The only cost of the program is the salary of one full-time employee, the Volunteer Coordinator. This program was designed and functions as the primary contact for existing volunteer programs throughout county government. In addition, the program facilitates expansion by working with county agencies and departments to create additional volunteer opportunities. The program has created a vital link between volunteer agencies, schools and universities, senior citizens groups as well as religious and private sector groups. The Orange County Volunteer Program has strengthened several volunteer projects throughout the County by providing additional support to county agencies, enabling them to fine-tune their volunteer and internship programs.
Volunteers serve the community in a variety of ways.
Individuals may serve as mentors to children experiencing emotional problems through Project Together. Others may volunteer for the Cold Weather Homeless Program, setting up cots and serving hot meals in the evenings for homeless people in search of shelter from the cold. Still others may find they can reach a child who has been placed in the juvenile detention facility through the probation department s VIP program. Regardless of where a volunteer s strengths and interests lie, the Orange County Volunteer Program facilitates proper recruitment and matches. The program has not only administratively strengthened the volunteer and internship programs by making them more efficient, but, more importantly, it has allowed more people to be touched by generosity of individuals desiring to give of their time.