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. We can accomodate 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 8:00 AM and finish serving the meal at 1:45 PM. Please call the kitchen manager - Richard to confirm your volunteer position: (831)459-6712 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

7/17/18 8:00 AM +more

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Mercy Housing California at Sycamore Street Apartments is an affordable housing community serving 60 families in Santa Cruz, California. Mercy Housing is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the after school program onsite at Sycamore Street Apartments. With staff support, volunteers will assist middle and elementary aged youth to complete homework and build literacy skills. Volunteers will also help implement physical education and art activities throughout the semester. Gain experience in an educational setting, learn about affordable housing, and give back to your community- all while having fun! Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment The after school program runs Monday-Thursday from 3:30- 5pm. A commitment of 2-4 times a month is preferred. Volunteer Benefits UCSC academic credit or service learning hours can be arranged for education, sociology, or other related majors

Santa Cruz, CA

7/17/18 3:30 PM +more

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. You may work a minimum of 3 hours per shift, however you must report at 8:00 am. 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

7/18/18 8:00 AM +more

Attend a this volunteer training so that you can volunteer in the food pantry and assist families served by Jacob's Heart. Trainings are every Wednesday at 3:30 pm. Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact: Volunteers will be 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. You can express interest in volunteering for the food pantry here: https://www.scvolunteernow.org/opportunity/a0C0G00000W8k2tUAB

Watsonville, CA

7/18/18 3:30 PM +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. 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...Sign up for This Opportunity: Or email Michelle using the button below. **Groups should email Michelle

Santa Cruz, CA

7/19/18 7:30 AM +more

Volunteer on the Homeless Garden Project Farm! 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. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and closed toed shoes! We have tools and gloves for you to use, but you can also bring your own for your comfort. Drop in days are Thursday - Friday. Arrive between 10am and 11am and stay as long as you want or until 2pm. On Saturday and Sunday drop in anytime between 10am-4pm. Rain cancels drop in volunteer days. **If you want to volunteer with a group of more than 5 people please contact the Homeless Garden Project office to schedule: (831) 426-3609 abundance

Santa Cruz, CA

7/19/18 10:00 AM +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

7/20/18 9:30 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

7/20/18 11:00 AM +more

The Santa Cruz Volunteer Center will be hosting a cleanup of Main Beach from 9am to 11am on Saturday, July 21st and we hope you, your friends and family can make it! Main Beach is a beloved and relaxing location for Santa Cruz locals and visitors alike. The beauty of this beach also attracts large crowds all year long, especially during busy summer months. Illegal fires, partying, and inappropriate disposal of trash has been harmful to local wildlife, neighbors and tourists. Help us monitor and clean up Main Beach! Individual and group volunteers are welcome. The Volunteer Center provides all necessary supplies, and we encourage volunteers to bring their own reusable buckets, gloves, and water bottles, wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and to dress in layers. Check in will be located above the beach at 108 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (across the street from the Picnic Basket) We will be cleaning RAIN or SHINE! We will meet at 9:00 AM next to the bathrooms between the vollyball nets and Ideal Bar and Grill. Sign up by responding below!

Santa Cruz, CA

7/21/18 9:00 AM

Help the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 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 general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. These volunteer garden days are held on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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. Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP

Santa Cruz, CA

7/21/18 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. 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. Volunteers also support us with composting, data entry and event planning. ActsOfKindnessFL2018

Santa Cruz, CA

7/21/18 12:00 PM +more

Seeking Prospective Board Members The Friends of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden is seeking prospective board members with an active interest in immersing in the gardens and engaging with its constituents to explore the motivations and interests of visitors, members, volunteers and contributors. Related activities and engagements include, docent work, event planning, membership development, fund and friend raising. The board will play a critical role in program development by capturing insights and providing those back to the director and staff as input to planning. Board members serve two year terms, must be active members of the organization. Board members are expected to attend 10 meetings per year, participate in the activities of sub-committees and contribute volunteer hours in support of programs and events. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2018. New board members will be announced at the annual membership meeting on Sunday, September 16, 2018. For more information and to apply see: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu To apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN5m0ToplJk02UVgrrqOavnz75zdWrsnzF3dBti4913A2sNg/viewform?c=0&w=1

