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 8:30 AM and finish serving the meal at 1:45 PM. Who can eat? All in need regardless of race, creed, color or sex. When are meals served? A midday meal is served Monday thru Friday from 12:00 to 1:00. What is served? Each day a different soup is served in addition to the salad, fruit, bread and milk. A wholesome variety of filling soup and homemade salad dressings help to create a complete meal. Desserts are also served when available. What other services are available? Showers are available daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Clothing is distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Shirts, pants, socks, outerwear and clothing are available to our guests. Our guests. St. Francis Catholic Kitchen considers those who eat with us our guests. Our volunteers quickly learn that being homeless or on the streets is a serious challenge. We hope that, for at least part of the day, they can feel appreciated when they walk through the doors of the Kitchen. ** Please note we will not be serving on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day**

Santa Cruz, CA

11/15/18 8:30 AM +more

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Grey Bears. Volunteers are needed to help on the Brown Bag program: assembling bags of fresh produce for seniors on Thursday and Friday mornings between 7:30am and 9am. 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

11/16/18 7:30 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

11/16/18 9:30 AM +more

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

Santa Cruz, CA

11/16/18 4:30 PM +more

Help raise funds for the UCSC Arboretum with holiday cheer! Many of the items for sale were created by our volunteers from the Succulent and Dried Flower Wreath groups. The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a 50-year-old treasure and beloved destination for the central coast and local community that seeks to inspire stewardship of the world's biodiversity through research, education, and the conservation of rare, endangered, and extraordinary plants. Day of the Sale we need help with the following: Parking: Volunteers will be stationed outside and direct cars to appropriate parking areas. Training and vests will be provided. Sales Ticket Writers: Volunteers will write up a handwritten receipt and add up the total cost of merchandise, before tax. Talliers will also help hand out boxes, answer questions and direct guests. Training, aprons, small clipboards with tally sheets, and calculators will be provided Holding Table Assistant: Volunteers will hand out boxes, answer questions, direct guests and keep an eye on merchandise. Training and aprons will be provided. Umbrella Valet/Floater: Volunteers will help valet shoppers to their cars with an umbrella (if raining) and otherwise help where needed. Cleanup: Volunteers will help inventory and pack up remaining merchandise, break down tables, and clean the areas. Please wear close-toed shoes. For more information about the event positions go to: https://www.volunteersignup.org/M3RHW If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer. More information about the event here: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/news-events/events/recurring-events/wreath-sale.html

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 8:45 AM

Save Our Shores is happy to be a part of the community wide effort on Family Voluntee Day, November 17, 2018. Sunny Cove 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. Save Our Shores has identified Sunny Cove as Hot Spot and is seeking volunteers to give the Cove the attention it deserves. Illegal fires, partying, and inappropriate disposal of trash has been harmful to local wildlife, neighbors and tourists. Help us monitor and clean up Sunny Cove! Individual and small group volunteers are welcome. Save Our Shores 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 the end of Sunny Cove Drive. The access to the beach is a slightly steep and rocky slope. Volunteers are always encouraged to help cleanup the street and parking area if they are not comfortable heading down to the beach. We will be cleaning RAIN or SHINE! If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer.

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 9:00 AM

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

11/17/18 9:00 AM +more

Take a few hours out of your weekend to beautify your community on Family Volunteer Day! Join us on Saturday, November 17th for a community paint-out in Aptos. We will be removing graffiti from 10 AM to 12 PM along the railroad tracks at State Park Drive, adjacent to Coastlands Church. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they don't mind getting paint on. All paint supplies will be provided. If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer.

Aptos, CA

11/17/18 10:00 AM

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center is beautifying their center on Saturday November 10th and December 1st. 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!

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 10:00 AM +more

Please join us for National Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 17th from 10am to 1pm. We will beautify the park by painting fences and pulling weeds. Refreshments, light snacks and all supplies will be provided. Please wear comfortable cloths and shoes and bring work gloves if you have a favorite pair. Sign up to volunteer by November 15th to be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer.

Corralitos, CA

11/17/18 10:00 AM

Hello Future Friends! Friends of Santa Cruz Public Library is looking for volunteer Books Transporters. If you would like to donate some time to move books from Downtown santa Cruz to our storage garage then we would love your help. If you have a truck or a large vehicle for stacking heavy boxes of books. That is very helpful. Shifts as your schedule permits. Thank you! Other shift may become available as well. We will train you to operate the POS system and how we organize sales. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity so we hope that you will sign up for a reoccurring shift such as every Saturday or every other Wednesday. Once you express interest we can talk about the process. 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

11/17/18 10:00 AM +more

Help us tend to our Garden Learning Center! As a garden volunteer, you will help us with watering, weeding, pruning and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! Our Garden Learning Center functions as a model of sustainable gardening practices, designed to reduce use of resources, increase ecological diversity, and keep harmful chemicals out of our watershed. We also bring school groups through the garden to explore plants used by local tribal groups for food, tools, medicine, and shelter. If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer.

