The Volunteer Center of St. Paul was founded in 1942 by the Junior League of St. Paul in response to the need to coordinate home-front activities during World War II (its original name was the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office). As the war ended, community members realized a continuing need for a volunteer office; early activities focused on settlement houses and work with the blind.

Expansion included the development of a corps of volunteer drivers assisting with transportation for medical and social service appointments that was eventually transferred to the Red Cross in 1976. In 1975, the efforts were re-focused, a training component for volunteer program managers was added, and the organization was incorporated into the Voluntary Action Center, Inc.

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