The Volunteer Center / The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center

Nonprofit Resource Programming. The Center works to strengthen and build the capacity of nonprofits throughout the Triangle area, currently working with more than 1,200 nonprofits. By providing essential resources the Center helps these organizations maximize their impact and successfully fulfill their mission. Major services in this area include: 1) Nonprofit training & workshops focusing on recognized nonprofit best practices/strategies including the following: The Service Enterprise Initiative which is a national program that helps nonprofits better leverage volunteers--especially highly skilled volunteers to substantially increase an organization's impact in the community. TNVLC is a national training HUB for North Carolina. The Nonprofit Monthly Training series which is ongoing monthly training (usually at no cost) that focuses on nonprofit operational best practices. TRIAVA (Triangle Area Volunteer Administrators) is an affiliated program of the NC Association of Nonprofit Administrators. We provide professional training and networking for nonprofit staff that manage volunteer programs. 2) Capacity-building projects such as the Bid 4 Better nonprofit auction for area nonprofits. In addition to being a fundraiser for these agencies, this event helps raise program awareness for nonprofits and also mobilizes their volunteer base. 3) HandsOn Triangle is an online platform provided to nonprofits to be able to list their volunteer opportunities and upcoming event. This service is provided at no cost. The Center also sends regular email blasts to the Triangle area to publicize these needs and events. 4) Special Events such as the Key Volunteer of the Year and the Governor's Volunteer Service Award are planned on behalf of nonprofits. Since 1972, TNVLC has organized these events to provide a community platform for nonprofits to publicly acknowledge contributions of volunteers at a regional/state level. The Center coordinates the Governor's Volunteer Service Award for Wake, Orange, Durham, Person, Granville and Chatham counties. 5) The Resource Referral program matches inkind donations from companies and others with the needs of nonprofits-such as equipment, furniture, etc. These potential donations are shared with our nonprofit partners to help provide important resources.

Social Services Community Programs. The Center works closely with Durham County Social Services (DSS) to manage & coordinate several programs that help meet essential community needs. All persons assisted are DSS clients and all are referred by DSS social workers. These programs include many that are long-time community traditions. 1) For over 40 years, The Center has coordinated the Share Your Holiday (Christmas) program which helps provide children, families, the elderly and disabled (all DSS clients in need) with clothing, shoes, toys, and basic household needs at Christmas. Annually more than 2,000 clients were served-including over 1,100 children; 2) Thanksgiving Dinners program provides a nourishing meal during the Thanksgiving holiday. Eligible clients can receive either a full cooked meal for those who are unable to cook or do not have kitchens/stoves or they can receive an uncooked meal that they can prepare themselves. There are meal guidelines so all have ample portions. For those with transportation issues, these meals are delivered directly to their homes by volunteers. Each year more than 1,400 meals were served provided--including more than 800 children; 3) Backpacks for Kids is a school supply program that provides needed supplies for students living at or below the poverty level. Annually over 600 students received a new back pack filled with grade appropriate supplies.

Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Programs. This Youth programming offers students opportunities for civic engagement and helps to develop their leadership skills. Students gain valuable experience and can earn recognition for those efforts. Annually more than 800 youth participate in these programs. Major program areas include: 1) The Mayor's Award is designed for students that volunteer during their summer vacations; 2) The Commissioners' Award encourages students to volunteers during the school year; 3) TNVLC is a certifying organization for the President's Service Award; 4) The Student Action provides students monthly leadership training and reflective activities during the school year. Students also plan and execute service projects at nonprofits throughout the community; 5) The Civic Engagement Leadership Institute is an intensive specialized summer leadership camp for HS students that helps them understand the importance of being socially responsible and fosters civic engagement. They explore issues, hear from community leaders and work with nonprofits. Teams develop a Capstone project addressing a community need that is presented to a panel of judges. 6) IMPACT Camp is a week-long hands-on experience to help students become actively involved in addressing social needs, helping nonprofits and learning how to make a real difference. 7) Model UN Week allows students to examine global issues and learn how they can advocate and solve issues through collaborative discussions. Students learn debate and presentation skills as well as learning about broad social needs. Each Year our students are commonly recognized for over 40,000 hours of service to their communities. A recognition event is held each year--Tomorrow's Community Leaders--in which elected officials help present these awards. The Center has organized Youth programs since 1982.

Volunteer Mobilization- The Center operates HandsOn Triangle which is an online volunteer matching program that connects individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities at area nonprofits. The system is enhanced to allow volunteers to search for opportunities based on a variety of factors such as nonprofit name, skills needed, location, dates. Ongoing and one-time opportunities are available. The Center also publicizes these to the entire Triangle area through promotional channels as special needs occur. Our Corporate engagement services link businesses with nonprofits allowing their employees to participate in meaningful volunteers and teambuilding projects. Court-ordered Community Service volunteers are assisted to located opportunities as mandated by the court system. In addition, the Center helps students fulfill school-mandated community service hours. The Center also now manages the AmeriCorps Senior Program for Durham County. We work with over 100 senior adults in more than 40 nonprofits throughout the community.