The volunteer consultants of the
Executive Service Corps of the Treasure Coast (ESC/TC) are
poised to begin helping local nonprofit agencies achieve
their goals.
The ESC/TC was established by the
Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC) and is made up
of retired and active business professionals with a wide
range of expertise.
They can tackle management issues such
as strategic planning, board development, human resources,
marketing, financial management, and organizational
analysis. The consultants also will help nonprofits become
better prepared to deal with disaster and serve people
impacted by the hurricanes.
Ken Mead, the lead volunteer on the
project, has made presentations in Martin and St. Lucie
counties to seek volunteers and promote the services of the
ESC/TC.
“Agencies have told us that it is
difficult to quantify success in social services,” Mr. Mead
said. “There’s a real need for help in translating data into
meaningful reports, and the Executive Service Corps can help
in that regard.”
Nonprofits are challenged by having
limited staff, so consultants also can help with the
implementation of plans they help develop.
“Plans often can gather dust,” Mr. Mead
said. “Our consultants have experience in implementing
multimillion-dollar projects. We can roll up our sleeves and
work with the nonprofits to assist in solution
implementation.”
Budgets are tight at nonprofits, too,
so fees are low. “The fees are designed to cover overhead
and ensure the client’s stake in the assignment,” Mr. Mead
said. “The initial organizational assessment is done at no
charge, and fees for further consultant services range from
$300 to $2,500. It’s a great value for what you get.”
The ESC/TC is part of the Executive
Service Corps Affiliate Network, so it is open to resources
nationwide. Locally, the project is supported in part by a
Challenge Grant from the Points of Light Foundation and the
Corporation for National and Community Service.
Anyone interested in volunteering or
requesting assistance should contact Carol Hodnett at VCRC,
(772) 220-4472, ext. 221, or
chodnett@martinvolunteers.org. More information about
ESC/TC is available at
http://www.martinvolunteers.org/esc.
ABOUT VCRC
The Volunteer & Community Resource
Center, a program of United Way of Martin County, engages
people of all ages and backgrounds in volunteer service that
enriches the individual and strengthens the community.
Its many local projects include the
White Doves Holiday Project, the School Supplies for
Students Drive, disaster services, the Florida Volunteer
Administration Certification training course, and the
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). It also works
with more than 100 nonprofit agencies, schools, libraries,
civic and faith-based organizations countywide, placing and
supporting volunteers.
For more information, to volunteer or
to make a donation, please call (772) 220-4472 or visit
www.martinvolunteers.org.
