VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER OF MID-FAIRFIELD (VAC)

Volunteer Connections For Community Needs
Serving Norwalk, Westport, Weston and Wilton

The Voluntary Action Center of Mid Fairfield (VAC) promotes, coordinates and recognizes volunteerism in Norwalk, Westport, Weston and Wilton, Connecticut. Founded in 1981, VAC offers potential volunteers an opportunity to connect with their community by exploring volunteer opportunities that match their interests, skills and time availability. The fundamental core of the work of VAC is the personal, individual volunteer interview, conducted at our offices. In addition, we publicize opportunities in the local newspapers and use an Internet connection, Volunteer Solutions, which connects us with many volunteers that we would not reach otherwise. We also attend volunteer fairs, approach companies, service clubs and other organizations in the area to promote volunteerism. Over 160 nonprofit agencies seeking assistance contact VAC for assistance in finding suitable volunteers. We maintain a close relationship with many of these agencies.

VAC's annual volunteer recognition events include the Volunteer Recognition Reception and our Leadership Breakfast. The VAC Volunteer Recognition Reception is held to recognize one volunteer from each of the agencies we serve who nominate their best volunteer of the year. The reception is rotated each year so that it is held in one of the towns we serve every four years. The Mayor or First Selectman presents the Certificates of Recognition from each town. The reception is always a moving and enjoyable event, both for those who are receiving the Certificate of Recognition and for those who attend with them. The Corporate Leadership Breakfast recognizes a corporation and a community individual for outstanding commitment to promoting community service.

VAC PROGRAMS:

	Volunteer Managers Roundtable: promotes the profession of volunteer administration and fosters the development of effective volunteer programs.
	SViA (Student Volunteers in Action): refers individual students from middle school age through college to appropriate volunteer assignments. This program encourages students to serve their community, expand their horizons, increase self-confidence and explore career goals.
	FVP (Family Volunteer Program): provides volunteer opportunities for parents who are interested in volunteering with their children under the age of twelve. This program provides parents with an opportunity to teach children, at an early age, about the value of helping others and becoming an active member of their community. Statistics show that one of the benefits of this early initiative is increased self-esteem.
	Make a Difference Day in Westport and Norwalk : groups of volunteers work together during the last week of October on separate projects that better their community.