UWGN-2024-AnnualReport-Digital - Flipbook - Page 85
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHVILLE
AMERICORPS
AmeriCorps members made a signi昀椀 cant impact,
collectively serving over 24,000 hours across 17
agencies during the 2022-2023 term. Members
received federal education awards amounting to nearly
$60,000, easing their higher education costs. Each
member contributed uniquely to their host nonpro昀椀 ts,
enhancing the capacity of their programs to serve the
community. Members ampli昀椀 ed the stories of refugee
farmers, mobilized volunteers with Friends of Mill
Ridge Park to transform neglected areas into vibrant
green spaces, and pioneered a Disaster Volunteer
Leader program at Hands On Nashville, ensuring a
trained response team during emergencies.
GEEKCAUSE
GeekCause fostered tech volunteerism, involving
54 volunteers across projects bene昀椀 ting 35 agencies.
Volunteers completed 15 projects, totaling 174 hours
of skilled service. They contributed expertise to various
endeavors, such as optimizing Google Suites, digitizing
scholarship applications and conducting technology
assessments.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Hands On Nashville strengthened its emergency
response capabilities with a comprehensive plan
and trained team members for speci昀椀 c disaster roles.
Team members also bolstered the local Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) by leading
committees and providing ongoing administrative
assistance. More than 80 volunteers tested Volunteer
Reception Center procedures during a Department of
Homeland Security exercise, showcasing Hands On’s
commitment to readiness, and the Disaster Volunteer
Leader program expanded with 36 new leaders and
specialized training initiatives, emphasizing volunteer
empowerment for effective disaster response.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Hands On Nashville’s preparedness efforts proved
indispensable during the response to December’s
tornadoes. Swiftly after the storm passed, section
chiefs mobilized their teams, planning activation for
the next day. Staff meticulously inventoried supplies,
checked registration systems and coordinated with
emergency management to pinpoint areas of
urgent need.
By establishing a Volunteer Reception Center outside
the disaster zone, Hands On alleviated congestion for
of昀椀 cials and utility crews, and facilitated transportation
for volunteers and supplies. Volunteers played a critical
role, sorting donations, staf昀椀 ng distribution centers and
helping affected residents, including Spanish-speaking
community members. Working closely with the VOAD,
Hands On ef昀椀 ciently identi昀椀 ed and assisted survivors,
registering over 1,000 volunteers for various relief
projects in Madison alone. Additionally, in anticipation
of the United Way merger, Hands On extended its
assistance mobilizing volunteers for relief efforts in
Spring昀椀 eld and Clarksville.
85
