Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) Volunteer Services

Mission: To strengthen communities by providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges.

The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) was incorporated in April 1965, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and established as a Community Action Program (CAP) for the Northeast Minnesota counties of St. Louis, Lake, and Cook in response to the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act. AEOA offers services in these counties, as well as in the nine neighboring counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Koochiching, and Pine, making it one of the largest private, non-profit Community Action Agencies in Minnesota.

Arrowhead Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Arrowhead Volunteers can connect you with a rewarding volunteer opportunity that will fit your schedule and interests and makes the best use your many talents. We strive to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties.

AEOA serves individuals of all ages and primarily serves low-income households and people experiencing life challenges preventing them from moving out of poverty. Over the past five decades, the Agency has grown in response to community needs and offers a range of services through six service departments including Employment and Training, Head Start, Housing Weatherization and Rehab, Housing Resources, Senior and Nutrition Services, and Transit. AEOA is a state-designated employment and training service provider, as well as a Community Housing and Development Organization. Not all AEOA programs are offered in all of these counties.

Our volunteer programs include:

• Arrowhead Retired and Senior Volunteer Program- RSVP: The mission of Arrowhead RSVP is to engage persons 55 and better in volunteer services to meet critical community needs and to provide a high-quality experience that will enrich their lives. Seniors come equipped with a lifetime of experience, skills and interests to share and often have more available time to serve. Arrowhead RSVP is part of AmeriCorps Seniors and sponsored by AEOA.
• Arrowhead Volunteers: Arrowhead Volunteers promotes volunteerism by assisting people of all ages- including families- to find meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities, providing education and information, networking meetings, and sponsoring special volunteer events such as the annual Volunteer Fair, Purple Ribbon Recognition and Hall of Fame Volunteer Awards.