Santa Cruz, CA

7/25/18 5:00 PM +more

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact: Volunteers will be 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 other Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. We will need volunteers for this time frame. Qualifications: Volunteers should be engaging, kind, and not afraid to learn. Volunteers that speak Spanish are highly preferred. Volunteer Benefits: Volunteers will learn about different healthy foods and gain interpersonal skills. Training: Trainings will happen every Wednesday starting at 3:30 pm. You can sign up for a training date here: https://www.scvolunteernow.org/opportunity/a0C0G00000W8k3VUAR

Watsonville, CA

7/27/18 12:30 PM

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

7/28/18 9:00 AM +more

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center is beautifying their center this July 28th! Come out and help them make their space more beautiful and relaxing for their clients with painting, yard work, and moving furniture! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please wear clothes that are comfortable and that you don't mind getting dirty! Sign up below!

Santa Cruz, CA

7/28/18 10:00 AM

Join the Friends of the Public Library and help to host the children's book sale at Festival of the book. At this event we will give each child a book who has completed the summer reading program, and also have children's books for sale. We need helpers to organize the sale and host the check out stations.

Santa Cruz, CA

7/29/18 2:00 PM

Help the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 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 general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. These volunteer garden days are held on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 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. Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP

Santa Cruz, CA

8/4/18 10:00 AM

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Join community volunteers as we fill backpacks and send our youth back to school ready to learn! This is a family volunteer opportunity so invite children, neighbors and more to fill nearly 3,000 backpacks for youth currently experiencing homelessness. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment 10am-12pm 12pm to 2pm

Santa Cruz, CA

8/4/18 10:00 AM +more

Make a difference in your urban ecosystem by restoring the native habitat along the San Lorenzo River! Join ecology and native plant experts as they teach you about invasive plant species, and how to remove them. Invasive species grow rapidly along the two-mile long Santa Cruz Riverwalk and hinder the growth of native plants. This adversely affects the habitat of the native bugs, birds, and fish, that all depend upon a healthy, riparian environment. River Health Days are a great introduction for anyone who is interested in learning more about invasive or native species and the San Lorenzo River ecosystem. At the end of the day, volunteers can look back on the work they’ve accomplished, the people they’ve connected with, and know that they’ve made a difference in their community that day. Equipment, gloves and refreshments are provided. More specific meeting location will be shared upon registration. Sign up to volunteer here. Location: We will be on the riverwalk in Downtown Santa Cruz. This River Health Day is about a 2 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-days/

Santa Cruz, CA

8/11/18 9:30 AM +more

Do you know that rush you feel when you help someone and they are incredibly grateful? Help empower and advocate for residents living in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Our Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (advocates) provide a presence and access for residents. We advocate for, and empower residents to advocate for their wishes, rights, and quality of care. Over 60% of nursing home residents never receive a visitor- Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are the eyes and ears of the residents and help protect the needs and quality of life for frail and disabled residents that may have no other connections. We work for THE RESIDENT.. and therefore keep information confidential, building trust, and often empowering the resident to advocate for themselves. We investigate allegations of abuse and advocate for the safety and quality of care for our senior and disabled residents in facilities. Our senior residents depend on our Ombudsmen and are so appreciative to know we are there to stand up and be a voice for them if they need one. They know our services are free of charge and that they can confide in us confidentially. A simple action of advocacy can change a senior's entire world and quality of life.. you can be the person who gives that gift. Volunteer to be an Ombudsman! Our Long-Term Care Ombudsmen experience an invigorating and comprehensive training which includes 36 hours of classroom training and 15 hours of interactive internship, shadowing another Ombudsman in facilities. After the volunteer completes the training and passes the background check, they will become certified by the State of California as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman! We ask that our volunteers commit to 2 years with the program, however, many of our volunteers love the work so much that they continue for years. In order for residents to become familiar with our volunteers and for volunteers to successfully advocate, they will need to be able to dedicate several hours (flexible times) a week, plus a once-a-month required volunteer meeting/training. Upcoming training dates: Monday 8/13 (10am-2:30) Wednesday 8/15 (10am-2:30) Friday 8/17 (10am-2:30) Saturday 8/18 (10am-4:30) *AND* Monday 8/20 (10am-2:30) Wednesday 8/22 (10am-2:30) Friday 8/24 (10am-2:30) Saturday 8/24 (10am-4:30) 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.

