Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Assist the Warming Center team in providing hot, 20 minute showers and helping clients access our other programs while they are on site. Sundays, 11am-3pm Here's a video of our livestream event to learn more about the programs and donate. The coming seasons will see a drastic drop in our ability to raise funding through grants and local donations. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 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

11/29/20 11:00 AM + more

Help the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County as a Health Screening Volunteer! We need your support to register Volunteer Center program participants, ask them multiple questions about their health and take their temperature. No experience is needed but your great attitude and dependability! Volunteers must: Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old Be in good health - please review the Safety Tips! The current shifts available are: Monday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. If you are interested you can email jan@scvolunteercenter.org and/or call 831-427-5070 ext 103. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Get Involved...Select the Red "Sign Up" button below for the day and time you want to volunteer

Santa Cruz, CA

11/30/20 1:00 PM + more

Help with laundry for community members experiencing homelessness! We do as many as 60 loads. It's fast and furious and fun. Tuesdays, 8pm-11pm Here's a video of our livestream event to learn more about the programs and donate. The coming seasons will see a drastic drop in our ability to raise funding through grants and local donations. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 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

12/1/20 8:00 PM + more

Warming Center Program is committed to people who sleep outside and are in desperate need of storage for their bedding and personal belongings. We believe the experience of people lugging piles of belongings around, hiding them in various areas and often having them confiscated or stolen is an issue that affects every city resident. We need one person to assist our clerk with checking storage in and out on Wednesday evenings. This includes greeting clients, pulling storage bins, and using a basic computer spreadsheet. Masks, gloves, and isopropyl hand spray are provided, and safety guidelines are in effect. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 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

12/2/20 5:00 PM + more

​Friday morning food distribution at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Pajaro. Volunteers are needed to help with handing out bags to people who do not have cars and to help with directing cars on how to enter and exit the parking lot and line up for maximum efficiency. Volunteers who are bilingual in English and Spanish are especially needed - but you do not have to speak Spanish to help. Physical Distancing and Volunteer Safety: If you have your own face mask please bring it Volunteers will be given a facemask if they need it Gloves and safety vest are provided Tables and markers on the ground direct people how to maintain physical distance Most food recipients will stay in their car Please Sign Up below for the day you want to volunteer. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Pajaro, CA

12/4/20 8:30 AM + more

Are you looking for an easy way to get into the holiday spirit this year? During this most unprecedented of holidays in the middle of a pandemic, this year may feel a little bit different. You can still be a part of bringing holiday joy to a family in need! Our Adopt a Family program helps over 450 local families have a wonderful Christmas season! We are in need of warehouse elves to help with intake of donations, sorting donations, and making sure that gifts make it into the hands of the agencies that will be delivering holiday packages to families this year. Tasks for outdoor volunteers include: lifting gifts and bringing them from donor cars into the warehouse greeting donors Tasks for indoor volunteers include: labeling or wrapping gifts taking inventory of items donated Due to the pandemic, we are hoping for small groups of 2-6 volunteers who will be able to work in "pods" together (ex. families, roommates, spouses, people who have been isolating together). Individual volunteers are also welcome (you will be able to physically distance while volunteering) We recommend this project for kids over 10 - as it is sometimes difficult for younger kids to spend so much time in the warehouse. We also welcome older adults (65+) for inside volunteering - where you will not be interacting with the public (to mitigate COVID-19 risk). Please Express Interest in your preferred shift below. When you express interest you will be prompted to indicate the number of people in your group and if you prefer indoor or outdoor volunteer shifts.

Watsonville, CA

12/4/20 11:30 AM + more

Volunteers are needed to help with the mass drive-through food distribution at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds every other Friday. **BILINGUAL SPANISH/ENGLISH SPEAKERS PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED** 1. Volunteer roles include: directing traffic, taking information from clients, and loading food into cars. 2. Volunteers MUST to be able to stand for long periods of time. 3. Volunteers advised to wear layers and comfy shoes. 4. Volunteers REQUIRED to cover their mouth and nose at all times. 5. Social distancing is encouraged, but it may not be possible to maintain 6 feet distance at all times due to the nature of the information intake being performed. PLEASE REVIEW THE COVID 19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Click the red button below to sign up!

