Good News! 2025
In this podcast, co-hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch meet Alison Vogrin and Chanell Abdul-Muhaimin to learn about the important volunteer work coordinated through the Baltimore County Volunteer Center. Both Alison and Chanell share their personal journeys in volunteerism and their current roles; Alison as the Program Manager and Chanell as the Program Coordinator. They explain that the Volunteer Center serves as a clearing house connecting volunteers of all ages in the Baltimore area with opportunities to help various non-profit organizations. Highlighting the center’s key features such as an online portal for easy access to volunteer opportunities and partnerships with over 80 non-profits, they also touch upon the various challenges they face, primarily public awareness. They mention a few of their many programs, like community cleanup coming up on April 12, 2025 with with Deaf Shalom Zone, Meals on Wheels, partnerships with the Baltimore County Public Schools, and emphasize the importance of making it easier for people to volunteer. The session ends with Alison and Chanell discussing the personal and community benefits of volunteerism and encouraging more people to get involved.
Highlights from the Podcast
Welcome to a place where community spirit meets action! In this blog post, we delve into a remarkable conversation with Alison Vogrin and Chanell Abdul-Muhaimin, dedicated leaders operating in the heart of Baltimore County’s volunteer ecosystem. Here’s a snapshot of their story, efforts, and inspiring work in connecting volunteers with the needs of the community.
Introduction to Volunteerism in Baltimore County Led by passionate advocates, the Baltimore County brings the community together through the Department of Aging’s Volunteer Center. Alison Vogrin, the Program Manager, and Chanell Abdul-Muhaimin, the Program Coordinator, guide us through their paths and efforts in creating meaningful volunteer opportunities.
The Journey Began with Passion Both Alison and Chanell were driven by an inherent urge to give back. Alison’s path was shaped by AmeriCorps, which solidified her career in volunteer management, particularly focusing on opportunities for older adults. Chanell, equally enthusiastic about volunteerism, emphasizes its role in community connectivity and personal fulfillment.
Roles and Responsibilities At the forefront of volunteerism, the Volunteer Center operates as a clearing house, pairing volunteers with diverse opportunities across the greater Baltimore region. Their work involves fostering relationships with nonprofits and agencies, strategizing outreach, and maintaining an efficient volunteer portal. The team is small but mighty, requiring Alison and Chanell to wear multiple hats, balancing administrative duties and community engagement. Their mission is underpinned by the aim of making volunteer opportunities accessible, beneficial, and impactful.
Connecting Community through the Volunteer Portal The center’s cornerstone is its online Volunteer Portal—a digital hub that connects eager volunteers with over 80 nonprofits seeking help. With over 800 active users, the portal has orchestrated more than 1200 connections since October 2023. Volunteers find opportunities tailored to their skills and interests, fostering a seamless experience from discovery to engagement.
Spotlighting Special Initiatives Highlighting inspiring endeavors, the Volunteer Center partners with numerous organizations. Upcoming events, like the community cleanup with Deaf Shalom Zone, illustrate the diverse impact of volunteerism—addressing local needs while nurturing a spirit of collaboration.
Challenges and Triumphs Operating a volunteer-driven platform isn’t without challenges. Awareness building remains a top priority. Despite obstacles, Alison and Chanell are driven by a passion to amplify the center’s reach and effectiveness, ensuring that those willing to give can do so meaningfully.
Empowering Future Generations The center’s commitment extends to youth engagement, collaborating with Baltimore County Public Schools to offer service learning opportunities compliant with BCPS mandates. This initiative empowers students to contribute to their communities while fulfilling educational requirements.
The Essence of Volunteerism Supporting causes that resonate with volunteers’ passions can foster personal growth, community enhancement, and social change. Both Alison and Chanell believe deeply in the power of voluntarism to bind communities, offer learning experiences, and drive positive change.
Call to Action: Join Us in Volunteering In closing, the message is clear: each of us has the potential to contribute to our communities. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or committed volunteering, every effort counts. To discover opportunities, contact the Volunteer Center by phone at 410-887-2733 or via email at volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Let’s come together to build a supportive, thriving community—a place where volunteerism flourishes and compassion transforms lives.
Conclusion The conversation with Alison and Chanell is a testament to the work done behind the scenes to ignite change. By archiving these stories, we hope to inspire more to join this journey of giving back. Explore opportunities, connect with causes, and let’s foster a community where everyone feels empowered to make a difference. Peace and blessings.