• Connect volunteers with opportunities to serve
• Build capcaity for effective local volunteer's service
• Promote Volunteering
• Lead and/or participate in strategic initiatives to mobilize volunteers to meet community needs
• Serve as a central clearinghouse for volunteers in Southwest Louisiana and as a resource support center for area non-profits in Southwest Louisiana

The three programs of the Volunteer Center are the Volunteer Connection, 310info/211, and ServicePoint Southwest Louisiana. 

Through the Volunteer Connection, volunteers are able to be referred to local agencies with volunteer opportunities through a variety of multi-media means including the [Lake Charles] American Press' monthly Volunteer Jobs Column that the Volunteer Center places with the paper, 1-800-Volunteer.org, and in emergency situations, television and radio.  In a related topic, April will be a very exciting month for the Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana.  Not only is April 15-21, 2007 National Volunteer Week, it is also the week we will be giving the first monthly Heart of the Community volunteer recognition award.  This award was created to recognize outstanding volunteers from around Southwest Louisiana.  One volunteer will be chosen for their outstanding service each month, and will be invited to attend a special recognition event in their honor during National Volunteer Week in 2008.

310info/211 is the information and referral program, "Bringing people and resources together in Southwest and Central Louisiana."  This program was set up to allow citizens of Southwest and Central Louisiana to call for human services information, to assist the client in receiving information on available social services and other immediate needs quickly and efficiently, without the need to dial multiple numbers.  It's simple, three digit direct dial number works much the same as 411 or 911, with direct emphasis on human services information and referral.

ServicePoint Southwest Louisiana is the Homeless Management/Client Management Information System program of the Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana.  We are very proud to be providing this service for Southwest Louisiana.

If you would like more information on any of the programs listed here, please feel free to contact us at the numbers or address listed below.

1023 Common Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Quick Voice: Direct Dial 211 (within Southwest and Central Louisiana: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes)
Local Voice: 337.310.INFO (4636)