Latest News

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

a group of seniors celebrate in a classroom

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

Meet the Stars of Volunteer Service

2024 Be the Difference Award Honorees

Introducing the 2024 Be the Difference Honorees! Tickets Now Open for the Heartwarming Community Event at The Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove In an inspiring celebration of service and community spirit, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is set to host the 2024 Be the Difference Awards on Wednesday, May 8, from 11:30 am – 1:30 … Read more

UCSC: Empowering communities through partnership

Blum Center Associate Director Eva Bertram (middle) and Blum Center students gather in Live Oak to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build site.

Five UCSC undergraduates, one graduate student, and two faculty members working with The Blum Center on Poverty, Social Enterprise, and Participatory Governance spent their Saturday volunteering at the build site, highlighting one of the experiential learning opportunities UCSC students are gaining from a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.  Originally Published May 17, 2023 By Haneen Zain This project was made … Read more

10 Ways to Make a Difference During Global Volunteer Month

Youthserve Volunteers and staff help out at the Homeless Garden Project

April is Global Volunteer Month, and the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is leading the charge with volunteer opportunities taking place every day in April.  The U.S. Surgeon General’s Office recently highlighted in an advisory the negative health impacts of loneliness, isolation, and social disconnection, referring to the situation as an epidemic in the … Read more

Join us for Mental Health Awareness Night at the SC Warriors!

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Join the Volunteer Center Community Connections Program and our partners in raising awareness for Mental Health with the SC Warriors!

Who Inspires You? Call for Nominations

Be the Difference Awards 2024

Do you know an individual, business, nonprofit, or community group who makes their moments matter through volunteerism? 

Nominate them for a Be the Difference Award!