The mission of the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island (VCRI)is to connect people and opportunities for effective volunteer community service. We are the only statewide volunteer center that provides services to all ages and from all communities.

Description:
To fulfill our mission, our major activities include:

1) Promoting volunteerism statewide, through our website and weekly or monthly columns in major state newspapers (including the Providence Journal, Woonsocket Call, Pawtucket Times, NorthEast Independent, Greater Cranston Chamber of Commerce Newsletter and the Foster Home Journal). We speak at churches/temples, community groups, companies and schools and provide recognition awards.

2) Connecting volunteers to community needs. We refer many thousands of individuals to nonprofit, governmental and education agencies throughout the state. We have special programs for youth, working professionals, seniors and corporate employees.

3) Training volunteers and their managers to be more effective. We offer a professional development workshop series for agency professionals, as well as an annual conference in March. We are also available for consulting.

4) Collaborating with community stakeholders where volunteers are involved. We are a proud member of United Way of Rhode Island, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the Points of Light Foundation.

History:
The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island was born as "Volunteers in Action" in 1969. In 1997, we changed our name to reflect the broader range of services that the organization provides.

Contact person: Janice Pothier Pac, Executive Director, (401) 421-6547, (email)
Office fax number: (401) 455-0160

Address:

105 Gano Street Providence, RI 02906 (See a map)

Directions:

From 95 North Take I-way Exit# 19 (195 East) Take Exit # 3 Gano Street At the end at the ramp turn left. Continue straight 105 Gano, the Red Cross building is 4th building on the right From 95 South Take the 195 East Exit to. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Trolley Green Line to Ives St., 1 minute minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families, Helping People in Crisis, Building Adult & Neighborhood Independence
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No

Overall Experience   
When I go to VCRI am greeted with a pleasant environment and a learning experience

The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island is a main artery that connects agencies across the state with volunteers. My volunteer helped me to feel needed in the work place despite my disability and has given me training that will assist me in helping other agencies in the near future. posted by Mistyblue4me on July 26, 2003