Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

The St. Francis Soup Kitchen has been serving meals to the hungry in Santa Cruz for over 25 years! Each day a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread, coffee and milk are served to over 180 people at noon. There are an estimated 400 people who sleep outside in Santa Cruz and it’s difficult for one agency to handle all their needs. The Kitchen is one place where those in need will find a kind welcome, food and an opportunity to rest in safety. Please join us by volunteering in our kitchen cooking, serving or both. We can accommodate up to four volunteers every day. No special experience required, just a desire to work in the kitchen. **Please wear closed toed shoes! We begin cooking at 8:30 AM and finish serving the meal at 1:45 PM. We need volunteers Monday through Friday, but we are especially looking for people to prep (8:30 to 12) and serve (12 - 1:45) on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We are also looking for a volunteer who wants to assist the chef on Thursdays from 8:30 am to 12 pm. Who can eat? All in need regardless of race, creed, color or sex. When are meals served? A midday meal is served Monday thru Friday from 12:00 to 1:00. What is served? Each day a different soup is served in addition to the salad, fruit, bread and milk. A wholesome variety of filling soup and homemade salad dressings help to create a complete meal. Desserts are also served when available. What other services are available? Showers are available daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Clothing is distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Shirts, pants, socks, outerwear and clothing are available to our guests. Our guests. St. Francis Catholic Kitchen considers those who eat with us our guests. Our volunteers quickly learn that being homeless or on the streets is a serious challenge. We hope that, for at least part of the day, they can feel appreciated when they walk through the doors of the Kitchen.

Santa Cruz, CA

5/21/19 8:30 AM +more

Our farm is a place where people of all abilities can learn new skills, strengthen their social networks, and contribute valued products to our local economy. We offer horticulture and farm skills training, internships to people with developmental disabilities, environmental and gardening education, and micro-enterprise opportunities on a roughly four-acre urban, organic farm in Santa Cruz, CA. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our operations. Sign up now to join us on a Tuesday morning. Every week we tackle new aspects of our expanding farm. A few things before you come out to the farm: We highly recommend a hat and a water bottle Everyone is required to sign a liability waiver Most areas of our farm are accessible by wheelchair and a walker. If you have any mobility concerns and would like more information, please reach out Only trained service animals are allowed on the farm All volunteer roles positions will receive an orientation to the farm the first 30-45 minutes of their first time at the farm and must sign a waiver prior to participating in volunteering.

Santa Cruz, CA

5/21/19 10:00 AM +more

The Big Brothers Big Sisters After-School Enrichment Program is looking for guest volunteers to lead the children in a variety of enrichment activities. The program is offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30—5:30pm at two low-income housing facilities in south Santa Cruz County. During the first hour mentors assist the children with their homework in the areas of math, science, social studies and writing. For the second hour a guest volunteer engages the children in a wide variety of enriching activities such as science experiments, arts and crafts, outdoor fitness games, musical exploration or addresses topics important to the students' social, academic, and leadership development. The list of enrichment activities is endless so if you have a special skill set, idea, hobby or knowledge base please sign up to be an After-School Program guest volunteer and help broaden these children’s horizon! The children range from K-6 grades. 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.

Capitola, CA

5/21/19 3:30 PM +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

5/23/19 9:30 AM +more

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. Thursdays & Fridays: Arrive at 10am, join our crew for morning stretch and delegation of tasks for the day. Saturdays & Sundays: Arrive any time, join our weekend farm staff and volunteers in a variety of farm tasks.

Santa Cruz, CA

5/23/19 10:00 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

5/23/19 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. Join us for a morning of restoration and beautification at Evergreen Cemetery on Make A Difference Day, October 28th from 9:30am to 12pm. We are an all-volunteer effort that has been steadily uncovering, restoring, improving, and adding to Evergreen Cemetery to make it a beautiful, safe and educational site. We aim to inspire our community to learn more about local history, appreciate the many cultures represented at Evergreen, and make use of the site. Wear cloths you can get dirty and bring a bottle of water. If you have work gloves please bring a pair (we have extras for people who need them).

Santa Cruz, CA

5/24/19 9:30 AM +more

Help sow seeds and transplant plants for restoration projects at Watsonville Wetlands Watch. No particular gardening skills required, just a love of the outdoors and a zest learning about plants and gardening! Propagators work at our main office so there isn't any strenuous walking. They generally work out on our back patio where we have benches and a cement path. We are wheelchair accessible and welcome everyone! We'll teach you whatever you need! We have field guides to help volunteers learn about the native plants of hte Pajaro Valley and the names of plants that we typically restore out in the wetlands. You'll learn propagation techniques from our amazing cohort of regular volunteers. You'll learn SO MUCH about plants that exist in the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley and about restoration. Many of ou volunteers are eager birders and are always happy to share what they see around us while they work. Our volunteers come from such a large array of professions so you are guaranteed to learn something and meet some interesting people.

