Sterling Volunteers, a Sterling Talent Solutions Company, Helps Make an Impact in Disaster Recovery Efforts

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Date: November 1st, 2017

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Sterling Volunteers, a Sterling Talent Solution’s company, is partnering with National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) to streamline the screening of spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) and expedite their help in disaster relief efforts. As thousands of volunteers come forward in the wake of devastating Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria to offer their assistance, massive coordination is required to ensure this generous outpouring of support is effectively and rapidly mobilized.

National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigates and alleviates the impact of disasters, works collaboratively to foster more effective delivery of services to affected communities. The coalition includes over 60 of the country’s most reputable national organizations (faith-based, community-based and other non-governmental organizations) and 56 state/territory VOADs, which represent local/regional VOADs and hundreds of other member organizations throughout the country.

Many disaster relief organizations require volunteers to undergo background screening, particularly if they are interacting with vulnerable populations. Through the centralized VOAD volunteer portal, volunteers can input the details of their proposed service (i.e. availability, location, special skills and language capabilities, organizations they would like to work with), initiate a background check with Sterling Volunteers and receive results in less than 24 hours. The shareable background check also enables individuals to volunteer with multiple organizations without having to complete separate checks. National VOAD members can access the online system to quickly search, identify and reach out to the types of volunteers they need to support their missions and to distinguish those who have completed the background screening process.

“It is our privilege to work with NVOAD members to support their recovery efforts and the valuable work of their first responders in times of overwhelming need,” says Beverly McIntosh, vue president of strategic programs, Sterling Volunteers. “Our objective is to accelerate the volunteer onboarding process and enable volunteers to start making a difference that much sooner.”

While NVOAD’s volunteer intake portal was originally developed in response to Hurricane Harvey, the organization intends to adopt the system moving forward for use across all disaster events including floods, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes.

“The willingness and eagerness of so many people to help out when disaster strikes is truly inspiring,” says Greg Forrester, president and CEO, National VOAD. “However, volunteers should not self-deploy in these situations as it can actually hinder their effectiveness. The partnership between NVOAD and Sterling’s Sterling Volunteers has enabled all of our members to access a quality service for their volunteer management needs. The integration, support, and service from Sterling Volunteers has been exceptional.”

About Sterling Volunteers

Sterling Volunteers helps nonprofit organizations gain confidence in the volunteers working with those they serve by delivering thorough, compliant background checks. By enabling volunteers to order, manage and share their background checks via a secure online platform, a community of vetted volunteers is created, which helps nonprofit organizations save time and money. Extensive expertise in screening and compliance best practices helps clients recruit the best volunteers in order to maintain a safe environment and positive reputation. Sterling Volunteers is backed by Sterling, the world’s largest background screening company, and partnered with Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Visit svus.wpengine.com.

Media Contact:

Beverly McIntosh
702.218.7790
182809@email4pr.com