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In this podcast, we speak with Jenna Blankers, Volunteer Relationship Manager at Atlanta Mission. Learn how they use VolunteerHub to streamline volunteer operations across campuses and integrate seamlessly with Salesforce and Sterling Volunteers
Can you share your organization's mission and core values with those unfamiliar with Atlanta Mission?
Jenna: Atlanta Mission has been serving the community since 1938 and is Georgia’s largest and longest-running provider of homeless services. Our mission is to transform, through Christ, the lives of those facing homelessness. Our core values are to humbly serve, be courageously innovative, act with strength and unity, and remain Christ-centered in everything we do.
What is your role at Atlanta Mission? What are your main responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like for you?
Jenna: As Volunteer Relationship Manager, I’m the main point of contact for volunteers. I engage with the community, manage inquiries, and oversee the application process for individuals and groups. Day-to-day, I use VolunteerHub to communicate with prospective volunteers, coordinate scheduling, and ensure that volunteers are prepared for their roles.
Do you have specific metrics that show Atlanta Mission’s impact?
Jenna: Last fiscal year, we served 3,562 individuals, with key metrics including housing placements and employment outcomes. For example, 232 individuals participated in our job training program, resulting in 164 securing jobs. We’re particularly proud of the 76% retention rate for individuals still employed or promoted a year later.
How many volunteers do you work with each year?
Jenna: We work with about 3,800 individual volunteers annually, who contribute over 21,000 volunteer hours across all our locations.
What types of roles do volunteers fill at the mission?
Jenna: Volunteers play a vital role in our operations. They help serve meals, sort donations, teach classes, assist with childcare, support front desk staff, and more. Their contributions are integral to our daily impact.
How did you manage volunteers before adopting VolunteerHub?
Jenna: We transitioned to VolunteerHub before I started at Atlanta Mission, but from what I have been told the process was less centralized. I believe we used a combination of paper applications, waivers, and possibly other systems, but things weren’t as organized. VolunteerHub has completely transformed how we manage volunteers.
What features of VolunteerHub stand out the most to you?
Jenna: We heavily rely on user groups to organize corporate groups and reservations. It simplifies tracking and communication with groups through customized landing pages. Other standout features include filtering by location (we have five campuses) and great reporting capabilities.
How do you use VolunteerHub in conjunction with Salesforce and Sterling Volunteers?
Jenna: VolunteerHub integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, syncing volunteer data and tracking their engagement. This integration allows us to view both volunteer and donor information in one place. The Sterling Volunteers integration makes background checks simple—volunteers are automatically redirected to complete their checks, and results update directly in VolunteerHub.
What has your experience been like with the VolunteerHub team in terms of training, implementation, and support?
Jenna: The VolunteerHub team has been incredibly responsive and supportive. They’re always quick to help with questions or technical issues. The training guides are also a great resource for self-learners. Overall, the team has been a fantastic partner.
Would you say VolunteerHub has provided a solid return on investment for Atlanta Mission? If so, in what ways?
Jenna: Absolutely. Managing thousands of volunteers annually would be impossible without a centralized system like VolunteerHub. It saves us time, keeps everything organized, and helps us operate more efficiently. The ROI has been significant, and we’re excited to explore more of what the platform can do.
Do you have any future goals for how you’d like to use VolunteerHub?
Jenna: Next year, we’re looking to maximize the points system in VolunteerHub to better recognize and reward volunteers based on their service.
Do you have any feedback or insights that might help organizations considering a volunteer management solution?
Jenna: It might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re less familiar with technology, but the learning curve is worth it.
For those interested in volunteering with Atlanta Mission, what’s the process to get involved?
Jenna: The best place to start is our website, atlantamission.org, under the “Get Involved” section. There, you’ll find tailored information for individuals and groups, along with the next steps to sign up. You can also email us at volunteer@atlantamission.org.
"When you're managing thousands of volunteers every year, having everything in one place to keep it organized is so highly valuable. It keeps things operating smoothly, and managing it all through one system like VolunteerHub has been absolutely worth it."
Jenna Blankers, Volunteer Relationship Manager at Atlanta Mission
"The VolunteerHub team has been incredibly supportive and responsive. Every time I’ve had a question or needed help, they’ve been there. It’s exciting knowing we’ve already gotten a great return on investment, and there’s still so much more to explore with the platform."
Jenna Blankers, Volunteer Relationship Manager at Atlanta Mission
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Ready to transform your volunteer program?
Atlanta Mission exemplifies how effective volunteer management software can improve operations and enhance volunteer engagement. VolunteerHub provides the tools your organization needs to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and focus on making a greater impact.
