History of HandsOn Suburban Chicago
It all started in a box. In the 1960’s, local activist Lois Moore began filling a recipe box with the names of friends and neighbors who were interested in volunteering but unsure of where to go. As that box began to overflow, Lois worked with the Arlington Heights Clergy Fellowship to found the Volunteer Service Bureau of Northwest Cook County, a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities.
The bureau opened its doors on May 1, 1969 in a cramped high school office, connecting more than 100 people with opportunities to make a difference in the first year. From these humble beginnings, HandsOn Suburban Chicago -- as we’ve been called since July 2011-- has grown into a force for change, referring over 10,000 volunteers annually and serving over 140 social service agencies, nonprofits and schools.
While we continue the tradition of referring people to organizations, today’s volunteer center goes even further, organizing volunteer programs like Youth in Action and RSVP, and providing professional training and consulting services for area nonprofits. While we are continually evolving as an organization, our long commitment to the community is reflected in our mission statement; our mission is: “to improve lives by developing, advancing and promoting community volunteer initiatives.”
HOSC Historical Timeline
1969-1970
Founded as The Volunteer Service Bureau. Branch offices open: Harper College (central office), Mt. Prospect, Palatine/Rolling Meadows, Prospect Heights, Elk Grove and Arlington Heights; 200 volunteers registered.
Founded as The Volunteer Service Bureau. Branch offices open: Harper College (central office), Mt. Prospect, Palatine/Rolling Meadows, Prospect Heights, Elk Grove and Arlington Heights; 200 volunteers registered.
1972
Gov. Ogilvie presents Community Voluntary Action plaque to TVC at Governor's Conference on Voluntary Action. Some corporate support received.
Gov. Ogilvie presents Community Voluntary Action plaque to TVC at Governor's Conference on Voluntary Action. Some corporate support received.
1975-1976
Staff works at Harper College to develop accredited courses in volunteer management. First Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner was held.
1977
Daily Herald begins a weekly column listing volunteer opportunities called: "The Volunteer Bureau." The column still exists today under the name: "Get Involved!"
1987
Name changed to The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago. Began implementation of corporate volunteer outreach program to interest corporate employees.
1988
Professional Development workshops created to train agency volunteer coordinators.
1992-1993
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a specialized program for people age 55 and better, was added. Helped form Volunteer Centers of Metro Chicago, a network of 11 Volunteer Centers.
1998
America Reads Grant program awarded. Tutor-Mentor Partnership with District 214 and two major tutoring programs for at-risk children and teens established.
2002-2003
A private foundation awarded a capacity building grant to help The Volunteer Center expand programs and improve technology. Homeland Security Grant program awarded to help RSVP expand disaster response efforts with local communities.
2004
AmeriCorps*VISTA program grant awarded, with two full-time VISTA members assigned to help build the capacity of the center to serve the poor.
2009
Nine Americorps VISTA slots approved for The Volunteer Center. Received national, highly competitive HandsOn grant (the VIRE grant) to develop "SA VE" the Strategic Action for Volunteer Engagement Program, which prepares nonprofits to fully leverage the skills of a volunteer's professional skills.
2010
Received a Program of National Significance grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to use the "SA VE" Program with schools.
2011
The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago changed its name to HandsOn Suburban Chicago. This new brand was adopted to help align the organization more closely with the national affiliate HandsOn Network, a part of the Points of Light Institute.