Watsonville, CA

12/11/20 8:00 AM

Live Oak Community Resources' mission is to build a safe place for the Live Oak community to access resources. Tasks for the distribution include distributing food bags, taking down the names of those who are receiving food, and directing cars to the correct location. The distribution will be organized as a drive-through. Gloves and hand sanitizer will be provided. We have a limited number of masks so please bring your own if you have one. Distributions will happen twice a month so if you can't make it this time, reach out for more opportunities! PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 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

12/14/20 4:00 PM

A legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence attends family law restraining order hearings in person at the Watsonville courthouse to provide assistance with legal paperwork, provide peer and emotional support, answer general questions about the legal system without offering legal advice, liaise between the survivor and court employees, and offer local legal resources as needed. Previous experience in advocacy or law is not required. Training is included and meets the California legal requirements to be certified as an advocate for domestic violence survivors (California Evidence Code §1037). Why It Matters Current research shows that, in the US, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience some form of abuse from an intimate partner. Domestic violence has a reciprocal relationship with other forms of abuse of power, such as racism, transphobia, and ableism, and it is the primary cause of homelessness among women. It impacts not only the well-being of an individual but also the family, the community, and society as a whole. Because domestic violence is so prevalent, it comes up in areas outside of domestic violence agencies: hospitals, therapists’ offices, substance use recovery programs, homelessness, schools, families, friend groups, corporate workplaces, law enforcement, etc. Benefits Understanding of domestic and gendered violence in both the personal and broader political contexts Skill development in crisis intervention Skill development in peer support, emotional support, healthy boundaries, and other interpersonal skills Being a safer, more effective ally for survivors both professionally and personally Knowledge of local family law processes Additional trainings and professional development opportunities offered by guest speakers at the monthly supervisory meetings Opportunity for academic credit, work experience, and other benefits for future educational or employment options Opportunities for networking with local legal officials, employees, and groups Requirements Be 18 years or older Have not received domestic violence services as a participant with Walnut Avenue for a minimum of two years Attend a Walnut Avenue volunteer orientation Pass a fingerprinting/criminal background check Completion of the 40+ hour advocacy certification training (required by California law) Participation in our 24-hour hotline service Detail-oriented, punctual, and able to conform to structural requirements/policies Business or business-casual attire An email which is checked regularly Professional verbal and written communication with supervisor Maintain high confidentiality standard Bilingual Spanish encouraged but not required Time Commitment Commitment to 12 consecutive months of service One weekly shift on our hotline (9am-5pm or 5pm-9am), taken anywhere you have phone reception and the option for privacy One monthly professional development/supervisory meeting, attended in person (first Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm) Attending court every Thursday from 7:30am-1pm Associated Costs Certification training with commitment to 12 months: $50 materials fee Certification training without commitment to 12 months: $250 Standard background check (required for all volunteers): $45 Background check for volunteers also providing services for children and teens: $102, with option for reimbursement after 3 months of service If cost is a barrier for you, please contact the community engagement coordinator to discuss your options without judgment at mcoffey@wafwc.org. To Get Started The first step is to attend a volunteer orientation at Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center, which happen about twice a month/every two weeks. To hear upcoming dates and times and to register for the one which works best for you, please call our office at (831) 426-3062. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact our community engagement coordinator, Marjorie Coffey, at mcoffey@wafwc.org. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment, volunteer opportunities and services to participants (EEO) to all persons regardless of ancestry, age, color, national origin, disability (physical and mental, includes HIV and AIDS), genetic information, race, religion (includes religious dress and grooming), gender, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran, request for FMLA 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 11/30/20

Are you 55 +? Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP delivering Healthy Essentials meals to those in need! Be an RSVP hero, helping to assure healthy futures for seniors and others through providing nutritious food for our neighbors. RSVP volunteers are needed as drivers in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area with commitments typically just a few hours one or two days a week. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: RSVP volunteers are needed to help assemble these much needed food bags in many of our partner agencies throughout the tri county area a couple of mornings a week. Be a part of the solution to hunger by joining a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who come together to pack and deliver food bags to seniors in need! RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us at rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Help our young non-profit report our successes and seek needed funding by entering contact and demographic information of the people we are serving. As a volunteer, you will enter data from hardcopy to excel spreadsheets and eventually to a new database. We are working to document the great work we are teaching local kids and families about organic farming and nutrition. As we develop documentation, we are collecting a large amount of data that will tell an excellent story once it is recorded allowing us to seek much-needed grant funding. This is a "Virtual Volunteer Project" that you complete at home using your own computer. Volunteers may work anytime between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday). Volunteers need to have basic computer skills, be meticulous, and resourceful. 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 10/31/21

