Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Volunteers can be both skilled or non-skilled. Volunteers are assigned a variety of tasks depending on the construction site build phase and the individual's skills. Experienced volunteers will help guide non-skilled volunteers in the various tasks. Our esprit de corps of volunteers make it possible for Habitat for Humanity to build decent, affordable housing for qualified families and individuals in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. In addition to our Los Esteros Court site in Santa Cruz, you will receive information on additional build sites as they become available. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment Work days are Tu (reserved for skilled labor at Los Esteros), Wed, Th, Fri & Sat 8:00am – 2:30pm. A Safety Orientation will be given the first time you volunteer. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress in comfortable layered clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty. You may bring a lunch, or pick up lunch, nearby. Many of our volunteers work regular weekly shifts, and we appreciate volunteers who consistently sign on to assist, when possible. What qualifications are we looking for? Non-skilled workers are mentored by skilled volunteers and are encouraged to apply . We are always seeking skilled volunteers with experience in: - construction - plumbing - electrical - landscaping - misc. home repair Volunteer Benefits Volunteers learn basic home construction skills, and the satisfaction of knowing that their work allows families and individuals to secure affordable housing in a demographic where affordable housing is crucial.

Santa Cruz, CA

2/20/19 8:00 AM +more

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Grey Bears. Volunteers are needed to help on the Brown Bag program: assembling bags of fresh produce for seniors on Thursday and Friday mornings between 7:30am and 9am. Before volunteering we ask that you attend an orientation. We hold an orientation every Thursday at 1pm in the main office of Grey Bears. We also always need drivers to deliver bags of groceries to distribution sites and to homebound seniors (and we’ll reimburse your gas mileage!). The Grey Bears Brown Bag Program is one of the most efficient and successful food distribution programs in the United States. Volunteers glean the fields, help collect donated food from local stores and supermarkets, assemble bags of food in our warehouse and deliver it to a network of sites and medically homebound seniors throughout Santa Cruz County every week. This year, through our produce recovery program, Grey Bears will distribute 2.6 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food to 4,200 Santa Cruz County seniors. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

2/21/19 7:30 AM +more

Volunteers are responsible for helping families pick out items from our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. Whether they are explaining the benefits of kale or helping find the right shoe size, volunteers will be a vital help to our families. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment: Starting on February 9th, 2018, our pantry will be open every Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Volunteers that speak Spanish are especially needed. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below Or Call: (831) 319-4571​ **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Watsonville, CA

2/21/19 9:30 AM +more

Grey Bears improves the health and well being of seniors through food distribution, volunteerism and community participation. Volunteers are essential to the success of Grey Bear's programs! Volunteer opportunities include packing food for the Brown Bag Delivery program, cooking lunch, ringing up sales at the thrift store, sorting recycling, assisting in the office, selling books online, facility maintenance and more! Before volunteering we ask that you attend an orientation. We hold an orientation every Thursday at 1pm in the main office of Grey Bears At the orientation you can sign up for the project that fits your interests.

Santa Cruz, CA

2/21/19 1:00 PM +more

Join us at Evergreen cemetery for a few hours of work maintianing and restoring this historical site. We meet every Friday from 9:30 to 12:30. There are projects for all abilities. Lunch is provided at noon.

Santa Cruz, CA

2/22/19 9:30 AM +more

Restoration Saturday We invite you to participate in this family-friendly outdoor volunteering activity helping to restore wetland habitat. Volunteer work includes planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, and helping in our native plant greenhouse. Afterwards, we will go for a guided nature walk. The restoration group meets at the Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center located at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus (500 Harkins Slough Rd) at 9 a.m. Please bring water, and wear layered work clothes, sturdy shoes and a sun hat. We will provide tools, gloves, and a snack. Please Note: organized groups of over 15 people or more should make sure to contact Mary K. with advance notice to ensure adequate supplies and tools Get Involved...Sign Up for This Opportunity or email the Project Coordinator for more info.

