Volunteer and Community Partnership Program

The Volunteer and Community Partnership Program (VCPP) coordinates volunteer activities for Hennepin County’s human services programs. With a commitment to our clients that spans over 40 years, the VCPP looks to the future with the knowledge that volunteers and their valuable contributions to Hennepin County will improve and strengthen our communities.

There are several volunteer and donation programs serving children, youth, adults, low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. You can participate by:

• Volunteering time and resources based on a specific area of interest or expertise; or
• Making financial or material donations towards targeted needs of the less fortunate in our communities.

We encourage you to learn more about the following programs that offer the opportunity for you to be involved, and engaged in your community! We embrace diversity and welcome the participation of all.

Apply to volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering, you can conveniently complete an On-line Volunteer Application.

Links to information on all human service volunteer opportunities are listed below.

Volunteer programs

• Befriend a Senior Program – be a friend to an isolated senior
• Community Advocate Program - use your knowledge of the community to help disabled people live independently
• Customer Service Assistant - use your interpersonal skills to assist visitors and clients at Century Plaza's human services center
• Event/Intermittent Volunteering - one-time, short term, seasonal, and more flexible opportunities just for you
• EMMY (Everyday Management of MoneY) Program – some regular accounting help and timely bill payment make a world of difference to seniors who want to remain independent 
• Mental Health Aide Program – provide much needed social support to persons with fragile mental health 
• OMNICIYE Project - be a part of the effort to revitalize the Native American community at Little Earth while embracing Indian heritage 
• Parent Aide Program – give support, advice, and encouragement to single parents 
• R.E.A.D.Y. (Relationships Activities Education Develop Youth) Mentoring Program – be a role model, and nurture children or youth that need extra adult support 
• Volunteer Drivers Program – help persons with disabilities improve their access to community venues and resources

Donation programs

• Backpack Challenge - Hennepin County's award winning school supplies drive! 
• Giving Partners Holiday Program - bringing holiday cheer to low-income families, children, youth, seniors, disabled adults, and veterans
• Special Gift Fund - donate to a fund that will always give help and hope when and where it is needed most. To make a donation, send a check made out to 'The Special Gift Fund' to: The Special Gift fund, c/o Debra Tucker, 1800 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, 55404

Do you wish to pledge a donation or learn more about these charitable programs? Please use the Contact section on the right to inquire about making a donation to these or other causes.