It may sound like an oxymoron, but volunteering really can pay off...not just intrinsically, but financially!

Jane came to United Way several months ago needing help with placement into a local community service opportunity.  She was currently unemployed and had some court-ordered volunteer hours that needed to be completed.

Inland Empire United Way's HandsOn Volunteer program provides a service, our Alternative Sentencing Program, that connects individuals with local volunteer placements in various nonprofits and public agencies where they can better the community.

Jane was successfully placed into an opportunity working with a health care organization that works with sick and elderly patients.  During her work as a volunteer, the site's Director was so impressed by her natural abilities with their clients that she decided to offer Jane a part-time job upon completion of her community service hours!

But the story doesn't end there.  Shortly after she was hired, the Site Director was again so impressed by Jane's work that she decided to promote her to full-time. Additionally, the site is now investing in Jane's professional development by paying for her to continue her education through Chaffey Community College's Activities Directorship Program!

Although our volunteer efforts are aimed at increasing the power of local nonprofits and the individuals they serve, we love so often seeing equal benefits for our volunteers!

Get Ready...April 10th-16th
is National Volunteer Week!

Kaiser Permanente Volunteers Give Health Clinic a Makeover!

On Saturday, March 12th, over 100 Kaiser Permanente employees spent the day at Inland Behavioral & Health Services Inc.'s clinic painting its walls, and brightening up the space with colorful murals.

Kaiser Permanente previously identified Inland Behavioral & Health Services, Inc. as a clinic in desparate need of improvements to their facility. Inland Behavioral & Health Services, Inc. offers individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, case management services, and provides a confidential day care treatment program for mothers and their children who are born addicted to or affected by drug use.

A special thank you to Arrowhead United Way, Kohl's Cares volunteers, and all of the other community volunteers who helped on Friday, March 11th and worked hard to prepare the space for the volunteers on Saturday. We could not have done it without you!

To view more pictures from this event, please click here.

March 2011 Company of the Month

We are pleased to announce that Kaiser Permanente has been named our March 2011 Company of the Month!

In addition to volunteering, Kaiser Permanente has a long history of giving back. This year, Kaiser employees exceeded last year's workplace giving total by 4.3%, contributing a grand total of $165,833 to be invested in worthy charities through United Way!

Congratulations Kaiser Permanente on this acheivement and for all of the great work you to do help children and families in need!

Click here to read more about Kaiser Permanente and why they were chosen March 2011 Company of the Month!