Watsonville, CA

2/23/19 9:00 AM +more

Become a Literacy Tutor!! Attend a Volunteer Orientation! The Literacy Program of Santa Cruz is looking for dedicated individuals to help community members learn English. This can help them get a better job, be able to talk to their children's teachers, and be able to get help in an emergency. Volunteer tutors are trained and matched with adult students who have strong desires to learn the English language. You can tutor at your student's home, a library, a coffee shop or other community location. The FIRST step to becoming a Literacy Tutor is to attend a mandatory one hour Orientation. ORIENTATION DATES (only need to attend ONE) Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Avenue: Monday, May 2nd from 6pm to 7pm Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.: January 19 and 26 February 2 February 23 March 23 Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm: February 13 March 13 Get Involved....Sign Up for This Opportunity by selecting the date you'd like to attend and using the "SIGN UP" button. You can also contact the Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County at (831) 427.5077. Website or link for further information: www.literacysantacruz.org

Santa Cruz, CA

2/23/19 10:00 AM +more

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare vegan meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm. No experience is needed as we always need help with the basics of washing and cutting vegetables. We will provide training for cooking volunteers that are able to commit to volunteering once a month. Experienced cooks are always welcome to share their expertise. Volunteers are welcome to join us in serving the meal at the Post Office from 4pm - 6pm and with clean up afterwards. We especially need help with clean-up after the meals from 6pm to 7pm. Food Not Bombs is entirely volunteer-run and doesn't ask their volunteers to contact them before they volunteer. If you'd like to volunteer, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and will be warm when you work outside, and just show up!

Santa Cruz, CA

2/23/19 12:00 PM +more

Join our small group of volunteers that preserve and protect the watershed that drains to the Loch Lomond Reservoir - the only drinking water reservoir for the City of Santa Cruz. This ridgeline has been overgrown by broom in the past and requires consistent management. Broom is a strong competitor and can quickly dominate landscapes and outcompete native flora which impacts wildlife, wildfires and more. Volunteers will work along the Highland Trail, hiking less than two miles in total and pulling broom in various areas along the trail. Poison Oak will be present in some areas so volunteers should wear long pants and long sleeves. Poison oak pre and post-contact towelettes will be provided. Light snacks will be available, and volunteers will get a voucher for a 1 hour FREE boat rental to Loch Lomond. We will meet at Loch Lomond at the Glen Corrie picnic area (first one on the right as you go down the hill) at 9:30 AM and shuttle to the work site together in city vehicles. Bathrooms will be available at the meeting site and at the work site. What to bring: Sturdy closed-toed shoes Long pants/long sleeves Water bottle (we'll have a water cooler) Extra snacks Hat and sunscreen Bug spray Bring your favorite work gloves or borrow a pair of ours

Felton, CA

2/24/19 9:30 AM +more

Young Volunteers are Needed to Tutor Seniors in Technology Help seniors navigate in the digital age and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From e-mail to iPads, our seniors need your help! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 2 to 4 pm are scheduled for: February 27th, 2019 These Senior Tech Support days will be at Watsonville Senior Center (114 E 5th St, Watsonville, CA 95076 ) Sign Up by clicking on the red box below.

Watsonville, CA

2/27/19 2:00 PM

The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are experiencing homelessness. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises. On the farm you will meet the crew, learn more about the farm, and join that day's activities which may include: weeding, harvest, planting, building compost and more. Projects are weather dependent and defined by the day's priorities. We often can't tell you exactly what project you'll be working on in advance.

Santa Cruz, CA

2/28/19 10:00 AM +more

Currently, our volunteer needs are: Friday 3/1 from 3:30pm to 8:00pm – Registration and Race Number Pickup Saturday 3/2 from 10:00am to 4:00pm – Registration and Race Number Pickup Sunday 3/3 from 6:00am to 12:00pm (varying times per shift) – Finish line volunteers (handing out medals, T-shirts, Water, etc) Sunday 3/3 from 7:00am to 11:00am – on course water stations (handing out water Here is a link to the official sign up page – it has more details on the times and specific shifts: http://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=35608 Volunteers will get an awesome T-shirt, lots of snacks and lunch. We will have a raffle of prizes at the end of the shift (gift cards to restaurants etc). But more importantly, who doesn’t like a fun day in the sun on the beach!