Join the RSVP movement! Are you 55 +? Why explore volunteer opportunities with RSVP? RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience - or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. RSVP is a national program, part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, administered through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Joining your friends and neighbors in the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in local communities through volunteerism can be recognized on a national level! Benefits offered by RSVP include placements and referrals to 120 non-profit agencies; liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Contact us to hear more about our current opportunities and join our team! Email: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Join RSVP Today. Are you 55+? Love meeting and greeting and helping people? Volunteers are needed to meet and greet veterans who are coming in to the office for services. Skills and duties are: to be pleasant, to answer phones, to help folks get where they are needing to go, and to do light office work. If you love meeting people and helping veterans, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Shifts can work around your schedule but are typically one or two mornings or afternoons per week. The Monterey Bay RSVP program has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years, and is designed to meet the critical needs in the community by fostering volunteerism by persons age 55 and over. RSVP provides a critical link between folks in the community and our partner non profit agencies, and then highlights the tremendous impact that folks like you are making in our community by reporting their volunteer hours at a national level. RSVP promotes the true story of baby boomers as the active contributing members of their community that they are! Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Contact us and let's chat! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Capitola, CA

Through 12/31/21

The Adopt a Family program provides clothing, toys, and food to over 400 of Santa Cruz County's neediest families during the holiday season. We are looking for volunteers to help with this project. Volunteer Duties include: Entering Family Adoption information into our databases to ensure we have all the necessary information when donors begin calling in to adopt families. This organizing is critical to ensure the project gets off to a great start with all the essential information in the correct places. After the project is launched volunteers keep track of adoptions, enter this year's donor information into our database, and indicate which families have been adopted. Volunteer Shifts & Time Commitment: We need volunteers for 2-4 hours per week from October 27th through December 20th. You are not required to volunteer for the duration of the project but being able to do more than one shift is helpful. Volunteer Qualifications include: comfort using computers and simple database and attention to detail. Location: Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, 1740 17th ave, Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062 This is a great opportunity to connect with your community, gain experience managing a database and support this vital work to help our community.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 1/31/21

I-You Venture is seeking individuals to visit seniors living in care facilities. Studies have shown 59 percent of residents that are placed in care facilities aren’t visited by family or friends. As a volunteer, you can help reduce the isolation and loneliness that many residents face every day. I-You Venture volunteers help residents overcome this isolation by introducing the community to them and letting them know someone cares! Friendly Visitor volunteers: Visit isolated seniors Assist with arts and crafts Assist with board games, puzzles and bingo Share the joy of music Share life history and memories Read to seniors Help brighten a senior’s day by sharing your time and interests with them! Who Can Be A Friendly Visitor? Volunteers should have a sincere interest in making a difference in the life of an older person. We would like volunteers to ideally commit for a period of six months. 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 2/28/21

The best kept secret in San Lorenzo Valley is the Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store located in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA. Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store is in need of volunteers who would like to work in our store. It is a great place to volunteer. We get visitors from all over the world interested in experiencing our wonderful redwoods and hiking trails. Living in this area, we forget how magnificent these giant trees are. We have a great group of people who volunteer here and really enjoy sharing this oasis with our visitors. The Nature Store is one way Mountain Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization, raises money to help fund activities for visitors’ to enrich their experiences at Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks. These activities help visitors’ to expand their knowledge and appreciation of our natural environment and cultural heritage. Nature Store is open daily with morning and afternoon shifts. Our times vary throughout the different seasons. The shifts are 3-4 hours at a time. Required Skills: Computer proficiency, as volunteers at the store use a Point of Sale system. Volunteers must enjoy people, able to problem-solve and work independently, be mobile, and be able to lift at least 10 lbs easily. Prior retail experience is a plus but not required. 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.

