The People Who Help Good Happen
Think of them as the “we know a place” friend of community service. You know the type. Need a great coffee shop? They have three ideas. Need a trusted mechanic? They know someone. Need a way to give back? The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is the local team helping connect people, businesses, and groups with volunteer opportunities across the Cedar Valley.
And behind that work are people who genuinely love helping others get involved. Lauren Finke, Jean Seeland, Kelsey Umthun, and the team spend their days connecting neighbors with causes, organizations, and opportunities that make our community stronger.
Where Good Intentions Find a Home
Some people want to mentor a student. Some want to help at a local event. Some want to gather coworkers for a service day and do something useful together.
That’s where Lauren, Jean, Kelsey, and the crew step in. They work with nonprofits, schools, and community groups across the region to match volunteers with opportunities that fit real schedules, interests, and comfort levels. No endless searching. No guessing where to start. Just real ways to pitch in close to home.
Why People Keep Saying Yes
Volunteering has a way of giving back. Lauren Finke, Executive Director, says, “One of the best things about volunteering is the opportunity to connect with someone else, learn something new, and provide your assistance.”
For newcomers, it can be one of the fastest ways to build roots. For longtime locals, it’s a reminder of how many good people live here.
Ready to Jump In
With April being Volunteer Month, now feels like a pretty great time to jump in.
“The VCCV appreciates supporting employers by connecting their employees with opportunities to serve. This could be as simple as sharing a weekly list of service experiences, supporting individuals in finding opportunities, planning a team building volunteer opportunity for a group of employees, or even considering a company-wide day of service. The VCCV can do it all. As an organization, it’s our goal to help anyone seeking ways to get connected in the community!”
– Lauren Finke
Looking to volunteer, plan a team service day, or find the right fit? Contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and they’ll help you get started.