Santa Cruz, CA

3/1/19 3:30 PM +more

Create an exciting experience at the biggest stop along the Santa Cruz First Friday Art Tour. Bring three floors of free exhibitions (including a brand new one), an art activity, and musical performance to life as MAH volunteer. Tour and food included. Art Activity Helper | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 10 pm Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by helping to lead a sugar skull decorating and tissue paper flower making art activity. Sugar skulls are an integral part of Day of the Dead and honor those who've passed away. Help families connect with their histories and loved ones as an Art Activity Helper. Art Ambassador | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 10 pm Welcome visitors into three floors of free exhibition space. From a new photography exhibition surrounding themes of displacement and immigration to a kaleidoscopic installation of queer and feminist art, you'll bring new life to dynamic spaces. Answer visitors' quesetions and ask a few yourself. No experience necessary! We'll make sure you've got all the info you need for a great experience. Sign up directly for the shift you want on the Santa Cruz MAH Eventbright page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-art-festival-volunteer-with-mah-tickets-51364224779 Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/1/19 4:30 PM +more

We need a dump run. We have a dump trailer but need a volunteer with a truck. Need 4 people to load packed recyclable twine and plastic. There are also tied off trash bags. All trash to be hauled to Buena Vista Dump site. ( 4 miles away)

Watsonville, CA

3/2/19 11:00 AM

Young Volunteers are Needed to Tutor Seniors in Technology Help seniors navigate in the digital age and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From e-mail to iPads, our seniors need your help and with the community center's recent upgrade to Windows 7 your assistance will be more important than ever! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: January 5th and 19th, 2019 February 2nd and 16th March 2nd and 16th April 6th and 20th May 4th and 18th June 1st All Senior Tech Days are held on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below. We will confirm your attendance one week prior to the project day.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/2/19 12:00 PM +more

The Santa Cruz Sandhills are a unique community of plants and animals found only on outcrops of Zayante sand soil in the central portion of Santa Cruz County, in central coastal California. Bring your friends and neighbors and hope to see you there! With lots of volunteer enthusiasm, we have made a significant dent in removing invasive, non-native French broom from the park, maintaining our current work sites, and making huge progress. Please join us at Quail Hollow Ranch from 10am to 1pm! Upcoming Dates: Saturday, February 2nd 10am to 1pm Saturday, February 16th 10am to 1pm Friday, March 8th 10am to 1pm ​ Directions to Quail Hollow: Take Graham Hill Road from Santa Cruz. As you come down the hill into Felton, turn right at the first light in town called E. Zayante Road. Drive up E. Zayante Road about 2 miles, and turn left on Quail Hollow Road. The park entrance is on the right side about a half mile up the road. Meet in the gravel parking lot on the left side of the entrance road.

Felton, CA

3/8/19 10:00 AM

Help visitors with hands-on art projects! Every week there's a new project! Events are typically Saturdays from 10 am to 1:30 pm; Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Fridays from 4:30 pm to 8 pm Upcoming events include: Friendship bracelets, Monster Making and Glow in the Dark Yoga Lead family-friendly activities that get folks moving and inspire creativity. Think fort building, bubble making, dance parties, and more! Learn new skills, make new friends, and leave a lasting impact on your community. Training will be provided at the event. You can sign up for a specific shift -- and learn more about all the upcoming events at the Museum of Art and History Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/volunteers-at-the-santa-cruz-museum-of-art-amp-history-14444764478 Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at the Museum of Art and History...Select the Red Express Interest button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/8/19 4:30 PM +more