Watsonville, CA

5/24/19 11:00 AM +more

Gardeners help maintain the Native Plant Demonstration Garden which includes weeding, planting and pruning. No particular gardening skills required, just a love of the outdoors and a zest learning about plants and gardening! Gardeners work at our main office so there isn't any strenuous walking. They generally work out on our back patio where we have benches and a cement path. We are wheelchair accessible and welcome everyone! We'll teach you whatever you need! We have field guides to help volunteers learn about the native plants of the Pajaro Valley and the names of plants that we typically restore out in the wetlands. You'll learn how to use the tools the gardeners use on site from our amazing cohort of regular volunteers. You'll learn SO MUCH about plants that exist in the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley and about restoration. Many of ou volunteers are eager birders and are always happy to share what they see around us while they work. Our volunteers come from such a large array of professions so you are guaranteed to learn something and meet some interesting people.

Watsonville, CA

5/24/19 11:00 AM +more

Hello and thank you for considering volunteering at the Friends Big Book Sale at the Civic Auditorium on Friday, May 24th. This is a fun community event with tons and tons of books for sale! This position can involve moving boxes of books, monitoring sales & conversing with customers or cashiering. If you love books, this volunteer position is for you! Not only will you earn volunteer hours for your service, you will also get to practice and improve valuable customer service skills. 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

5/24/19 12:00 PM +more

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: Book Binding, Succulent Planting, Growing Justice, Slime Night, First Friday, Everything Emoji, Fort-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

Santa Cruz, CA

5/24/19 4:30 PM +more

Restoration Saturday Come out and help the Watsonville Wetlands Watch restoration staff work to make our wetlands healthier every fourth Saturday of the month! Work usually consists of planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, and helping in our native plant greenhouse. We work from 9am until 12 noon – and always make time for bird watching or a short hike around the wetlands. This is a great opportunity for students to get volunteer hours and for volunteers to get to know our amazing wetlands! Tools gloves, and snacks are provided and volunteers should be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Meet at the Wetlands Educational Resource Center at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus next to the basketball courts (500 Harkins Slough Rd) to carpool to sites. Please Note: organized groups of over 15 people or more should make sure to contact Yesenia 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

5/25/19 9:00 AM +more

Help keep Shakespeare alive and well in Santa Cruz! We are getting the outdoor theater in the Grove ready for the coming summer season. We meet on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm in May and June. Preparation for the Grove outdoor theater site requires no special experience. Related skills and tasks include: raking, weeding and doing general debris collection plumbing electrical tree work earth work carpentry, and use of specialized tools We provide tools, and there is a restroom on site. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen and bring gloves and water or snack. Come join us! For more information, contact Santa Cruz Shakespeare at the volunteer page Santa Cruz Shakespeare Volunteer **Volunteers who serve for 10 or more hours will receive 2 free tickets to a show.

Santa Cruz, CA

5/25/19 10:00 AM +more

Hello Future Friends, We are looking for weekend hosts at our Friends Downtown Santa Cruz Library bookstore. If you would like to host you will learn to use a square system to receive payments as well as manage a small bookstore while you are here. Shifts available: Saturdays 10am to 1pm Saturdays 1pm to 4pm Sundays 1pm to 4pm If you want to speak directly please email mary@fscpl.org 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

5/25/19 10:00 AM +more

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing homeownership to qualified low income families in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We are hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Sunday, June 2, in Santa Cruz at our current home build site, and we need volunteer assistance for pre-event preparation and service the day of the event. Friday, May 31 2 volunteers to assist w/ Organizing Food & Event Items at our Admin Office. No experience Necessary. 11:00am - 2:00pm 108 Magnolia St. / off Water Street, Santa Cruz Sunday, June 2 4-5 volunteers to assist w/ Set-Up, Light Grilling, Food & Beverage Service, and Clean-Up & Tear Down. Food & Event Experience Helpful, but not Required. Clean, Neat Appearance - Jeans/Tee Shirt. Lunch Provided. 10:00am – 4:30pm 20 Los Esteros Court / off Rodriquez St, in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz 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

5/31/19 10:00 AM +more

Come spend an hour or two to help our annual spring carnival fundraiser a huge success! This is our biggest and funnest fundraiser of the year and helps raise funds to provide teacher's aids and grants, and student enrichment programs such as Life Lab, music and arts. Volunteers will do a variety of tasks such as running small carnival games, face painting, selling food, or help with raffles. It's a lot of fun, the kids love it, and it helps to support our local public schools!! May 31st, 3pm to 8 pm. 1 hour and 1.5 hour shifts available. Sign up for as little or many as you want! You can sign up on our Google Docs List! https://docs.google.com/ spreadsheets/d/ 1Wsgx2NgEheOnprjzy-EhX3mrA_u- MqYzuvxBJKxZURc/edit?usp= sharing Expectations for volunteers: fun, responsible, like to work with kids. No specific skills needed! The games are all VERY SIMPLE. Benefits to volunteers: can fulfill community service hours at local middle schools and high schools. Help our community and local schools!.

