Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Friday morning food distribution at Pajaro Valley Middle School. The School Lunch program operates Monday - Thursday and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance is providing food distribution to families on Fridays so they have food over the weekend. Volunteers are needed to help us meet the growing demand from families. 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. If you have questions please email Heather at americorps@scvolunteercenter.org PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Pajaro, CA

6/5/20 8:30 AM + more

Volunteers will assist with setting up distribution stations and distributing food bags to Live Oak community members. Some volunteers will be asked to take down the information of those receiving food and direct cars to the correct locations. Distribution will be organized as a drive-through to ensure social distancing. In addition, volunteers will assist with distributing school supplies and books to families with children. Volunteers should be able to lift a max of 50lbs but it is not required. Spanish/English bilingual is a plus but not required. Volunteers should be able to work in a fast paced environment. 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 every 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

Santa Cruz, CA

6/8/20 10:30 AM

Dates/Times: Mondays 12pm-4pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am-4pm, Thursdays 8am-10am Project Elderly Care provides groceries for seniors in Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Clara County. We are looking for volunteers to help in the warehouse! Mondays from 12pm-4pm (sometimes ends earlier) is set-up and organizing, Tuesdays from 10am-4pm is unloading food and starting to fill grocery bags, Wednesdays from 10am-4pm is finishing filling grocery bags, and Thursdays from 8am-10am is putting together care packages with any last minute fresh produce that we receive before deliveries go out. Come help out for as long as your schedule allows! Youth aged 10+ are welcome with an adult. Get Involved: Sign up below to get the warehouse location, but feel free to just show up during any of the timeslots. Please bring your own mask and complete our registration form/waiver when you arrive. Questions? Please call between 10am-5pm: Esther Guevara 831-498-0134 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Watsonville, CA

6/8/20 12:00 PM + more

Come share life-saving information about how to prepare for emergencies with our community! Thursday, May 28th from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Mountain Community Resources in Felton. Monday, June 8th from 9:30 am - 11:30 am at Live Oak Community Resources in Santa Cruz. Distribute materials to people while they are waiting in line to pick up their food. You will have a very short "script" to explain the information and ask if they would like to sign up for a follow-up phone call. The goal for this program is to ensure that people in our community have the resources and support they need to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a natural disaster. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Santa Cruz, CA

6/8/20 4:00 PM + more

Nueva Vista Community Resources provides a safe place for the Santa Cruz community to access resources that offer stability and hope for the future. We are looking for volunteers to help with food distribution and food pantry organization. Food distribution will be the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 3pm-5pm. You are not required to volunteer the entire distribution. You can volunteer for an hour or as long as you would like! Food distribution will include handing out food bags, taking information of those receiving food, and directing cars. Food pantry organization will include stocking shelves and packing food bags. The schedule for the food pantry is flexible so you can volunteer anytime you are available!

Santa Cruz, CA

6/10/20 3:00 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

6/10/20 5:00 PM + more

Help Inner Light Ministries set up and take down their food distribution station! Three people are needed to carry 50 lb. bags of food at the beginning of distribution on Thursdays from 9:30am-11:00am, and again from 12:30pm-1:30pm. You are welcome to do both shifts and stay for the distribution in between. Some masks are available, but please bring your own if you have one. Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus. Registration as a volunteer (with contact info and emergency contact info) is required on location. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Soquel, CA

6/11/20 9:30 AM + more

Dates/Times: Thursdays, 10am-5pm Help deliver groceries to a senior! Drivers pick up bags of food at our warehouse in Watsonville and transport them to homes in Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Clara County. Drivers are given five or more addresses, depending on how many they are willing to do. Upon arrival, drivers hand off groceries and check in on residents (while maintaining six feet of distance). Once done delivering, drivers have the choice to return for more bags if desired, or can be done for the day. Get Involved: No need to sign up in advance, just show up as close to 10am as you can, and complete our registration form/waiver when you arrive. Drivers must have a valid driver's license and a mask. Questions? Please call between 10am-5pm: Esther Guevara 831-498-0134 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Watsonville, CA

