Latest News

Share the Warmth This Winter

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It’s time for us to come together to share the warmth with those in need. The Annual Winter Coat Drive, hosted by AmeriCorps Seniors Monterey Bay RSVP, (a program of the Volunteer Center’s Empowered Aging Division) is almost here, and we need your help.

Making the Holidays Bright in Santa Cruz County

Volunteer Jen Jacobs checks her list twice as the team prepares for distribution during the center's 31st annual Adopt-A-Family effort. Photo by Shmuel Thaler / Santa Cruz Sentinel.

This holiday season, our community came together in an extraordinary way to make a difference for those in need. Photo by Shmuel Thaler / Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Giving Thanks to You 

Volunteers build bridges of compassion,connection, and hope—strengthening our community for us all. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Center Literacy Program

Your actions ease isolation, strengthen our community, and touch the lives of thousands across Santa Cruz County and beyond.  Through these connections, the people whose lives you touch—and who see your work—find hope.

Four Ways to Give Joy this Holiday Season with Adopt-a-Family

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In Santa Cruz County, more families than ever are hoping for a holiday miracle. Nearly 600 families—including over 2,000 children and teens—are on this year’s Adopt-a-Family list, making it the largest in our program’s history. These are families from all walks of life who face difficult times and often heartbreaking challenges. 

World Mental Health Day: It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace

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Despite our belief of being an innovative and civic-minded community, a majority of our institutions still subscribe to the belief that mental health is a personal responsibility rather than an organizational obligation to employees. 

September is National Literacy Month!

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At the Volunteer Center, we are proud to highlight our literacy program, which connects dedicated volunteer tutors with individuals in Santa Cruz County who seek to improve their English language skills. Our program is more than just teaching; it’s about empowering people to communicate effectively, gain confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. This month, … Read more

Connect for Good with the Volunteer Center

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Volunteering: Good for the Community—and for You! Volunteering provides essential support to those in need, raises awareness about important causes and issues, and strengthens the fabric of our community. But the benefits go beyond that—they extend to you, the volunteer. The right volunteer opportunity can help you make new friends, build professional connections, learn new … Read more

Supporting Senior Health: Major Grant Expands Fall Prevention Efforts to Greater Monterey Bay Region

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Volunteer Center’s Empowered Aging Division Receives Grant from Central California Alliance for Health to Support Falls Prevention Program Santa Cruz, CA, June 13, 2024 —The Volunteer Center’s Empowered Aging Division recently received a significant grant from the Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) to support the expansion of its evidence-based falls prevention program, A Matter … Read more

Be the Difference Awards Celebrates the Spirit of Volunteerism

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Featured Mini-Documentaries Shine a Spotlight on Local Heroes A Heartfelt Gathering That Inspires Us All to “Be the Difference” The event was not merely a celebration but a powerful reminder of the resilience and compassion that bind our community together, especially during challenging times. As Katie Fairbarin, Chief Experience Officer for Santa Cruz Community Credit … Read more

High Fives for Volunteerism!

Group photo of 16 diverse volunteers and staff members of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, standing outside their building. They are smiling and posing together on a sunny day, with one person holding a clear trophy, celebrating their community service achievements.

Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Receives Prestigious Community Service Award The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is honored to announce that it has been awarded the High Five Community Service Excellence Award. This prestigious recognition is presented by FOX 35 and Monterey Credit Union to commend organizations and individuals who demonstrate an unwavering … Read more