Felton, CA

Through 2/1/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP being a docent in one of our local museums or parks! Be an RSVP hero, sharing your time and talent, helping to educate visitors about our local treasures and learn something new yourself along the way! RSVP volunteers are needed in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping out in our Senior Centers! Be an RSVP hero, helping to assure healthy futures for seniors by sharing your time and talent. RSVP volunteers are needed in local Senior Centers to share a hobby, help run activites and serve meals, or even utilize cooking skills in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, .... Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping out in our local non-profit Gift Stores! Be an RSVP hero, helping to create value for these great causes by sharing your time and talent. RSVP volunteers are needed in local non-profit Gift Stores to assist at the register, restock merchandise, help with product display, and more in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area - Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, .... Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

Have you always wanted to be one of Santa's little helper's? Well now is your time to shine! Come help out the Volunteer Center with our Adopt a Family Wishing Star Program! Sleigh drivers are needed to help us pick up gifts at businesses participating in our wishing stars program and deliver them to our Adopt a Family Donation Center so our elves can get wrapping! Volunteers are needed on the following dates (flexible times): ​November 4th, 5th and 6th -- drop off donation packets to businesses (this is not a fundraising ask, all businesses have signed up to participate). Pick up gifts at local businesses and deliver to donation center: December 4th, 5th and 6th (Friday - Sunday) December 11th, 12th and 14th (Friday - Monday) December 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th (Wednesday - Saturday) Deliver gift packages to families (must attend the volunteer training for these shifts) You don't need to have a particularly large vehicle, just a flexible schedule (we can work with you to figure out times!) and lots of holiday cheer! All volunteers need to come into our office to register in person before volunteering. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below:

Watsonville, CA

Through 12/23/20

Join RSVP Today. Are you 55+? Love meeting and greeting and helping people? Volunteers are needed to help in our non-profits focused on Women's Causes - meet and greet folks who are coming in to the office for services, help out with special days and projects, some non-profits even have run daycares where they need caring volunteers. Skills and duties are: to be pleasant, to answer phones, to help folks get where they are needing to go, and to do light office work, to help out on special events, and more! If you love meeting people and helping out in the Women's Caueses arena, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Shifts can work around your schedule but are typically one or two mornings or afternoons per week or a one time event on a weekend day. The Monterey Bay RSVP program has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years, and is designed to meet the critical needs in the community by fostering volunteerism by persons age 55 and over. RSVP provides a critical link between folks in the community and our partner non profit agencies, and then highlights the tremendous impact that folks like you are making in our community by reporting their volunteer hours at a national level. RSVP promotes the true story of baby boomers as the active contributing members of their community that they are! Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Contact us and let's chat! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

The generosity of Hope Services’ volunteers make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to be valued and participating members of their communities. At Hope Services, we believe that the world is a better place when people with disabilities are fully integrated and accepted in all aspects of our culture. Activities Help maintain safe working and shopping environment throughout the store Take priced household items and put on shelves Take priced clothing and hang in specific size section Sort donations in production area Keep floor clean/free of items that may cause tripping hazards on store floor Partner with and support HOpe clients in their assigned duties. Time Commitment Preferably 2 hour or more shifts. Days are flexible during store hours. Store is open Tuesday through Sunday (Closed Mondays) COVID Safety Volunteers are asked to bring their own mask Available Locations and Hours: Watsonville: Tuesday - Sunday from 10am to 6pm San Jose: Tuesday - Sunday from 10am t0 6pm Fremont: Everyday from 10am to 6pm 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. You may also call the Volunteer Coordinator, Corie Britton at 408-284-2869 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Watsonville, CA

Through 4/30/21

Volunteer Opportunity: Outreach in Monterey County to inform folks 55+ of the volunteer opportunities available through the Monterey Bay RSVP Program. Find the perfect volunteer fit - Monterey Bay RSVP Volunteer Matchmaking works to find a great personalized volunteer match for folks 55+ ! Help spread the word in Monterey County to get more folks 55+ there involved in volunteerism in the local non-profits. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this volunteer opportunity with flexible hours: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Moss Landing, CA

Through 12/31/21

Volunteering with LOARC is a great way to help individuals reach their goal of riding a horse! The atmosphere is fun, positive, and supportive. You also can get some fresh air, exercise, and play with our horses! Horses provide a unique opportunity for those who may be struggling physically, mentally, or emotionally. Our volunteers will assist in providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our riders. Volunteer duties include brushing and saddling the horse for a lesson. Leading the horse or walking next to the rider during the lesson. Other barn and administrative help are needed for the individual that may not want to work directly with the horses and riders. LOARC would appreciate a commitment of once a week for 8 weeks. Each lesson typically lasts an hour. Volunteers are welcomed to participate for more than the 8 weeks if they choose. Lessons may also be scheduled back to back in which case the volunteer could spend several hours at the barn if they would like. 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.