6/11/20 10:00 AM + more

Natural Bridges State Beach is recruiting volunteers for the Fall 2020 Docent Monarch Butterfly Training Class! Learn interesting information Join our team of wonderful park volunteers Become a park steward and Marine Protector Share about monarchs and connect visitors with the park Encourage Monarch habitat enhancement at the park & inland homes Jobs include: Leading tours for elementary school children and the general public. Sharing the monarchs with a spotting scope and by roving in the grove. Maintaining the aquarium, butterfly garden, greenhouse & new trees. Welcoming visitors in the Visitor Center, greeting visitors on the beach. Preparing and participating in special events and restoration activities. Protecting resources through clean-ups, education tables & presence. Your help is appreciated! Training starts on Saturday, September 12 (please stay tuned for exact times), and is a month of Wednesday evenings and part days on Saturdays. We will then be ready for our 40th anniversary of Welcome Back Monarchs Day on October 11th, 2020! To apply : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsM1RoRBz-DGYBLminnZzN13-A_yzhG7Y7ms1H45BycRmOZA/viewform

Santa Cruz, CA

9/12/20 12:00 PM

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE In accordance with city and other regulations, all programs and group activities with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are temporarily cancelled. You are still welcome to conduct a solo neighborhood or beach cleanup (when beaches are open). Check out the Museum's guide to conducting a beach cleanup (with instructions also in this video here). If you conduct a neighborhood or beach cleanup, you can still receive volunteer hours with the Museum! Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org if you have any questions. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is hosting a beach cleanup! Seabright State Beach is right across from the Museum, and we like to make sure our neighborhood beach is always clean. In addition, we take data to support valuable ongoing research about ocean pollutants. As a beach cleanup volunteer, you will help pick up any trash or recycling found on Seabright Beach. You will also take data marking the quantity and type of litter found. This will help researchers determine best practices for packaging and waste management, among other things. In addition, you will learn about ocean conservation and good sustainable choices we can all make. This event may get cancelled in the event of strong rain, wind, or beach closures. Volunteers should bring gloves (if you have them), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. Sanitized beach clean up tools will be provided. Meet at the Museum entrance, and we will walk to the beach together. Advanced registration is required -- to maintain proper social distancing, we have a maximum of 12 slots per beach cleanup. Beach cleanups happen on the 4th Saturday of every month. Get involved… Select the Red “Sign Up” 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

11/28/20 10:00 AM + more

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

Create Art with Seniors Ageless Art Project volunteers are Artists and Crafts people who lead small groups of senior residents in care facilities to create art. Volunteers share their skills and artistic talent in a variety of mediums. Additionally, volunteers have the pleasure of seeing care facility residents experience an awakening of spirit, pride, and self-worth. It is this spark of positive feelings that both the volunteers and residents receive. Ageless Art Project: • Artist volunteers lead regularly scheduled art classes using various kinds of media • Artists give ongoing support and make creative expression a positive experience • Regular exhibitions of seniors’ artwork are displayed throughout Santa Cruz County. A program of I-YOU Venture, Family Service Agency of the Central Coast For more information contact: Ageless Art Project :: (831) 459 8917 x208 medina.a@fsa-cc.org :: www.fsa-cc.org/ageless-art-program 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 10/1/20

Who we are: The Pigeon Light Station's goal is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Upon successful completion of the Docent Training Course, docents will: greet visitors from around the world interpret the cultural and natural history of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park offer free guided walks of the grounds aid guided tours of the Lighthouse Tower operate the Bookstore which sells educational materials and items related to the lighthouse authorized by a permanent park staff supervisor Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment Docents are required to work at least one 7-hour shift (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) each month. The park is currently staffed Thursdays – Mondays. The commitment is for a minimum of one year. Qualifications Docents must be friendly, courteous, and possess good communication skills. They must be willing to learn and share their knowledge of the park resources with visitors. Docents must possess good arithmetic skills and have experience handling money and making change. Volunteer Benefits Expanding awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of the natural and cultural environment. Opportunities to continue education through ongoing enrichment and events. With at least 50 hours service a year, docents receive a free State Park day use pass for a year, in the district where volunteering. After 200 hours in a calendar year as a volunteer, docents receive a free State Park day use pass for the entire state. 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.