Join us at a volunteer service event in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz on March 9, 2019 from 9AM-1PM at Mike Fox Park! We will be restoring the stream banks along the San Lorenzo River to improve habitat for salmon and birds. We would love for you and your group of volunteers to join us at this event! Volunteers will: 1) remove weed suppression carpet (to improve soil quality and increase vegetation cover) (2) remove invasive plants and weeds (3) spread mulch and (4) plant native plants. We will also be teaching about fish and other animals that live in the river and having a great day in the nature of downtown Santa Cruz! All ages are welcome. Historically, the San Lorenzo River has been home to both coho salmon and steelhead trout populations. However, as an urban stream it has also seen significant land-use change that has highly impacted its function to support these endangered species. We will be planting natives and reinforcing stream banks to mitigate erosion at Mike Park, which will improve water quality in the San Lorenzo. Please bring: closed toed shoes, gardening gloves, water in a reusable bottle, and snacks! We'll be there rain or shine.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/9/19 9:00 AM

Make a difference in the lower San Lorenzo River ecosystem by volunteering with a Coastal Watershed Council’s River Health Day. During the December River Health Day, we will be planting native plants along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to improve biodiversity and habitat complexity in the river ecosystem. This event will take place on the east bank of the San Lorenzo River upstream of the Broadway Avenue Bridge. We will meet at the Santa Cruz Riverwalk adjacent to Mimi De Marta Dog Park on 119 Broadway Santa Cruz. We highly recommend walking or biking to the event as there is limited parking in the area. Gloves and tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes and layers. We recommend that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, include long pants, socks and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (831) 464 9200 with any questions before the event. Location: We will be on the riverwalk in Downtown Santa Cruz. Sign up here: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-22/ This River Health Day is about a 2.5 hour event that starts at 9:30 am and goes until 12:00 pm, but we encourage people to commit to however long they desire! Whether you would like to stay for half an hour, an hour, or even a little more than two hours, we are happy to see you out there! Learn more and sign up: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-22/

Santa Cruz, CA

3/9/19 9:30 AM +more

The California State Parks Foundation Park Champions program is currently seeking volunteers to help maintain and beautify Henry Cowell State Park. Work will focus on making improvements to Campgrounds, picnic areas and general maintenance of the park. Please join us by registering link below. Snacks and lunch are provided! Some of the events will have free camping. Please look for details on the California State Parks Foundation website. You must register for this work day by visiting our website at www.calparks.org/volunteer Check out all the other work days we are doing throughout the state.

Felton, CA

3/10/19 9:00 AM +more

Get ready for a dynamic orientation to the MAH. Hear the Museum's story. Learn about the mission and how you can plug in here. We'll follow that up with upcoming volunteer opportunities and an optional tour of the museum. Expect this to be an hour and a half at most-- then you can grab a taco downtown! More information about the orientation available on the Santa Cruz MAH Website Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/10/19 11:30 AM +more

we.love.volunteers! The she.is.beautiful women's 5k/10k benefiting the Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center needs volunteers on March 23rd to help cheer on racers while monitoring road closures along West Cliff Drive. Snacks, water and a free t-shirt provided for all volunteers! Volunteer Shifts: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM - you can choose which shift works best for you. Looking to walk or run? Register for the 5k/10k race here: http://www.runsheisbeautiful.com. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below!!! **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 6:30 AM

The Downtown Senior Center is excited to host our first ever “Small Bites from Around the World” from 11 am -1 pm on Saturday, March 23rd at the Louden Nelson Community Center. This free event for seniors will feature international cuisine from approximately 10 local restaurants. Each restaurant will provide approximately 50+ small bites/appetizers. Ideally, a representative from the restaurant will be available to help distribute and talk about the food and culture of origin OR provide a demonstration. If being present at the event is not possible, volunteers will help distribute the bites and share history about the foods on their behalf. Volunteers will also help with event set-up (9-11am) and clean-up (1-2 pm).

