Volunteer Profiles - Meet James

James made his first venture into volunteering through the connections and support received through Community Connection’s Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program. James came to PEI  in 2016 as a young man struggling with mental health symptoms while trying to get through his last year of his AA degree in Economics from Cabrillo College. Through PEI James embraced the opportunities provided to volunteer, acquire new skills to maintain employment,  and attend mental health recovery groups. With a lot of hard work and support, James graduated from Cabrillo in 2017.  Motivated by his success, he chose to continue volunteering as a way to remain engaged and connected. He recognized that giving back to the community bolstered his confidence and sense of self.  Volunteering additionally proved to be a great way to build his resume and gain job skills as he quickly landed a job at one of the nicest restaurants in the county. Using the skills gained through PEI, James has been able to manage his mental health symptoms, maintain his job, and enjoy the many benefits of volunteering. He has been a regular volunteer at Second Story and as a front desk receptionist at Community Connection. He has also volunteered for the Human Race, with Encompass Community Services, and for various special events around the county. “We are so proud of the connections and progress James has made while working with PEI. He has effectively utilized the mental health resources offered and has developed greater independence. By taking steps to engage in meaningful activity and connect with others, James has enjoyed a greater quality of life while making a difference in his community,” states Trea Robinson, Program Coordinator of the Prevention and Early Intervention Program at Community Connection. We wish James continued success on his wellness journey!