The Volunteer Action Center (VAC) was formed in 1981 to recruit/match volunteers to agency/organization requests and to serve as an information and referral service for community needs. VAC also provides local organizations with access to meeting facilities, communication tools (fax machines, computers, etc), and other resources.

MIRA funding enabled the Center enhance its resources by creating a centralize database of area agencies and volunteers. This database, which was then published on the Center's web page for easy access, coordinated all volunteer activities, i.e., where to call, basic information, volunteer applications, etc.

The Center increased its capacity for providing space and electronic support for new and developing community organizations by creating a meeting center for area nonprofits. It also acquired basic office equipment that can be loaned to start-up and non-profit organizations.

Through its MIRA work, VAC has transformed from a more traditional volunteer organization to one that is pro-active, that has access to extensive data on volunteers and volunteer needs in the region, and that uses this information to develop new approaches to volunteerism.