Pescadero, CA

Through 10/31/20

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 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 12/31/20

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 12/31/20

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: rsvp2@scvolunteercenter.org Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/31/20

Help us manage the Save Our Shores donor database! The volunteer will need to spend a few hours each week (2-3) here at the Save Our Shores office. Training and support in using the database will be provided. Experience using a relational database is helpful. Volunteers are expected to come into the office once a week to stay up on entering data. We have flexible hours for volunteers outside of regular business hours. We will work with you to find the right time. Volunteers are an important part of our team, are absolutely essential to the continuance of our work to protect our ocean and planet, and are embraced as a crucial part of our vibrant community. Volunteers are invited to attend all Save Our Shores community events! Please feel free to call or text Rod at 831-359-1900 for more information. 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 10/1/20

Friends Outside uses volunteers in a variety of capacities. Volunteers supplement our Jail Visiting, Aftercare, Re-entry, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programs, as well as assist with administrative assistance and special projects. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with Friends Outside.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 8/31/20

As a Teen Kitchen Project volunteer, you have the opportunity to be involved in our kitchen side by side with many other teens to create the hundreds of beautifully delicious and nourishing meals we make every week for families in our community who are dealing with serious illness. We have two kitchens - one in Santa Cruz and one in Watsonville and teen volunteers are needed at both locations. Working at the Teen Kitchen Project is a wonderful experience. You have the opportunity to work with teens from all over the county, learn new cooking skills, meet great people, contribute to your community, and learn about how our food choices, influence not only our personal wellness but also that of the planet. With your participation, families are nourished and our community strengthened. It is as simple as that. Whether you have never cooked before, or feel confident in your skills, there is a place for you at Teen Kitchen Project. We will find the right job for your skill level and give you the opportunity to learn more. We are serving food to nourish families who need support, so the energy and intention as we work in the kitchen is really important for the healing potential of the meals. We expect everyone to focus on the positive intent of putting healing energy, nourishment and love into the food. Teens are asked to commit to at least one three-hour session per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. On most days we finish before 7:00 p.m., so the latest you may arrive is 4:00 p.m. A Teen Kitchen Project Teen: 1. Works as part of a unified team. 2. Takes responsibility. 3. Keeps their energy positive and enthusiastic. 4. Honors commitments. 5. Is caring and welcoming to all. 6. Puts passion and love into the food. 7. Looks for what is needed and does it! Teen chefs will be given the opportunity to grow by learning new cooking techniques, new ways of eating, and by collaborating with others to create meals for those in need. Volunteers are needed in Watsonville and 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.

Soquel, CA

Through 9/5/20

Help create a generation of empowered skillful young cyclists! Volunteers for the Bike Smart Youth Bicycle Safety Program will be assisting elementary and middle school youth learn about bike safety. We set up a bicycle safety skills obstacle course, called a "rodeo" and bring bikes for the students to ride. We also fit helmets and guide the students through different stations in the obstacle course. This is a fun, active and outdoor activity! In the ten years that BikeSmart has been active, we have provided hands-on bike safety training to over 18,000 youth in Santa Cruz County. We aim at creating a safe and fun learning environment for young cyclist of all skill levels. Bike Smart operates during the school year and school hours, and volunteers are always needed. We encourage volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per month. 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 10/1/20

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!

Capitola, CA

Through 12/31/20

You can help a child develop a love of reading! Do you want to be a positive influence on a child’s life while having fun and instilling the joy of reading? If so, this is the position for you! As a reading tutor you will give your time to help children grades K-2nd develop their reading skills. All students are enrolled in the Pajaro Valley School District. Each tutor is paired with a child whom you will work with once a week for eight weeks. Reading tutors are role models, their ultimate aim being to develop within the children a love of reading, increase the children’s confidence and self esteem and to leave the children with a real sense of achievement. This is a great resume builder as all tutors will receive training and will keep journals documenting their experiences teaching and the progress of their students. Come read with us! The Reading Buddies Project is open to youth ages 11-18 that have a passion for working with young children. We also need adult volunteers to help facilitate tutoring sessions. Volunteer Requirements: You must be able to commit to volunteering 1 hour a week for 8 weeks You must participate in required training You must be 11 - 18 years old Adult leaders are needed to supervise volunteer tutors We are now offering tutoring at Schapiro Knolls in Watsonville. Schedule: Our Spring Session has been cancelled, but we will be back in September. All training for tutors is provided by the Pajaro Valley School District, and we use a professionally designed reading curriculum. Come make a difference in your community by sharing your love of reading!