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 10:00 AM

Join us on Family Volunteer Day to prepare for our annual Adopt A Family project. Saturday, November 17th from 10am to 12pm at the Volunteer Center in Santa Cruz. The Adopt A Family project provides food, clothing and toys to over 400 of Santa Cruz County's neediest families during the holiday season. Every year approximately 100 families on our list go un-adopted, and we depend on our on donations from our Stars project to fill the need. Here's where you come in....we need your help to create wishing star ornaments. At our stars parties volunteers cut out foam stars, decorate them, and write gift ideas on them. These stars are displayed at local banks and businesses for members in the community to see specific gift needs of children and families who were not adopted. people pick up the stars, purchase the gift and return them to the bank or business. ***Stars making kits are also available for volunteer business groups, or student groups so you can have a party in your office or classroom. We'll provide you with precut stars that just need a creative touch! Once you've completed the stars hang them up in your business and watch as the gifts pour in, or return them to the Volunteer Center. We will provide volunteers with all the art supplies needed to complete the task. Any supplies you'd like to contribute will be greatly appreciated. If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer. Get Involved... Sign Up For This Opportunity using the SIGN UP button below If you have questions about registering for the project contact Melissa at 831-427-5070x128 or email engagement@scvolunteercenter.org

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 10:00 AM

This is the day that spirited Elves hope for - we're setting up the lights, taking the ornaments (and other supplies) out of storage and setting up Santa Cruz County's own North Pole. We'll be moving n the lights, tables, boxes and all the elements to make an empty warehouse a home. Do you have an Elf hat, a reindeer antler hairband, an apron that lights up, jingle bell earrings, do you know each of the 12 Days of Christmas by memory? Is your sleigh a truck or an SUV? We could definitely use your help! If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer.

Watsonville, CA

11/17/18 11:00 AM

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare vegan meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm. No experience is needed as we always need help with the basics of washing and cutting vegetables. We will provide training for cooking volunteers that are able to commit to volunteering once a month. Experienced cooks are always welcome to share their expertise. Volunteers are welcome to join us in serving the meal at the Post Office from 4pm - 6pm and with clean up afterwards. We especially need help with clean-up after the meals from 6pm to 7pm. Volunteers also support us with composting, data entry and event planning.

Santa Cruz, CA

11/17/18 12:00 PM +more

Are you a knowledgeable around computers? Like helping seniors solve tech problems? Then we need you! We are looking for a volunteer lab assistant to help host our open lab hours from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Tuesdays at Louden Nelson Community Center in the Senior Computer Center of Santa Cruz. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

11/20/18 11:00 AM +more

Celebrate on November 21st with Santa Cruz County Mental Health Services by cooking, serving or cleaning up lunch. Every year we put on a big Thanksgiving celebration for mental health clients and their families at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Watsonville. Volunteer Shifts: 9:30 am to 11:30 am - Cook mashed potatoes and stuffing 10:30 am to 2:30pm - Serving lunch or washing dishes 2:00pm to 3:30pm - Putting away tables and cleaning up *All volunteers are invited to enjoy lunch with us. **We are also in need of donations for door prizes for clients. Holiday decorations, hygene products, socks, canned food, etc.

Watsonville, CA

11/21/18 9:30 AM +more

Run For Pie, Fundraiser for 2nd Harvest Food Bank Thanksgiving Day November 22nd The Seventh Annual Run for Pie is an event that benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our community has enough food. Starting at the bottom of the hill in Aptos Village park, the course will climb up to Aptos Creek Road and head into Nisene Marks State Park for a 5k or 10k out and back. Volunteers are needed to assist with course set-up, registration and the two aid stations along the course. Please contact Christine with questions at 831-818-3225

Aptos, CA

11/22/18 7:00 AM

The Friends have an annual Holiday Sale in the upstairs community room of the Downtown Library on Saturday, December 1st. 8am we need book sale set up volunteers 10:00 am -3:00pm we need sale orgainizers and cashiers. 3:00pm we need help breaking downt the sale * We have a kids craft table that needs a host to help with kid Crafts too :)

Santa Cruz, CA

12/1/18 8:00 AM +more

Young Volunteers are Needed to Tutor Seniors in Technology Help seniors navigate in the digital age and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From e-mail to iPads, our seniors need your help and with the community center's recent upgrade to Windows 7 your assistance will be more important than ever! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: September 15th and 29th October 13th and 20th November 10th December 1st and 15th All Senior Tech Days are held on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below. We will confirm your attendance one week prior ot the project day.

Santa Cruz, CA

12/1/18 12:00 PM +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

12/8/18 9:30 AM

Our Adopt a Family Holiday project provides clothing, toys, and food to over 450 families in need during the holiday season. Volunteer Activities: As warehouse volunteer elves, you can assist with the intake of gifts, gift wrapping, organizing the warehouse, and distributing gifts to agencies. These volunteers are the muscle behind the Adopt a Family program and have a lot of fun playing the role of "elves" for these families in need. Wednesday, December 12, 10am to 2pm: Warehouse Set-up Thursday, December 13th, 11:30am-3:30pm, 3:00pm-7:00pm, Gift Intake and Sorting Friday, December 14th, 11:30am-3:30pm, 3:00pm-7:00pm Gift Intake and Sorting Saturday, December 15th, 9:30-1:30pm, 1:00-5:30pm Gift Intake and Wrapping Sunday, December 16th, 9:30-1:30pm, 1:00-5:30pm Gift Intake and Wrapping Monday, December 17th, 12-3:30pm and 3pm-6:30pm Gift Intake and Wrapping Tuesday, December 18th, 9-1pm and 12:30-4:30pm, 4:30pm - 7pm Gift Distribution and Loading (Volunteers must be able to handle some lifting) Warehouse is located in Downtown Santa Cruz on Front St. (near Trader Joe's) Additional shift options available for volunteer groups! Please email Melissa or call (831) 427-5070 x128 to request group volunteer projects.

Santa Cruz, CA

12/13/18 11:30 AM +more

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

Watsonville, CA

1/26/19 9:00 AM +more

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

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 4/30/19

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

Join our team of suicide crisis line volunteers! This is a rewarding experience where volunteers learn active listening skills, self-care and suicide and crisis intervention techniques. 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. More than anything, people with thoughts of suicide need a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings and be heard. Our Fall Training Session begins on October 16th, 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. 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 12/1/18