Over 2,227 volunteers and 305 agencies and organizations are registered with the VAC. These numbers do not include individuals who contact an organization directly from the Center's advertising and promotion of volunteer needs. Since July 1, 1996, the VAC has filled more than 3,608 volunteer opportunities and have filled for more than 142 agencies.
Court Ordered Community Service:
In the fall of 1995 the VAC began working with the County Judges and Probation Offices to manage the intake and referral of first time offenders who are convicted of a misdemeanor and required by the courts to do community service. 224 Adult Court Ordered volunteers have been referred.
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC):
The YVC is the umbrella for all youth projects and activities. YVC provides youths from age 11-18 with volunteer opportunities to develop a sustained sense of self, service, leadership and commitment to their community. Youth may volunteer at individual agencies and/or become involved in one day and weekend projects. In 1996 the Summer Program provided more than 607 youth volunteer opportunities and were filled giving over 10,250 hours of service. During the 1996-1997 school year 439 youth have given 1,665 hours of community service.
Juvenile Community Arbitration:
The late spring of 1996, we formed a partnership with Juvenile Justice District 15 to place first time youth offenders in community service. Rather than work in isolation at a specific agency, the youth volunteer with their peers performing community service through YVC projects. We introduce the youth in this program to positive role models who value the importance of giving bact to their community. The goal 95% who arae ordered to this program will not be repeat offenders. To date, 81 Juveniles have given more than 4,000 hours of community service.
Service-Learning Class:
In collaboration with the Vero Beach and Sebastian River High Schools, this semester courses in Service-Learning is offered for academic credit. Besides a weekly class, students volunteer in after-school programs and in a variey of organizations and agencies. Each semester approximately 70 students enroll for Service Learning. To receive a grade of a C or higher, the youth must volunteer a minimum 90 hours each semester.
Elementary School Alumni Association (ESAA):
In collaboration with community organizations, the VAC works to establish an alumni group in elementary schools. ESAA is designed to introduce Fifth Graders to volunteerins. This three-part program aids in developing goal setting, positive decision making, volunteerisim and the importance of neighborhood and community. Working with parent coordinators the children plan and implement a service project for their elementary school. Alumni become members of YVC and serve as mentors and role models for younger students. Currently ESAAs are active in four Elementary Schools involving more than 360 students.
"Skills Bank":
Volunteers wanting to use a particular skill or professional experience register with the VAC and work with agencies and organizations on a consulting basis. Currently over 50 volunteers are registered.
"Mail Bag":
Non-profit agencies may register with the VAC for the "mail bag" service to receive help for their annual mailings, monthlly newsletters and other various types of projects. The VAC services over 100 agencies.
"Volunteer Watch":
The "Volunteer Watch" column is published in The Press Journal's "Lifestyles" section every other Monday. This column recruits individuals by offering volunteer opportunities with agencies and organizations registered with the VAC.
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery:
The VAC, working in cooperation with major disaster services agencies, is responsible for the intake and referral of all volunteers (not presently certified by the American Red Cross) during times of disaster.
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