History
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners established VolunteerLAKE in August 1993 as an internal volunteer program coordinating County volunteer services within County departments. In April 1998, the Commissioners expanded the program's role to include new initiatives, which promoted volunteerism through most of the Lake County constitutional offices and added the Lake County Emergency Operations Center Emergency Support Function 15 primary responsibility to VolunteerLAKE. In May 2002, once again, the program's role expanded to include the core competencies of a volunteer center; thereby assisting the citizenry and a myriad of nonprofits, local clubs, churches, governmental organizations and businesses to mobilize volunteers and resources to continue to deliver creative solutions to community challenges by offering additional programs and services.

Mission
Provide citizens the opportunities to use their knowledge, vigor, expertise and desire to benefit Lake County and themselves through volunteering.

Overview
VolunteerLAKE promotes volunteerism and volunteer recognition within the County. It provides extended and enhanced services to the community by utilizing volunteers and unpaid interns within County departments and offices. It encourages community involvement by heightening community awareness of Lake County Government. It provides community enrichment, economic vitality and individual achievement through self development and career discovery opportunities to volunteer and unpaid intern participants. It serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County.

Core Principles
Lake County VolunteerLAKE's role in this community is centered on the ability to:

• Promote volunteerism
• Connect people with the opportunity to serve
• Build the capacity of local volunteer programs
• Participate in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers from all sectors.