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Programs and Events
Be A Volunteer | Be A Mentor
Make A Difference | Events
Be a Volunteer
Volunteer Recruitment and Referral Program
The backbone of our adult volunteer programs, VRRP is the primary mechanism volunteers utilize to find opportunities to serve. Nearly 400
local and regional organizations and thousands of community volunteers utilize these services, representing a wide range of issues and
client populations. On-going volunteer needs are available as well as one-time opportunities for busy adults through our web-based Hands
On Durham program.
Hands On Durham
Hands on Durham is a program of the Volunteer Center of Durham tailored especially to busy adults who would like to make a difference
in their community. Volunteer, meet new people, get to know your community, and help make Durham a great place.
Student Action Corps
Student Action Corps is a program for youth ages 12-18. The purpose of SAC is to provide teens with flexible, one-time opportunities to
volunteer on weekends or in the evening. SAC is a year-round program.
Student Action Board
The Student Action Board is comprised of teens from the Durham area who have a passion for volunteering. The Board meets once per month
during the school year to plan and create service projects in the Durham area. The group also acts as an advisory council to the Student
Action Corps.
Community Service Projects (coming soon)
A collaboration among the city of Durham, Durham County, the Chamber of Commerce and Durham Public Schools among others, the Volunteer
Center coordinates one-time, large-scale projects such as renovating a park or cleaning up a school. The objective is to bring together
local government, business, and nonprofit sectors for a common purpose.
Volunteer Recognition
Each year the Volunteer Center of Durham hosts two events to recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers in Durham.
The Key Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, held in the Spring, and the Mayor's Award
Ceremony, held in the Fall, both applaud the hard work of outstanding adults and youth in our area.
Be a Mentor
DSS Volunteer Program
The mission of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Volunteer Program is to improve the lives of the DSS clients and enable them to
become self-sufficient through the use of dedicated volunteers and provide economic or in-kind assistance to eligible clients throughout
the year.
National Mentoring Month
January is National Mentoring Month! This program recognizes and celebrates the positive impact mentoring can have on young lives.
Greater Durham Mentoring Alliance
An alliance of the approximately 50 identified organizations that utilize mentors in the Durham community, a program which the
Volunteer Center launched spring of 2007. The purpose of the Alliance is to enhance the effectiveness of member organizations and to ensure
that the mentoring needs of Durham youth are met. The Alliance will offer a one-stop portal of entry for prospective volunteer mentors:
anyone interested in mentoring will be able to call one number or visit the website and be matched with an appropriate program. Another
function of the Alliance will be to promote and publicize the need for mentors with the ultimate goal being a highly qualified,
well-trained, well-screened mentor for every Durham youth who needs one.
Make a Difference
Back to School Supply Drive
The Back to School Supply Drive helps children from families with low incomes have a successful start to a new school year. These
children, identified by a social worker as in need of school supplies, benefit from donations or sponsorship by the local community.
Share Your Christmas
Share Your Christmas matches individuals and groups with disadvantaged Durham citizens in need of Christmas gifts. This program is
made possible by a partnership between the Volunteer Center of Durham, Durham County Department of Social Services, and the Herald Sun.
Thanksgiving Dinners Program
The Thanksgiving Dinners program offers an opportunity for community volunteers to provide a special Thanksgiving meal to Durham citizens
who are disadvantaged, elderly, or disabled.
Volunteer Center Events
Great Human Race
The annual race is a fundraiser for area nonprofits. Hosted by the Volunteer Center each year, the race is in two parts: a 5K competitive
run and a 5K non-competitive walk for nonprofits and their supporters. In 2007, approximately 70 nonprofits participated and raised more
than $100,000.
Mentoring Conference (coming soon)
Along with the North Carolina Mentoring Partnership, the Volunteer Center of Durham will co-host a statewide conference that will include
national and regional experts on the topic of mentoring.
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