Message from Our President: A Season of Gratitude and New Beginnings
When people ask me how Uncover Volusia County began, I usually smile because it really started with a simple idea: when you connect people with purpose, amazing things happen.
My own passion for volunteerism began years ago during an internship with the National MS Society. I saw how volunteers could transform the lives of others and, in the process, experience incredible personal growth themselves. That experience taught me that service isn’t just about giving, it’s about discovering who you are and how you can help make life better for someone else.
I’ve seen firsthand how a single connection can transform a community. After watching an incredible volunteer program thrive in Kansas City, MO, we were invited to bring that same approach to Volusia County through a partnership with the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
That partnership quickly grew into something bigger. By early 2025, we were proudly supporting three local nonprofits: the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Halifax Humane Society, and the NASCAR Foundation. Together, we’re building stronger systems for volunteer engagement and, most importantly, stronger relationships among the people who make this community shine. And the best part is, we’re only just getting started.
For me, UVC isn’t just a service we offer to our partners. It’s a way to ignite creativity, the kind of creativity that inspires collaboration across generations and drives real solutions. When people have the chance to share their time and talents in meaningful ways, everyone benefits: local organizations, corporate partners, schools, and the individuals who discover purpose through service. At its heart, UVC is about creating spaces where people can connect, contribute, and grow together.
Volusia County is home to so many incredible nonprofits, but one of the biggest challenges they face is building a volunteer culture that feels welcoming and rewarding. Volunteers are the heartbeat of every organization, yet they’re often left out of key communications or broader conversations. That can leave people feeling undervalued, and that’s something we’re determined to change.
Our goal for this first year is to help nonprofits and volunteers not only thrive but grow together. Every partnership we form begins with five core pillars: infrastructure, communication, reporting, recognition, and recruitment. These may sound like operations terms, but they represent something deeply human: creating consistency, appreciation, and clarity for the people doing the work.
We’re committed to learning more about the unique needs of Volusia County, and look forward to expanding our reach through programs like Corporate Cares Services and Real World Learning. Both will open doors for businesses, schools, and local residents to engage in new ways that drive sustainable impact.
Leading Uncover Volusia County has stretched me and filled me with gratitude. Every new volunteer, every conversation, every shared idea matters. So please stay connected with us on this journey. Joining our monthly newsletter is a great way to start. And if you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time! Join us, share your talents, and see how connection can change everything.
With gratitude!
Karina Tanner, UVC President
