VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : c******r@v***o.o*g
Mission Statement
Voluntary Action Center (VAC) is a nonprofit in Columbia, Missouri responding to the immediate basic needs of individuals and families, from birth to any given age, currently housed or experiencing homelessness, within our Boone County community. VAC exists to empower possibilities. VAC values service, authenticity, and impact. We understand the more my neighbor thrives, the more I thrive - the more we thrive.
About This Cause
Minimal eligibility requirements remove barriers to accessing services and promote the same fair chance to all who are currently economically disadvantaged with a gross income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. All VAC services intend to meet an unmet basic need for the members of our community who are experiencing financial hardship. VAC services address critical issues for those who are economically disadvantaged, which include homelessness, food insecurity, period poverty, hygiene poverty, and diaper need. Our agency and staff pride ourselves on efficiency, transparency, and most of all, advocating for individuals and families in need within our community by continuing to identify unmet basic needs. VAC does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, address size, or employment status. All of VAC’s services intend to support individuals and families to overcome financial hardships, lower stress levels, and achieve self-sufficiency. VAC provides basic needs services and annual seasonal programs primarily in the areas of education, employment, health, and housing. Education includes youth backpacks filled with school supplies at our annual Back to School Health Fair. Employment includes required work uniforms and/or tools for new employment, vouchers for gently used professional attire required for interviews or current employment, Missouri birth certificates, photo IDs, gasoline for transportation, and minor car repair for employed individuals. Health includes emergency food through our VAC food pantry, baby formula, diapers and wipes, hygiene and household cleaning items, incontinence items, medical equipment, prescription (Rx) assistance, and medical, dental, and mental health copays. Housing includes box fans through our annual Summer Fan Program, window air conditioner units through our annual Window Air Conditioner Exchange Program and rental assistance. Other basic needs services include infant car seats, vouchers for every day, gently used clothing for individuals and families, and holiday gifts and food through our annual Holiday Program that serves 1,000 families each holiday season. All VAC services are subject to funding availability and limits that the agency has set on each service, with the exception of housing programs that are subject to grant requirements. Additionally, VAC provides information and referral services, by phone or in person, to guide clients to community resources.