Santa Cruz, CA

5/31/19 3:00 PM

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to keep our Garden Learning Center thriving! We have worked hard to transform our surrounding grounds from a creekside jungle of invasive ivy, blackberry, and mattress wire vine into a pollinator and California native plant haven -- and there is always more work to be done! As a garden volunteer, you will help us with watering, weeding, pruning and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Tools and gloves will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have some. We will garden in light rain, but will cancel in the case of a downpour. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, and bring gloves (if you have them), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. Gardening gloves, tools, and water will be provided. 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. You can also contact the coordinator directly by using the "email" link below or by visiting the program website at the top of this posting.

Santa Cruz, CA

6/1/19 10:00 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 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

6/1/19 12:00 PM

Open Streets Watsonville will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019, from 11am-4pm in the historic downtown Watsonville on Brennan/Union St. from Callaghan Park (Freedom Blvd.) to the City Plaza. Volunteer lunch will be provided. Visit scopenstreets.org for more information about the event. Please note that there will be a required volunteer training meeting date and time TBD. Pizza will be provided. If you cannot make the meeting, alternative arrangements can be made. Please RSVP after signing up with your preferred shirt size. Sign up here: https://www.volunteersignup.org/4M8R8

Watsonville, CA

6/2/19 9:00 AM

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. MAY 4TH - CANCELLED

Felton, CA

6/2/19 9:00 AM

Open Streets Watsonville will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017, from 11am-4pm in the historic downtown Watsonville on Brennan/Union St. from Callaghan Park (Freedom Blvd.) to the City Plaza. Open Streets is a pop-up park where the road is closed to cars, and pedestrians and cyclists get to partake in fun activities, educational booths, and active entertainment! We are seeking barricade ambassadors to monitor barricade at closed side street. Re-direct cars if necessary. Answer questions about event. *Must be 18 years or older*

Watsonville, CA

6/2/19 9:15 AM +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/o/volunteers-at-the-santa-cruz-museum-of-art-amp-history-14444764478 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

6/7/19 4:30 PM +more

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

6/8/19 9:30 AM

Client Navigator / Advocate for Project Homeless Connect Wedensday, June 19th from 9:30AM to 3:30PM Project Homeless Connect is a one-day community wide event that provides housing support and quality of life resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Volunteers assist homeless clients in navigating the services available and help them identify what servcies they'd like to recieve. More information about the event is availble on the website: https://www.phc-santacruz.org/ 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

6/19/19 9:30 AM

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

Helping Hands volunteers make a crucial difference in the lives of low-income senior homeowners by providing free home safety checks. Volunteers help seniors remain independent and safe, and potentially add years to their lives. The Home Safety Check Superstars provide free home safety checks in senior homes, using a Fall Prevention Checklist (provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). After the checklist is completed, Helping Hands will dispatch volunteers to complete the recommended home repairs and fix the fall hazards. 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 12/12/19

Friday Night Live is looking for middle school and high school aged youth who want to work on projects that affect all of us in Santa Cruz County and build valuable skills to transfer in to employment. Youth will lead projects related to limiting access of substances to youth and environmental prevention policies to promote a safe and thriving community. While Friday Night Live youth work on many and varying projects, some of the projects include: Training and Special Events Coordinator: Help to plan events and trainings. Collect and order needed materials, contact venues and attendees, order food, send follow up emails, create flyers and appropriate advertising, and other event related coordination. RAMA: Responsible Alcohol Merchant Awards are given to local merchants who work to limit youth access to substances. Some duties include coordination, scheduling and conducting interviews, using a rubric to determine the level of award, promoting awardees through media press releases, working with law enforcement, and distributing awards. Choose Your Ride: is a campaign to promote safe rides and designated drivers through local restaurants and bars. Participating businesses offer promotions to designated drivers. Some duties include outreach to merchants for participation, distribution of materials, tabling at local events to promote the campaign, and project coordination. Day Out With Thomas: The last weekend of July and first weekend of August, Friday Night Live youth and staff volunteer and fundraise at the Day Out With Thomas events at Roaring Camp. Youth gain real job skills in food service, customer service, youth and adult engagement, taking tickets, boarding the train, family friendly activities, and retail service. During the school year, Friday Night Live youth plan and implement a project to address a challenge in their school or community. Projects include improving school climate and promoting safe spaces, reducing substance use of young people, promoting positive social norms, and so much more. Youth leaders who volunteer for 50+ hours during summer session are eligible for a stipend and will be considered for additional youth conference and training opportunities. Volunteer for this project -- use the EXPRESS INTEREST button below to connect with the project coordinator. **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 10/30/19

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