Volunteer center eyed for Madison

By Staff
Becky Miller
Guest writer
A volunteer center is being eyed in Madison.
If you need a job for a week or more, but you don't care about the pay, the Volunteer Center of Madison County may be the answer.
The center's executive director, Madison resident Sheila McFerran, said the center is the premier connection between the volunteer and communities needs. The Volunteer Center is located at 912-B Bob Wallace Ave. in Huntsville and a satellite office is being considered in Madison.
"Recently during a lunch with Madison City Councilman Larry Vannoy and Charlotte Rumore, aid to the council, the needs of the community were discussed and it was noted that there are several projects to be completed in Madison, which could use volunteer help," McFerran said. "The Volunteer Center wants to meet the needs of Madison and we need a presence in the community so that people will consider volunteering."
The Grace Club started the Volunteer Center in 1969, which is now the Junior League. It is involved in numerous projects including the upcoming 2003 Air Show in Huntsville, Panoply of the Arts, CASA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, The ARC Animal Shelter, and more.
"We are a clearinghouse for individuals, church groups, youth and corporations who want to volunteer on a specific request," McFerran said. "Ongoing volunteers are always needed to support our agencies with office support, answering the phones, surveys, computer support, and more."
Approximately 40 percent of the budget for the Volunteer Center comes from United Way. The remaining 60 percent comes through sponsors, fundraisers, grants, and its foundation.
"We conduct board training for non-profits and other workshops when needed and future plans for the center include a training facility for non-profits to use," McFerran said. "At the present time, directors have to go to Montgomery or Atlanta to attend workshops, so this is essential to have this here."
The Volunteer Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the center, call 539-7797 or e-mail shelia@volunteerhsv.org.