Delaware, Ohio – Connections Volunteer Center (Connections), a program of HelpLine, announced today the launch of “Get Connected,” a new interactive platform that lets volunteers directly connect with and support community organizations.
In an effort to create a streamlined way for volunteers to find community needs, Connections received a grant through ServeOhio and worked with Galaxy Digital, which hosts the new site, and provides software that supports volunteer centers and organizations across the country. Its products are designed to engage volunteers, give users an enjoyable experience and make good things happen in communities of all sizes.
“Local volunteerism is the power behind long-lasting change, and by introducing a new, dynamic online platform, Connections is the go-to for volunteer engagement, donations and impacting change in our community,” said Suzanne Pingry, Program Director at Connections Volunteer Center.
Pingry continued to say that with the challenging events over the past year from the pandemic, to the economic downturn and racial and social justice issues, having this platform plays a critical role in building a healthy, just and thriving community.
“Many people want to know how they can make a difference in these times and we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible to make meaningful connections,” said Pingry.
The new platform will help users quickly locate agency profiles, identify volunteer needs, and get notified when additional ones become available. Notifications from the agency is based upon the volunteer’s expressed time, interest and ability – making it highly customizable.
Connections offered online trainings to the agencies in mid-April to assist with familiarizing them to the new platform, uploading their profiles and information into the tool. Since that time, these agencies have built a range of volunteer opportunities, special events and corporate engagement activities in hopes of increasing the variety of ways for community members to get involved.
“There is such a wide range of represented agencies participating in the platform ranging from small to large-scale nonprofits,” said Pingry. “This allows community members to get a detailed view of the different types of causes and needs right here within our own county.”
The new search-and-discover platform is not only a guide to active nonprofits and community agencies, the tool will also help build ongoing, lasting relationships. A partial list of agencies who have listed current volunteer needs include:
- IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
- Central Ohio Symphony
- NAMI
- HelpLine Sexual Assault Response Network
There are a variety of needs affecting a variety of issues that community members can get involved with. Users can go to ConnectionsVolunteerCenter.org to respond to these needs.
“Responding to needs is easy and can change a life. We hope this new platform will expand our footprint in the communities we serve and make a difference,” Pingry said.
The website is scheduled to have a public launch on June 1, 2021. Learn more at ConnectionsVolunteerCenter.org or contact Connections Volunteer Center at (740) 363-5000.
About Connections Volunteer Center
Connections Volunteer Center, a program of HelpLine, bridges the gap between passionate volunteers and community needs by helping nonprofits focus on what matters most – people leading fulfilling and supported lives. We partner with more than 60 nonprofits who address some of the most pressing social issues and together, we make a collective difference. Professional development is also offered to help community champions, social workers and counselors, move good forward. Over its 25-year history, Connections has matched more than 19,000 volunteers and invested more than $8 million dollars back into the Delaware County. To learn more, visit www.ConnectionsVolunteerCenter.org.
About HelpLine
As the community’s only 24/7 resource, we are the go-to for supporting and empowering change. Our highly trained specialists offer compassionate support to help meet the needs of anyone in crisis, connecting them with the right resources and empowering them to thrive. Our prevention programs address suicide and depression, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and family violence to influence change in our community. These programs are rooted in our relationships with local non-profits and agencies, giving us the connections and knowledge to get community members the support, education and volunteer opportunities they’re looking for. For more information, visit www.helplinedelmor.org.
Contacts:
Suzanne Pingry, Connections Program Director
Connections Volunteer Center
P: 740.363.5000
F: 740.369.0351
E: spingry@helplinedelmor.org
W: connectionsvolunteercenter.org
Tamika Vinson-Reid, Marketing and Development Director
HelpLine
P: 740.363.1835, ext. 305
F: 740.369.0358
E: tvinson@helplinedelmor.org
W: helplinedelmor.org