Watsonville, CA

Through 9/30/20

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION All VIP internships and volunteer opportunites are unpaid positions designed to give students, graduates and interested community members exposure to aspects of local government. The Commission on Disabilities was established in 1979 by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to promote the interests and address the specific needs of people with disabilities through community organization, advocacy, and education and advises the Board of Supervisors on policies, legislation, and issues affecting people with disabilities. The Intern will work with County Staff and Commissioners to create a comprehensive history of the Commission, including activities, membership, leadership, recommendations, and legislative and community impact. The history will eventually be presented in a variety of visually appealing and easily accessible formats. Key Responsibilities Include: • Develop a work plan with County Staff containing outcomes, tasks, benchmarks, resources, and a timeline for completion. • Research County and other available records to collect Commission history information • Organize, analyze and prioritize information (with Commissioners/County Staff) for presentation. • Develop interesting, creative, accessible ways to display historical data in a variety of spaces (mobile display for community events and impactful Commission history for website). Desired Intern Characteristics: The ideal candidate would possess the following characteristics: • Coursework in and/or experience with research methods, data collection and analysis • Organization, accuracy and time management skills • Creativity and an interest in visual representation of historical data in digital & physical spaces • Interest in public policy and advancing the interests of people with disabilities • Collaborative work style with the ability to take direction as well as initiative when appropriate • Ability to perform essential tasks and functions related to the expected outcomes, work products and knowledge described herein • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, graphic arts software and current business technology Special Considerations: Because this internship is with a County government agency, candidate must be able and willing to conduct themselves in a manner that best represents the Commission and the County during outreach efforts and interactions Minimum required hours: 16 hours per week for five weeks or 8 hours per week for 10 weeks 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 11/1/20

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

Are you interested in helping reduce falls among older adults? We invite you to join our team and become a workshop coach for Matter of Balance classes. What is a Matter of Balance Coach? A Coach co-leads the Matter of Balance class sessions with another Coach. Two Coaches are required to teach the class to participants. 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 Ability to carry up to 20 pounds How do you become a Coach? Attend eight hours of Coach training taught by the Master Trainer(s) and earn A Matter of Balance Coach Certification Attend 2.5 hours of Coach training updates annually Agree to coach two Matter of Balance classes within one year of certification What are the Coach's responsibilities? Prepare for each class by reviewing the Matter of Balance manual and materials Organize the classroom with supplies and refreshments 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 Matter of Balance Program Monitor and connect with each participant Promote socialization and a solution-oriented environment among the participants Have fun! Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 11/1/20

Kids Club is a program that provides childcare for parents who are seeking domestic violence services, such as meeting with an advocate or attending a support group. Kids Club facilitators supervise children between the ages of 0-11 through play, crafts, reading stories, and providing snacks as needed. Previous experience with younger children is desired but not required. 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. Domestic violence has profound impact on the development of children, whether or not those children directly experienced the violence themselves, and so Kids Club provides safe adult support for the child while also removing a common barrier for survivors trying to find the resources they need to improve their family’s well-being. Benefits Understanding of the impact of domestic violence trauma on child development Experience with A Window Between Worlds, an evidence-based program for creative self-expression Experience in supporting and caring for young children in a trauma-informed way Opportunity for academic credit, work experience, and other benefits for future educational or employment options 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 Have appropriate boundaries and communication with young children and their parents Understanding and acceptance of gender non-conforming children Pass a fingerprinting/criminal background check An email which is checked regularly Bilingual Spanish encouraged but not required Time Commitment Commitment to 6 consecutive months of service Minimum one weekly shift, variable based on need (shifts are typically up to 2 hours at time) Associated Costs Background check for volunteers 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 8/27/20

Our mission is to provide easy access to the many rewarding environmental volunteer opportunities in our community, and to promote the diverse and dedicated environmental organizations serving Santa Cruz County. To access all 90 Santa Cruz County environmental organizations and their volunteer activities, visit www.environteers.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

Through 9/13/20

Hopes Closet of Santa Cruz is looking for dedicated and friendly individuals to help sort children's clothing, toys, shoes, books, and equipment. Volunteers will also be helping with recycling. The mission of Hopes Closet is to provide gently used clothing and necessities to children and families in need. Each child receives a Bundle of Hope containing clothing, shoes and age-appropriate books and toys. Our goal is to provide these items in a dignified manner. Volunteers make it possible for Hopes Closet to reach our targeted community: Foster children, family shelters, Early Head Start, public health nurses, social workers, local hospitals, Pregnancy Resource Center, Siena House, Janus Perinatal, Center for Farmworker Families, and more. Volunteer times vary - Monday through Friday 10:00-4:00. Training and Orientation is required and is provided by appointment 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 10/31/20

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 10/1/20