR SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:

HEARTLAND BLUEPRINT's mission is to increase the participation of people of color at the policy-making level in not-for-profit organizations. The program has four components: recruitment, orientation, placement and support.

FOR VOLUNTEER MANAGERS & INFO/REFERRAL SPECIALISTS:

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER NETWORK: A group of volunteer managers, leadership volunteers and representatives of organizations, schools and corporations that provides a forum for educational and networking opportunities.  The group meets monthly. Please contact our Volunteer Resource Center.

CONSULTATIONS: Consultation is provided to volunteer managers to help them start or maintain a volunteer program.

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP) uses community volunteer consultants who provide expertise on management issues. At least one workshop, whose target audience is executive directors and senior-level managers, is held annually.
 
INFORMATION & REFERRAL ASSOCIATION: A group of nonprofit agency representatives that disseminates information and makes referrals; the group meets three to four times a year.

OTHER SPECIAL PARTNERSHIPS:

TOYS FOR TOTS: United Way plays an important role in this well-known holiday program that gathers and distributes Christmas presents for children in need.  At the request of the U.S. Marine Corps, United Way's Information and Referral Specialists coordinate the involvement of nonprofit agencies in Pottawattamie County in Iowa, and Douglas and Sarpy Counties in Nebraska.  United Way manages the database of family applications, to make sure donors' toys reach as many local kids as possible.

Toys are collected annually until mid December for Toys for Tots. IF YOU WANT TO DONATE TOYS: they should be new and unwrapped, to help with sorting. Toys should be appropriate for infants to age 12. Please - no toy weapons. Families that want to apply for toys should call 2-1-1 to find the TforT application agency nearest them.

COURT REFERRAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM (CRCSP) provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals who have been determined by the judicial system not to be a threat to themselves or the community. The components of the program are intake, placement, monitoring, reporting and termination.

OMAHA METRO MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM (OMMRS) and the MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS (MRC): United Way is a partner in these important coalitions.  The goal of OMMRS is to prepare our community for future crises and disaster. The MRC is a group of current and retired health professionals who are willing to address our community's mental and physical health needs during times of public health emergencies. The MRC is part of the Citizens Corps; United Way's Volunteer Resource Center coordinates the local group's training and activities.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE COUNSELING: United Way counselors serve in the lobbies at M.U.D. and OPPD at different times of the year, helping utility customers who have received a shut-off notice.  We help them identify personal, nonprofit and government resources that will get them back on track.  The 2-1-1 call center is also available for information and referral for utility customers in need.  United Way is also a nonprofit partner in the annual Heartland Walk for Warmth, which raises awareness and funds for local energy assistance programs.