A Bit of History...

In 1996, submitting a grant to The Points of Light Foundation led to an invitation to attend The Points of Light Volunteer Center Start Up Academy. Of over 200 proposals submitted nationwide, Otsego County was 1 of 25 chosen for support. In 1997, the Volunteer Center of Otsego County was officially established. Our first Board of Directors was seated with their first meeting held in 1997. In 1998 the Center secured funding to hire its first paid Volunteer Coordinator, and in 2001 its first paid Director.

In 1998, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Volunteer Center established the very first Road to Recovery Transportation Program in Michigan. In 2002, state dollars were awarded to the center to begin an after-school Learn and Serve Program. In 2003, the Volunteer Center was selected to be part of a statewide pilot effort for the Michigan Student Service Award medallion program. And, in 2004, the center assisted in a Americorps Vista mentoring grant to form a mentoring coalition and the establishment of a Lunch Buddy Mentor project. In 2005-2006, the Center works with AmeriCorps Vista and the Youth of Families at Risk program. In 2006, the Center received the annual Gaylord/Otsego Chamber of Commerce You Made It Happen Award for exceptional contributions and commitment over the past year. The Volunteer Center's innovative volunteer-driven Road to Recovery Transportation Program was the recipient of this award. And, we have entered into partnership for year 2007 with our new sponsor, the Otsego County United Way. We are setting our sights on a great future together! Come join us!


Building healthy communities through volunteerism...

The Points of Light Foundation has drawn a road map for volunteer centers across the nation to travel along as they build their communities through service. This journey begins with the 4 Core Competencies:

1. Connect people with the opportunity to serve,

2. Build the capacity for effective local volunteering,

3. Promote volunteering,

4. Participate in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers.

The Volunteer Center of Otsego County strives to best use these 4 Core Competencies in all that we do. By adapting to and building upon these principles we take pride in knowing that the Volunteer Center program is making a difference right here in our own back yard.