Volunteer Center

Begin the volunteer process by filling out the United Way Volunteer Profile today!

The United Way Volunteer Center's role in the community is centered on the ability to:

• Build the capacity for effective local volunteering
• Promote volunteering by recognizing volunteers for their important service
• Participate in the strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers 

Since its official launch in June 2000, the Volunteer Center has reached into virtually every neighborhood in the community to promote, recognize and link to service for area residents. Whether helping to conduct student service days within local schools, convening local stakeholder to address identified needs in the community, or recognizing outstanding service performed, the Volunteer Center is at the heart of service in the community.

One of the 28 Volunteer Centers across the state, our local center helps to shape new programs and services available across Michigan. From a new web-based database that volunteers can browse to research opportunities to serve, to a state level award that recognizes high school students for their volunteer efforts, our small center has been at the table for all of it.

Volunteer Center Advisory Committee

The Volunteer Center Advisory Committee members are:

Michelle Thalacker, Chairperson, Lake Superior State University
Alistair McKay, Vice Chairperson, Retiree
Pastor Barry Levine, United Way Board Representative, Faith Lutheran Church
Nikki Dowd, Community Member
Emily Gregg, Community Member
Donn Riley, Community Action Agency
Sara Maurer, Community Member
Cory Wilson, Cloverland Electric Cooperative
Jennifer Dunton, Department of Human Services
Mindy Kavanaugh, Sault Tribe

The United Way of the EUP Volunteer Center hosted it's 24th Annual National Volunteer Week Recognition Luncheon on Monday April 19th at the LSSU Walker Cisler Center.  Nearly 250 area residents were in attendance to celebrate this year's theme of HEROES MAKE IT HAPPEN.  Michelle Thalacker, Volunteer Center Advisory Committee chair led the days festivities while those in attendance heard from several local youth and their perspective on how heroes make a difference in the community.  Jarred Krull, a 3rd grader at JKL Bahweting shared his essay about Cheeseman.  Cheeseman might build houses out of cheese for people that need one.  Jarred also shared that if they were hungry they could eat the house too and he would build them another one.  Next, Josh Eilola shared his essay about his own personal hero, his father Bill.  Josh shared that his dad sets a fine example by volunteering in the community and always taking time for his family.  After the Old Mission Spirit of Community Award was given, the winner Alexis Ward shared her essay that highlighted how since she will pursue a career in nursing she intends to serve her community for the rest of her life.  The program then included a keynote address given by Victoria Leonhardt.  Victoria spoke of her personal hero Ronald Reagan and encouraged attendees to commit to identifying who their hero in service is and to say thank you. 

To round out the festivities, the Volunteer Center bestowed their overall honors of the year for the Recognition Spotlight.  Those receiving honors included Bordertown Chiropractic (nominated by CHAC) as the Business Neighbor of the Year, St. Ignace Area Hope Board of Directors (nominated by Connie Litzner), and Douglas Lundstrom (nominated by Community Action).

 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL HONOREES.

St. Ignace Area Hope Board of Directors (nominated by Connie Litzner)-Group Volunteer Spotlight Nomination Winners of the Year

Individual Volunteer of the Year-Douglas Lundstrom (nominated by Community Action) with his father and mother

Kris Thorne, Dave Firack. Christy Petill of Old Mission Bank. with the Old Mission Spirit of Community Award winner Alexis Ward

Bordertown Chiropractic (nominated by CHAC) won Business Neighbor of the Year