Be the Change.

Who is HandsOn Central Ohio?  Over 35 years ago, two collaborating organizations, Volunteer Action Center (VAC) and Caring Answering Listening Linking (CALL) merged to form CALLVAC.  In 1995, CALLVAC took the name FIRSTLINK, signifying their presence as the go to organization for information and referral and volunteer connection.  In April of 2010, FIRSTLINK joined the national HandsOn Network as the Central Ohio affiliate, tapping into national resources at a local level of engagement.

What does HandsOn do? HandsOn Central Ohio inspires, equips and mobilizes people to create meaningful change in their lives and in their community.  Connect volunteers to civic engagement opportunities, and coordinate service events for local organizations.  Link Franklin County residents in need to critical community resources.

How do we fulfill our mission? HandsOn Central Ohio engages volunteers and connects those in need through our programs and services.  RSVP and Foster Grandparents  Dental OPTIONS  Non-Profit Capacity Building  Community Engagement  Disaster Preparedness   Online

HandsOn Programs  RSVP and Foster Grandparents- Volunteer service projects and mentoring opportunities for adults 55 years and older.  Dental OPTIONS- Partnership between Ohio Dental Association and the Ohio Department of Health, connects people to dentists who have agreed to provide free or reduced cost care.  Non-Profit Training- Non-Profit Leadership Certificate program teaches board development, volunteer and nonprofit management, grant writing and strategic planning.  Disaster Preparedness- Trains individuals to become a member of Franklin County Citizen Corps and how to respond and effectively volunteer in the event of a disaster.

Community Engagement HandsOn Central Ohio connects interested volunteers and organizations with meaningful service opportunities.  Volunteer database of over 2100 ongoing opportunities. These consist of both one-time and continuing engagements.  Project Calendar allows volunteers to learn about and register for individual or continuing opportunities, and allows organizations to go online an create their own listings.  National Days of Service, Make A Difference Day  Corporate managed projects

2-1-1 HandsOn is Franklin County’s comprehensive information and referral line, connecting our neighbors to various services and basic human needs.  Information and Referral (I&R)  Foodline  Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)  Homeowner Helpline

Why are people calling? 20, 575 calls in this 6 month time period

Information and Referral Call Specialists access a comprehensive database to assist callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:  Basic Human Needs- Housing, Utilities, Seasonal Programs, Material Assistance  Physical and mental health  Support for older adults and persons with disabilities  Support for children, youth and families

What services do they need? Of these over 20,000 calls 14,988 are represented in these top 30 referred services:  Rent Payment  Electric Payment  Holiday Gifts/Toys  Gas Payment  Community Shelters  Specialized I&R  Housing Search  Community Clinics  Clothing  Furniture Provision  Comprehensive I&R  Prescription Payment  Water Payment  Dental Care  Food Stamps  Birth Certificates  Homeless Assistance  Rent Deposit  Christmas Baskets  Dental Care  Appliances  Garbage Pickup  Job Assistance  Weatherization  Home Maintenance  Glasses/Lenses  Cell Phones  Bed Bug Control  General Legal Aid  Tax Preparation

How are these resources managed? Two Resource Analysts maintain the HandsOn database.  Over 1000 agencies offering over 5000 services.  Standards require that each agency is formally updated once a year.  We work to develop relationships with each agency so that as programs change, we’re notified and can update listings on an ongoing basis.  New agencies are added on a daily basis. We learn about new organizations from newspapers, newsletters and community fairs and events.

2-1-1 Online HandsOn’s database- Online Online provides immediate access to our entire database of human services Online  Available on a subscription basis  Can be accessed through any computer with an internet connection  Allows subscribers to obtain the most accurate, up-to- date and reliable information on community programs and services.  Allows us to provide information on seasonal programs and events.

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