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.

A Big Win for Volunteers!

The Volunteer Center receives the High Five Community Service Excellence Award from FOX 35 and Monterey Credit Union!

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Invite Your Friends to Connect for Good!

YouthSERVE Summer Institute

A Free Program for Youth Volunteers

New Falls Prevention Classes

Coming soon to Santa Cruz and Watsonville

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Latest News

a group of seniors celebrate in a classroom

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

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 ...
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Be the Difference Awards Celebrates the Spirit of Volunteerism

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County proudly hosted the annual “Be the Difference” Awards, a tradition that not only honors but truly celebrates the profound impact of volunteerism in our community. This year, nearly 400 local civic and community leaders gathering to pay tribute ...
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Upcoming Events

  • July 1-24

    A Matter of Balance: Falls Prevention Program
    Free Class for Seniors in Santa Cruz
    Learn More about upcoming classes »

  • July 15 - 25

    YouthSERVE Summer Institute
    Weeks 3 & 4
    Free Summer Program for ages 11+
    Learn More »

  • July 23 - August 14

    A Matter of Balance: Falls Prevention Program
    Free Class for Seniors in Watsonville
    Learn More»

  • Fall 2024

    Literacy Tutor Trainings
    Fall Training Dates will be announced soon.
    Learn More »

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet the Volunteers at Boulder Creek Fire Protection District

2023 Recipients of the Be the Difference Award for Rebuilding Community After Disaster for their tireless support and brave response efforts to emergencies throughout their district.

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Meet Dale Bieser: Volunteer Docent Extraordinaire!

2023 Recipient of the Be the Difference Award for Building a Green & Sustainable Community.

Read More about Meet Dale Bieser: Volunteer Docent Extraordinaire!

Aisha Charves Takes Charge

Feeling a call to action, Volunteer Center staffer Aisha Charves responded.  Aisha used her community organizing skills to initiate clean-up in flood-damaged Paradise Park.

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Volunteering – A Community Effort!

“It has been a privilege to serve and bless a family in our community, and in some ways, it has unified the park.”

Read More about Volunteering – A Community Effort!