Santa Cruz, CA

3/23/19 11:00 AM

VegFest brings the local community together to celebrate and learn about a plant-based, cruelty-free, and environmentally-sustainable lifestyle. We need lots of volunteers to help with setting up, handing out samples, assisting with kid's art, managing compost and recycling, cleaning up, and more! By volunteering, you’ll have an opportunity to support this festival, to interact with the public, and to promote a plant-based, cruelty-free, sustainable life-style. Festival admission is free; volunteers will get free parking and a swag bag full of vegan goodies! VegFest Features: Restaurants, food exhibitors, and free food sampling! Cruelty-free fashion and beauty exhibitors Notable speakers to discuss topics in health and nutrition, environmentalism, and animal welfare and compassion Kids' activities Get involved with non-profit organizations Saturday, April 6. Shifts start at 7 am and continue all day until 9 pm. Most shifts are 2-3 hours. Sign up for 1 or more shifts at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQxjfQPb-pfw1Dt_THaVFln9XvS8SnPrPc0v90E-J4vqyRlw/viewform Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at the Museum of Art and History...Select the Red Express Interest button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

4/6/19 7:00 AM

Snapshot Day is May 4, 2018! On the first Saturday in May each year hundreds of volunteers join the Coastal Watershed Council and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff to take a “snapshot” of the health of rivers and streams flowing into the Sanctuary. This favorite event draws people of all ages from all over California’s Central Coast to collect scientifically valid water quality data and to learn more about their local watersheds.The valuable data collected by Snapshot Day volunteers is used to drive action for clean water. Data from field measurements and lab analysis are collected and analyzed to determine the biggest threats to water quality and best management practices to address them. Together with local experts and our partners in government, CWC uses that data to drive improvements in our stormwater infrastructure and also manage erosion and stormwater runoff which are threats to clean water. **All volunteers are required to attend a training** Go to the Coastal Watershed website to sign up for a training: https://coastal-watershed.org/san-lorenzo-river/our-approach/community-science/snapshot-day/

Santa Cruz, CA

5/4/19 12:00 PM

Amazing items, terrific values! Gain retail experience by volunteering as a cashier in the Grey Bears Thift Store! Open everyday from 10am to 3pm! Our volunteers sort through a treasure trove of donated items, including clothing, furniture, housewares, jewelry, plants and garden gifts, books, music, fabrics, medical equipment, games, puzzles, sporting goods, bikes, exercise equipment, and much more. They find treasures others might see as trash and help our thrift store here at Grey Bears thrive. Volunteers also provide customer service and ring up sales. All proceeds from our thrift store sales go to support the Brown Bag Program, providing healthy groceries to 4,200 seniors each week. Most volunteers commit to one shift a week. An average shift runs from 10:00am - 3:30pm. If you are social person with any background in retail the thrift store could be a great fit for you! We are looking for volunteers who are ready to connect with the community and operate a register in any of our 4 thrift store departments. We are currently looking for cashiers in our book, computer, housewares and furniture stores. If you are ready to build relationships with members of the community and have an eye for detail this position is for you! All volunteers will receive a free lunch and a free bag of groceries every day they volunteer with us. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 4/30/19

Año Nuevo State Park is currently looking for outdoor enthusiasts to join our volunteer family! Año Nuevo is home to a large Elephant Seal rookery, and offers a remarkable wildlife experience just 20 miles north of Santa Cruz. Accepted applicants receive comprehensive training as docent naturalists and then lead guided walks through the natural preserve in the winter and act as “roving” naturalist interpreters the rest of the year. Training occurs every Sunday from Sept 24th through Dec 10th. Docents are given a uniform jacket but extra uniform items are encouraged for purchase at wholesale prices. The rest of the year, you will act as a roving naturalist and we ask approx 2 half days or 1 full day per month. In addition to the time commitment, docents need to be able to walk approx 3-6 miles per shift in uneven terrain and over sand dunes. Docents need to be comfortable leading tours of approx. 20 people of all ages through a wildlife preserve among 2,000 lb elephant seals. Public speaking skills and a passion for the environment are encouraged. Benefits included special after-hour tours of the preserve for friends and family, special docent only events and enrichment classes/lectures with various specialists and scientists.

