39 years ago, the Human Race started as a whimsy idea by a handful of young Nonprofit Directors who wanted to build community. Then, generous people just like you stepped in, and that little idea grew. As of 2019, millions of dollars have been raised through the Human Race for the causes people love. This […] Read More
This month we celebrate Older Americans Month by recognizing the amazing older adults all around us that are making a positive impact as volunteers, employees and advocates. Older adults are an incredible resource for our community. By engaging and supporting all ages, we recognize that older adults play an important role in the vitality of […] Read More
It has been a busy month of celebration at the Volunteer Center. Earlier this month we celebrated National Volunteer Week and last week as the Volunteer Initiative Program Coordinator, I had the opportunity to celebrate twenty of our outstanding volunteers who give their time to the departments within the County of Santa Cruz. This annual […] Read More
It’s National Volunteer Week and for communities across the nation this week brings the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the value of volunteerism. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week demonstrates the power of volunteerism to bring people together for positive change. Each year during National Volunteer Week, along with our partners we host events […] Read More
This week the Volunteer Center has joined in the nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week to spotlight the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities across the Country. Started in 1994, more than 75,000 Americans participate in AmeriCorps each year and these individuals have contributed over 1 billion hours of service. Here at the Volunteer Center […] Read More
At the Volunteer Center, we are fortunate to work with a host of local businesses who choose to be front and center with our programs by giving their time, knowledge, and resource. These businesses “get it”- They care about the issues affecting our residents, they value community as a key part of their bottom line, […] Read More
Happy New Year! We know that sometimes the post holiday season with the departure of family and friends can feel like a bit of a letdown, especially for seniors. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Now is the time to revel in a bit of downtime, define new goals, and seize the moment […] Read More
Our offices are now closed for the holiday and will re-open again on Jan 2nd, 2019. As we head away from some time with our families we are feeling such pride for another wonderful year of generosity, connection, and impact. This week we closed out our final project of the year with Adopt a Family, […] Read More
Thank-you so much to each and every one who took the initiative to donate or adopt a family this year. We are proud to announce that with the donations, stars items, and all of you, we will be able to successfully support all of our families this year. If you are still looking for ways […] Read More
It was my honor to serve with Neil Bush for years on the Board of the Points of Light Foundation, and a privilege to meet President Bush many times in the course of his support for volunteerism. At this moment in our nation, it is critical to remember that people with different political beliefs can, […] Read More
We have a day for thanks, two for getting deals and then comes #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Today we join non-profits, families, businesses, community centers, and students from around the world for a common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. We know our community is made up of whole-hearted individuals […] Read More
Our office will be closed until Monday Nov 26th as we take time with our families. For many in our community this weekend represents a time to come together in gratitude for all that we have. As we head into the heart of the holiday season, it is a wonderful time to reflect on what […] Read More
It’s Mid-November already! For the marketing world this means the holiday season is in full swing. Tinsel, glitter, and an endless supply of holiday bobbles have arrived at store shelves and Carols are playing over loud speakers all across America. For those who want to look beyond the commercial aspect and find deeper meaning, it […] Read More
We are so pleased to share that we are expecting hundreds of families today at projects throughout Santa Cruz County for Family Volunteer Day. If you wanted to join us but didn’t get a chance to register, you still can. A number of our projects are able to take folks on a drop-in basis. Here […] Read More
This Saturday, November 17th is Family Volunteer Day. I can’t think of a better way to communicate my value for giving and kindness than to simply spend a few hours “doing” with my family. Volunteering in my household is a favorite family past time. My children love the opportunity to be of use to someone […] Read More
It’s Halloween! For the staff and program participants of our mental health wellness program Community Connection, this is a day rooted in joy that celebrates deeply held connections and the history of the program. For more than 30 years staff have hosted an annual Halloween celebration as part of their long legacy of bringing people […] Read More
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday at the 2018 Be the Difference Awards. We were incredibly inspired by the response and the desire to come together for what works in our community. Your love for Santa Cruz County was palpable. This event was successful because of each and every one of the […] Read More
We are thrilled to partner with our sponsors to celebrate the 2018 Be the Difference Awards honoring the individuals, groups, and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism. The event will take place tomorrow October 24th at the Cocoanut Grove from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Doors will open just after 11 AM. In attendance will […] Read More
JOIN US AT THE 2018 BE THE DIFFERENCE AWARDS LUNCH GALA If you haven’t had the chance to buy your tickets yet, we encourage you to do so right away. Tickets are going fast and the deadline to purchase is this Friday, October 12th. Join the Volunteer Center and our sponsors at the 12th Annual […] Read More
For many individuals walking through the neighborhood, taking out the garbage, or driving to the grocery store are simple and unremarkable tasks. But, for some in the community, these activities are overwhelming due to the rigors of aging, declining health, and limited mobility. Due to the fear of falling many local seniors find themselves struggling […] Read More
