CITIZEN CORPS Click here to go to the official web site In January 2002, President George W. Bush launched USA Freedom Corps, to capture the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Citizen Corps, a vital component of USA Freedom Corps, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) Click here to go to the official web site The objective of CERT is to promote a partnership between emergency services and the people in the communities they serve. Qualified personnel train members of the community in response skills to help victims, organize volunteers in a disaster situation, and collect disaster data and intelligence until more help arrives. CERT skills may also be of great benefit in daily emergency situations. CERT members practice and refine their skills during exercises and additional training opportunities offered by the CERT Coordinator. To receive more information regarding the Montgomery CERT training opportunities, please contact Montgomery EMA at ema@montgomeryal.gov.
VOLUNTEER & INFORMATION CENTER (VIC)
Click here to go to the official website
The Volunteer & Information Center mobilizes volunteers and connects people, information and services to meet local needs and build a strong, caring community.
Primary functions of VIC include:
(1) 211 Connect program provides an essential community response system for callers seeking information and linkage to health and human services for everyday personal crises and in times of disaster.
(2) Hands-On Volunteer Management program provides volunteer recruitment, training, project coordination and referral services to build the capacity for effective local volunteers and create a greater impact for good in the River Region.
(3) Christmas Clearing House provides a multi-county, coordinated system to screen, register and assist families in need during the holiday season in order to avoid duplication of giving and help those truly in need.
(4) VIC also coordinates a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless to identify an unduplicated count of homeless persons, their needs and the services provided to them.
For more information, visit VIC’s website, www.clickvic.org or call 334-264-3335.
VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE (VIPS)
Volunteers In Police Service is a program of volunteers working in partnership with the Montgomery Police Department in a variety of jobs to free up police officers for higher priority duties.