The Junior League of Montgomery and the Community Council of the Montgomery Area United Way (now River Region United Way) became interested in starting a Voluntary Action Agency (VAC) and a steering committee for the development of VAC was established. A start-up grant was applied for in 1973 and accepted in February 1974.

On March 7, 1974, a press conference was held to introduce VAC to the community. VAC operated under the auspices of United Appeal (now known as United Way) for eight months and attained agency status on December 1, 1974.

Established the Voluntary Action Transportation System (VATS). Volunteer drivers transported people who were economically or physically deprived to doctors’ appointments, groceries, etc.

Organized a steering committee to establish a child abuse prevention program in Montgomery. This early effort resulted in the establishment of the Family Sunshine Center. We also helped establish Hospice of Montgomery.

Established a citywide Christmas Clearing House – VAC’s largest direct service program. This program coordinates and matches families in need with individuals, organizations and businesses who want to provide a little help and hope during the holidays. The program’s primary benefit is partnering with 32 agencies to eliminate duplication in giving.

Established the information & referral program.

Established the Tri-County Clearinghouse Network, a network of churches and agencies shared information via fax machines on resources and client assistance. The purpose was to maximize community resources and let agencies know who helped whom- when, where and how. Daily information was faxed and computerized so that each agency received a daily printout of activities. This process kept duplication of giving to a minimum.

Thanks to the National Volunteer Center, IBM Corporation, the Junior League of Montgomery, and United Way, VIC became a totally automated agency. IBM and United Way of America supplied the computer system; JLM supplied software; Match Point and the National Volunteer Center supplied the technical support. This made an expanded Corporate Volunteer Program possible beginning in July, 1992.

Adopted a new name, The Volunteer & Information Center, Inc. (VIC) after implementing information & referral in 1985.

Received funding from HUD to develop, implement, and maintain a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for homeless service providers in a five-county area to better track the movement of the chronically homeless (both sheltered and unsheltered) through the Continuum of Care System. The Information & Referral program adopted the three-digit moniker, 211.  VIC established the first 211 call center in the state, making Alabama the fourth state in the country to operate 211 and allow for a 24/7 information and referral service system.

Expanded 211 coverage area from 5 to 12 counties. 211 Alabama officially became statewide.

211 service expanded to 14 counties in South Central Alabama.

Agency named changed from The Volunteer and Information Center to HandsOn River Region.

Established Pay It Forward, an initiative of the Volunteer Management Program which coordinates with area dentists to assist those in need of dental services by “banking” volunteer hours is established.

Established the Coordinated Entry program in the local Continuum of Care to coordinate and centralize services for housing and homeless assistance.

Partnered with the City of Montgomery and Uber to provide free rides to vaccination appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.