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Staff ReportsOctober 18, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida on Wednesday announced the first round of Florida Disaster Fund grant awards for organizations providing disaster relief following Hurricane Irma, according to a press release. Each recipient organization is receiving $25,000 for disaster response activities. Examples include financial assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities; food, clothing and replacement of […]

Phil AmmannAugust 31, 2017

Florida volunteers have reached out to Texas in its time of need. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, including hundreds of volunteers from the Sunshine State, are continuing disaster response efforts in Texas, rescuing hundreds of people trapped by floodwater in the Houston area. What was formally Hurricane Harvey — now downgraded to a […]

Peter SchorschAugust 25, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott on Friday named Vivian Myrtetus as the next CEO of Volunteer Florida. Myrtetus will assume the role of CEO beginning Sept. 1, the Governor’s Office said in a news release. The previous CEO, Chester Spellman, left Volunteer Florida effective Friday to become Director of AmeriCorps for the Corporation for National and Community Service in […]

Staff ReportsAugust 1, 2017

Chester Spellman, the long-time chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, has appointed by the White House to serve as the director of AmeriCorps for the Corporation for National and Community Service. “I believe there is no greater calling than the calling to serve,” said Spellman. “I am deeply honored to be appointed by the White […]

Drew WilsonApril 3, 2017

Volunteer Florida is gearing up for a busy April with a slew of initiatives and activities celebrating Florida Volunteer Month. “Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize Florida’s outstanding volunteers, who work hard every day to make the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman. […]

Peter SchorschMarch 20, 2017

Nearly 200 job seekers will be able to wear a new-to-them suit as they hunt for employment, thanks to a clothing donation drive put on by ridesharing company Uber and Volunteer Florida Wednesday. The second annual “#SuitsForSession” campaign collected professional clothing donations at the Capitol and also sent out Uber drivers to pick up donations […]

Peter SchorschOctober 10, 2016

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Florida Gov. Rick Scott applauded AT&T Monday for a $25,000 donation the telecommunications giant made to the Florida Disaster Fund. “I want to thank AT&T for its incredible generosity. Hurricane Matthew impacted communities from Palm Beach to Nassau [counties] and now thousands of families along the East Coast are focused on recovery and returning to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 26, 2016

Chester Spellman has been named chairman of America’s Service Commission. Spellman, the CEO of Volunteer Florida, was elected as the chairman of the national, nonprofits organization during its annual membership assembly. “We are pleased to have Chester continue his service to the network of state service commissions as our new board chair,” said Kaira Esgate, […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott announced the governor’s office would pitch in $50,000 in state funds to help with relief efforts in three Florida counties damaged by recent tornadoes. The money – administered through Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and service – will be matched by local authorities for a total of $100,000 overall for Escambia, Santa Rosa, […]

Peter SchorschMarch 1, 2016

The popular ride-booking app Uber is teaming up with Volunteer Florida to help provide gently-used professional attire for unemployed or underemployed Floridians looking for a leg up when it comes to job interviews. The groups announced the new initiative – dubbed “#SuitsForSession” – in partnership with Dress For Success Tallahassee, Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend Inc., the Florida Department […]

Tag: Volunteer Florida
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Florida Disaster Fund grants awarded

Florida Wildlife officers save hundreds trapped by Harvey floods, rescue continues

Personnel note: Vivian Myrtetus named new CEO of Volunteer Florida

Personnel note: Chester Spellman tapped to lead AmeriCorps

Volunteer Florida ready for the start of Florida Volunteer Month

#SuitsForSession clothing drive brings in more than 3,000 donations

Rick Scott praises AT&T for $25K donation to Florida Disaster Fund

Chester Spellman named chair of America’s Service Commission

Rick Scott announces $100k in tornado disaster relief for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Charlotte

Uber, Volunteer Florida team up to provide #SuitsForSession for needy