Scotts Valley, CA

8/13/18 10:00 AM

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Come join us for our annual Kidrageous Carnival! This day of fun is filled with pony rides, tye dye, food, arts and crafts, jump houses, and so much more. Help make this event a success and come help out! Volunteers can help set-up, run a booth, dress up as a character, or clean-up. Shift Days and Times: September 23rd Shift A: 8 am - 11 am -- Set-up Shift B: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm -- Run a booth or dress up as a character Shift C: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm -- Run a booth and clean-up

Watsonville, CA

8/26/18 8:00 AM +more

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Be a part of the Mole & Mariachi Festival volunteer team! The Festival runs from 11am-5pm on Sept. 8 and is a free, family-friendly event featuring a mole tasting competition, mariachi music, dancers, kids games, a raffle and much more. This fun, annual event brings a very large number of people to the Mission grounds (at the top of the hill above the clocktower in downtown Santa Cruz). There are volunteer opportunities in a wide variety of areas, so there are plenty choices to suit your volunteer interests. Volunteers are essential to help make this event the huge success it has been in the past. You will get experience working with the public and helping to put on a large scale event. This festival also promotes community interest is the historic Mission. Any funds raised go back to the Mission's operation. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment On Friday, Sept 7th, the day before the festival, shifts are from 2-3 hours and volunteers can choose slots between 8am and 7pm. On Saturday, Sept 8th, the day of the festival shifts are 2-3 hours between 7am -8pm to help with setup, a variety of event logistics including ticket sales, children's activities, and drink sales, and event breakdown. Any minor needs to bring a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. You can sign up for a specific shift at: http://signup.com/go/GCMkKEG

Santa Cruz, CA

9/7/18 8:00 AM +more

We need your office skills! The Diversity Center has a number of great opportunities for administrative support staff. Volunteers are also needed as hosts at the front desk greeting visitors and answering the phone. Join us 3+ hours a week and let's work together.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 8/31/18

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 12/12/18

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: On July 28-30 and August4-6, 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, 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 11/30/18

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 12/5/18

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 12/23/18

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 12/23/18

Youth N.O.W is a pro- social and enrichment program that offers free services in regards to middle school and high school students’ scholastics! Youth N.O.W envisions to empower our youth’s self- efficacy, self- worth, health, and education. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment High School Program runs Monday-Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm & Wednesday's 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Middle School Program runs Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Last day of program for this Spring semester at Middle School will be May 31st, & June 5th for High School. Our Summer program begins on June 25th & ends on July 27th. The middle school program is Monday- Friday from 9am-5pm. The high school program is Monday- Friday from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Fall Programming will resume in late August for those available! What qualifications are we looking for? - Be able to provide tutor and homework help in Spelling, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Writing, Reading Comprehension, and Math. - Be able to assist students on their projects, presentations, and studying for their upcoming tests. - Be able to go over and check their completed assignments - Be an encouraging and supportive peer educator Volunteer Benefits - Mentorship - Experience in educating and working with minority youth - Knowledge in reversing the school- to- prison pipeline - Letters of Recommendation upon request - Tutoring experience - Enrichment course experience - Positive relationships with our local youth - Service Learning credits - Community service hours/ credits Training Dates There are no specific training dates set prior to the Volunteer Coordinator receiving the applicant’s online volunteer application and online back ground check. The interview and training dates will be set after the Volunteer Coordinator receives all forms necessary to participate in providing assistance to the Youth N.O.W team. 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.

Watsonville, CA

Through 8/31/18

For 50 years Suicide Prevention Service has been serving Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Benito County residents through our services, which include a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline. In that time our hotline volunteers have responded to countless individuals who are suicidal, in crisis, grieving, or concerned about the well-being of a loved one. More than anything, people with thoughts of suicide need a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings and be heard. Through our training, prospective volunteers learn the skills necessary to help support and establish safety for all of our callers. By reducing stigma, isolation, silence, and dispelling the myths that surround suicide, we can all make a difference in our community. Our Winter Training Session begins on January 16th, 2018 and the Fall Session begins mid-October 2018. Volunteers recieve 40+ hours of training on Tuesday evenings.After training volunteers commit to a four hour shift, once a week for one year. [If you are having thoughts of suicide, are in crisis, or are concerned for a loved one, please call our 24-hour suicide crisis hotline at 1 (877)-663-5433] 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 7/31/18