Felton, CA

Through 1/1/21

Are you interested in helping reduce falls among older adults? We invite you to join our team and become a certified coach for our Fall Prevention Programs. Why be concerned about fall prevention? Six out of every ten falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Whether we are able to meet in person or whether we are working remotely, we have a Fall Prevention Program to help. What qualities and experience are necessary to become a Coach? Good communication and interpersonal skills Enthusiasm Dependability Willingness to lead a small group Interest in working with older adults Life experiences are valued, with education or healthcare experience a plus Ability to perform range of motion and low-level endurance exercises Present the class according to the directions, training and materials provided Encourage interactive discussion about the concepts and skills presented Demonstrate and coach the exercises outlined in the Program Monitor and connect with each participant Promote socialization and a solution-oriented environment among the participants Have fun! Interested in hearing more? Connect with us at rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/21

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. No teaching or foreign language experience needed. It isvery rewarding to see a student grow before you, and requires only 2-3 hours per week. The FIRST step to becoming a Literacy Tutor is to attend a mandatory one hour Orientation. Express Interest for more information or go to the website: www.literacysantacruz.org You can also contact the Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County at (831) 427.5077.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 6/30/21

Receptionist needed once a week at busy Volunteer Center The Volunteer Center is seeking friendly, personable and organized volunteers to assist the office manager with the following duties: Answering inbound calls Meeting and greeting Volunteer Center clients and direct them to the proper department Assisting with mailings and other administrative duties, as needed Assisting with office and facility scheduling Collaborating on event planning Collecting press clipping and organizing the media binder Opening mail and assisting with mail distribution How Will The Volunteer Make A Difference in The Community? The Volunteer Center is dedicated to transforming our community and ourselves through volunteerism and empowering everyone to be the difference. We operate 22 community based programs that deliver critical services to people in need, and additionally refer prospective volunteers looking for positions to nonprofit agencies across Santa Cruz. As a volunteer office assistant, your support is vital in helping our organization meet our mission and connecting people with meaningful service opportunities in our community. Shift days, times, and the expected time commitment: We have two shifts daily, Monday - Friday: Mornings from 9am to 1pm (or 12pm) Afternoons from 1pm to 5pm (or 4pm) We ask volunteers to commit to 2 shifts per month for 3 months. Training or orientation required: Initial orientation and training will be offered on an ongoing basis. Volunteer Qualifications: Friendly and personable; Punctual and able to commit to a minimum of 1 consistent shift per week; Able to multitask; Patient and persistent; Office experience is a plus, but we are willing to train and develop your office skills. We also welcome retired volunteers! Minimum Age For Volunteers: 16 Volunteer Benefits: The Volunteer Center is a very friendly environment with warm staff. Our office manager Jan will be devoted to supporting your professional development with ongoing training and mentoring. This is a busy office and will provide the volunteer with excellent experience as a receptionist and office assistant. Past volunteers have gained valuable experience that has helped them land jobs in the community. We also welcome retired or skilled volunteers! Location of the Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Ave Santa Cruz 95062 Get Involved...Schedule a time to come learn more about in This Opportunity: You can also contact: Volunteer Supervisor: Jan Brady Phone Contact: (831)427-5070

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 6/30/21

Every holiday season the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County's Adopt-A-Family project connects donors over 450 local families in need. We are looking for people interested in joining the Adopt-A-Family planning committee. We meet monthly from July - December and members work on projects between meetings. You may be invited to help us make important coordination decisions and take on projects that interest you. The time commitment is flexible but typically around an hour per week. Read more about Adopt-A-Family

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/8/20

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP helping to provide free income tax assistance for low-income individuals! Be an RSVP hero as our partner agency ramps up for the tax season. Training is provided, along with a training guide and written test booklet, so you'll have everything you need to assist folks with their income tax preparations in this essential function with our partner agency in several locations throughout Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Commitments are typically just a few hours one or two days a week, working around your schedule. Monterey Bay RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. Join RSVP Today. Volunteers 55+ receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Through 12/31/21