FIRSTLINK is now HandsOn Central Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2010
FIRSTLINK Changes Name to HandsOn Central Ohio
New Brand and National Affiliation Underscore Commitment
to Providing Greater Opportunities for Volunteerism

COLUMBUS, Ohio – FIRSTLINK executives and members of the board of directors announced today that the organization has changed its name to HandsOn Central Ohio to leverage the national affiliation with the HandsOn Network and expand volunteerism in our community.

The launch of the HandsOn Central Ohio brand culminates an organizational transformation that has been taking shape over several years. In 2008 FIRSTLINK became the HandsOn Network affiliate, which initiated an alignment with action centers in more than 250 communities across the country and 11 international locations. As the network grew to serve more than 83 percent of the American population, it also began to tap into a national culture of volunteerism.

“Times have changed, volunteers have changed and the needs of the community have changed,” said Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher, president and CEO of HandsOn Central Ohio. “And FIRSTLINK has also changed. We have evolved. The new brand better reflects who we are, with a proactive, action-oriented and refreshed approach that embodies our continuing history of innovative ideas and services.”

Since the mid-70s, FIRSTLINK has served as a clearinghouse for volunteers – a place where individuals could find civic engagement opportunities and where nonprofit organizations could locate volunteers for their programs. The organization also provided capacity building training and services to organizations and individuals who wanted to make a difference through volunteering.

Over the last 30 years, thousands of volunteers and individuals have been helped by calling FIRSTLINK’s 2-1-1 information and referral line. Last year alone, hundreds of thousands of central Ohio residents were helped or volunteered their time through FIRSTLINK.

HandsOn Central Ohio will continue to support residents in need by connecting them with social services and enabling them to create change in their lives; however, the organization also will expand its focus on volunteer efforts to include more group projects, managed by volunteer project leaders who have been trained by staff.

“This new brand identity allows the organization to leverage a national identity, tap into a vast network of volunteer resources and better deliver on the promise to put people at the center of change,” said Mary Menkedick, president of the HandsOn Central Ohio Board of Directors. “Although the name changed, the power to serve and enrich the Columbus community remains the same.”

Today’s announcement marks the kickoff of National Volunteer Week 2010, Celebrating People in Action, celebrated Sunday, April 18, through Saturday, April 24. National Volunteer Week showcases a variety of volunteer projects in which central Ohio volunteers can get hands on in their community. Volunteers will also be recognized at events, including the Agent of Change award, presented by HandsOn Central Ohio.

National Volunteer Week honors those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities. It’s also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities — to put themselves at the center of social change.

Menkedick also recognized companies which made contributions to this week’s activities. “Special thanks to our HandsOn sponsors for making significant contributions which enabled us to cover the cost of our many National Volunteer Week activities. These include Clear Channel Radio; Clear Channel Outdoor ; Huntington Bank; Crabbe, Brown & James; Bricker & Eckler; and Schottenstein Zox & Dunn.”

Sponsored by Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. And with the one-year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund and the president’s call to service, this year will be even more energizing and inspiring.

To register for and participate in next week’s National Volunteer Week activities, please visit www.handsoncentralohio.org and click the Volunteer Now! Button on the Home page.