It was 1966 when the Junior League of Bergen County and a group of concerned residents saw the need for a clearinghouse matching prospective volunteers with agencies that needed help. That idea led to creating the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, which today is still connecting people through service.

In the wake of Tropical Storm Floyd in 1999, we began assisting the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management and other first responders. Our involvement and later leadership, proved vital during the terror attacks of September 11th and subsequent disasters affecting the community. We also played a major role in response to Hurricane Sandy and continue to lead a broad coalition providing assistance to storm survivors.

As the 21st century rolled in, the Volunteer Center began focusing on helping companies mobilize their staff to address systemic community problems such as hunger, literacy and education. We also initiated training for nonprofit agencies, specifically how to create, run and manage a successful volunteer program. In addition, an essential part of our professional services involves consulting on establishing executive boards.

Strong leadership is paramount to building strong communities. Since 2007 the Volunteer Center has created civic leadership programs that help aspiring leaders, both adults and teens, engage in local government and public policy. They also develop the tools needed to solve specific problems facing their community. We believe true leaders have vision, drive and the ability to help others do the right thing.

Serving the community is about helping others, gaining new experiences and feeling a sense of accomplishment.  When we commit to giving back, we commit to touching lives and making them profoundly better. It is because of the generosity of volunteers and donors that the Volunteer Center of Bergen County is still connecting the community and its people… through service.