Pescadero, CA

Through 8/13/19

Do you have a desire to better your community? Be a Nieghborhood Pride Volunteer! Neighborhood Pride Volunteers help to eliminate graffiti in their community. You will select an area that you want to monitor and clean up graffiti. This is a free-lance volunteer opportunity, meaning you create your own schedule! We provide materials and training to support your efforts. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/5/19

The Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (Walnut Avenue) is a strength-based family center. The mission of the Family Support Services program is to ensure that everyone who enters our doors feels welcomed, respected, and cared for. This department provides support to participants of other programs. FSS manages our food bank, donation room, operations (including front office), campaigns and annual event. Please contact the front office at (831) 426-3062 to sign up for a volunteer orientation. From there, you will be connected to the opportunity coordinator. Benefits of being a Community Relations Intern · Acquire skills to provide strength-based and trauma-informed care · Learn crisis intervention techniques and communication skills in a nonprofit office setting · Opportunity to learn community relations skills including donor relations · Gain skills in supporting the daily operations of a multi-program non-profit including administrative tasks · Gain skills in project management, events and fundraising · Opportunity to learn skills for managing a Food Bank/Pantry · Support multicultural /multilingual communities · Create social change Roles of a FSS Intern: Under general supervision, provide strength-based, trauma-informed, support to participants and staff at our agency. Job duties vary upon focus of interest & time commitment. Average of 4-10 hours per week. · Front Office Support · Food Bank/Donation Room · Campaign support (Sept.-Dec. only) Requirements & Qualifications: · Complete the Walnut Avenue Volunteer Orientation · Pass criminal background check/finger printing and application process · Completion of the front office training (one-on-one with Front Office Manager) · Commit to volunteer for a minimum of 3-6 consecutive months · Attend any required meetings with agency supervisor · Complete and return timesheet and other internship paperwork in a timely manner · Strong communication skills, welcoming demeanor and the ability to maintain clear boundaries · Ability to represent the agency with integrity · Comfortable supporting participants in crisis · Available for at least one day a week (Monday-Friday) during office hours (9am-5pm) · Access to internet to communicate via email with agency on a regular basis · Over the age of 18 · Bilingual helpful but not required · Complete an exit survey upon completion of volunteer program Knowledge, Skills & Abilities · Utilize the strength-based empowerment model to provide support to participants and staff · Ability to communicate effectively with participants from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds to gain rapport, maintain confidence, and obtain confidential information in a tactful and courteous manner · Ability to establish priorities to meet the needs of participants who may be under stress, in crisis, and addressing dangerous circumstances and multiple issues simultaneously · Informed on agency programs, community programs and local resources · Detail oriented with clear communication skills (verbal and written) · Capable of working collaboratively and independently · Commitment to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals · Strong interpersonal skills: commitment to uphold agency Code of Conduct, confidentiality and maintain a mutually respectful, professional work environment *Intern/Internships are usually connected with an individual receiving school credit from their college for their volunteer work with us. We are also open to creating internships for individuals that may not be getting school credit, but are willing to volunteer at least 10 hours a week for 3+ consecutive months. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/23/19

The Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (Walnut Avenue) is a strength-based family center dedicated to addressing barriers to families thriving in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to provide support and services so women, children and families have the opportunity and skills to thrive. ***We are currently looking for ECE volunteers! Please call Genevieve at (831) 426-3062, ext 215 to attend a volunteer orientation and get started!*** Description: Provide strength-based, child-centered support to children ages 0 to 5 years and their families. Volunteer duties may include: · Interacting with children on-on-one and in groups · Supporting teachers by facilitating activities: art, books, circle time, cooking, dramatic play, manipulative, sensory and songs · Conflict resolution and problem solving with children · Interacting with parents to strengthen child’s support systems · Helping with snack, lunch preparation and clean up ECE Volunteer Shifts: · Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am-5:30pm Requirements & Qualifications · Ability to make a weekly volunteer commitment (at least one shift a week) · Ability to make a minimum of 3 consecutive month commitment · Completion of Walnut Avenue’s volunteer orientation · Completion of one-on-one training with ECE Director · Fingerprinting/background check (DOJ, FBI and Child Abuse Index check) · Proof of full immunization Please call the office at (831) 426-3062 beforehand to sign up for an orientation. From there, you will be in contact with the opportunity coordinator. Volunteers under 18 must interview in person. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue to provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/23/19