Voluntary Action Center

The Voluntary Action Center's back-to-school supply program (grades K-12) provides free backpacks and supplies to families in Boone County who meet the 200% federal poverty guideline. Chief development officer Stacie Pottinger says, "this is a really great way for people to save money so they can use it on utility bills or whatever." July 29, 2025

The Voluntary Action Center provides discounted backpacks filled with school supplies for Boone County families within the 200% of the federal poverty limit. However, inflation has changed how much they'll cost to produce.

The Voluntary Action Center is once again bringing back its annual Back to School Program.

Voluntary Action Center has been keeping Boone County cool since 1996 thanks to its popular 'fan club' program. Chief development officer Stacie Pottinger says they're looking for donations - whether monetary or an actual box fan - to keep this year going as supplies have dropped to only about a dozen fans left. Find out more on today's show. June 23, 2025

Voluntary Action Center executive director Ed Stansberry updates us on the progress of The Opportunity Campus, a project that will bring together multiple agencies in an effort to "make home happen" for those less fortunate in our community. March 3, 2025

Voluntary Action Center (VAC) services and program manager Christy Lowe wants everyone watching to consider sponsoring a family this year through VAC's annual holiday program: "we take care of around 1,000 families (in Boone County) every year." November 15, 2024

The Opportunity Campus will operate as a low-barrier homeless shelter and resource center serving the unhoused community.

"We thought we had seen the worst during the pandemic. It has skyrocketed." -- ED STANSBERRY, Voluntary Action Center executive director, on the impact today's economic climate is having on Boone County families and individuals who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Consider sponsoring a family or sponsoring a meal this Christmas by signing up for VAC's annual holiday program. October 21, 2022

We're talking with ROBERT WELLS about some of the upcoming shows slated to take the stage during the 2021-2022 University Concert Series season. "Big Broadway shows are returning!" Also, Voluntary Action Center executive director ED STANSBERRY and holiday program coordinator CHRISTY LOWE are seeking volunteers and sponsors (and more!) as the agency's most popular program, the Holiday Program, gets underway. (2:58) November 12, 2021

OsteoStrong Columbia co-owner CARL GERHARDT tells us about the science behind OsteoStrong's four Spectrum System used to achieve ideal bone strength and…