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RSVP Program News & Announcements

June is almost here, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are shining brighter than the summer sun! In this issue, catch up on fellow volunteer highlights, learn how to join us for the Pride Parade, and explore current volunteer needs and opportunities.

Join us as we march in Santa Cruz's 50th annual Pride Parade. Show up and celebrate volunteerism and the strength it provides the community. Everyone is welcome! Bring a friend or family member with you. We hope to see as many of you as possible. 

Parade Info: 

Date: June 1st, 2025 

Time:  10:30am (parade starts at 11 a.m.)

RSVP: Reply to this email to RSVP.

Address: Downtown Santa Cruz (line up on Cathcart St, towards Front St. in between Kianti's Pizza & Mariposa Coffee Bar)

RSVP: Reply to this email to RSVP.

Meet the small but mighty Yard Clean-Up Crew: Debbie and Susan! 🌸

Through the Helping Hands Program of Santa Cruz County, which recently expanded to include yard clean-up services along with safety-related home repairs, Debbie and Susan have sprung into action this spring.

Their efforts have helped many seniors in the Santa Cruz community improve both the beauty and safety of their homes. From clearing walkways and trimming overgrowth to sweeping slippery surfaces, they’ve made outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable for those they serve.

Thank you, Debbie and Susan, for jumping right into this opportunity and spreading so much cheer and care through your service.

Looking to lend a helping hand outdoors? Join the Yard Clean-Up Crew and make a visible difference in your community!

On April 29, 2025, AmeriCorps Seniors Monterey Bay RSVP volunteer Catherine Dufort was formally recognized by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for her outstanding volunteerism and service to the community.

For the past eight years, Catherine has been a dedicated supporter of the RSVP program. In addition to her ongoing service, she recently took on a volunteer role at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Center, where she is the warm, welcoming face that greets and assists everyone who walks through the door.

Catherine’s kindness, reliability, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on everyone she meets.

Thank you, Catherine, for your years of dedication and for being such a shining example of community spirit!

Volunteers Barbara and Renee have reconnected and are once again leading a successful Matter of Balance workshop! This evidence-based program teaches vital fall prevention strategies and includes gentle exercises to help older adults improve their strength and balance.

Participants have shared glowing feedback, noting that it’s a great class with excellent facilitators. One participant said they now feel more comfortable discussing concerns and limitations with others, while another shared that they continue to practice the exercises learned in class at home.

Thank you, Barbara and Renee, for leading with compassion, expertise, and heart. Your efforts are empowering older adults with knowledge and tools that support safer, more independent lives.

Nancy, Anne, Julie, and many others shared their creative talents to bring joy to seniors in assisted living communities. Volunteers crafted over 100 handmade cards to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the arrival of spring.

These thoughtful cards helped brighten the days of many seniors, offering a cheerful reminder that they are remembered and appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who helped spread kindness through creativity!

Want to make a difference with your creative skills? Join the I-You Venture Program and help bring smiles to others.

Nick is more than just a transportation driver. He’s a true superstar in our volunteer community. 🌟

Not only does Nick reliably drive clients to their important appointments, but he also goes the extra mile to offer personal support. One client, who is visually impaired, benefits greatly from Nick’s kindness. He gently lends an arm to assist her and stays with her trusted guide dog while she swims during therapy sessions.

Beyond his compassionate care on the road, Nick helps coordinate rides through our dispatch system. His dedication and positive attitude makes a huge difference to both clients and the program.

Nick says volunteering is “truly a gift,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Thank you, Nick, for going above and beyond every day.

The Helping Hands Program helps hundreds of senior homeowners each year with safety modifications such as the installation of grab bars, non-slip treading, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and much more.

Want to support the program and keep seniors safe from falls? View the Amazon wishlist! 

Spread love and nutrition, one meal at a time! 🍉🍪 Volunteer with Meals on Wheels! 

Join the Meals on Wheels volunteer team and help distribute melas at various dining sites or deliver home meals to many seniors in need throughout the community! Volunteers empower seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and the community to remain independent by nourishing their bodies, minds, and spirits.

Email: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Call: 831-427-5070x118

*Flexible opportunity*

Help keep your neighborhood BEAUTIFUL! 💟 

Join the YouthServe program this summer to help paint over graffiti! Volunteer alongside youth to help beautify the community.  

Dates: May 31st, June 5th, June 21st

Time: 10am - 12pm 

See more info and RSVP Here! 

Call: 831-427-5070x118

*weekend opportunities available*

Help nourish those in need - Join the Teen Kitchen Project 🍓💫

Teen Kitchen Project helps those experiencing threatening illnesses such as cancer receive healthy and delicious meals. You can join this amazing team and help deliver meals, bag groceries, package and albel, an much more! 

Express Interest or find out more: 

Email: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Call: 831-427-5070x118

Be a Core Leader with CA State Parks! 🌲🌼🌊

Become a volunteer core leader and park ambassador with California State parks! Leaders work closely with program staff to help promote events, welcome volunteer groups, take photos, and learn the unique needs of the park! 

Volunteer Leaders are needed for the following parks: 

1. Lighthouse Field State Beach (Santa Cruz) 

2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Santa Cruz)

3. Garrapata State Park (Monterey)

4. Fort Ord Dunes State Park (Monterey) 

Express Interest or find out more: 

Email: rsvp@scvolunteercenter.org

Call: 831-427-5070 x118 

MONTHLY HOURS - Please submit your RSVP hours for May!  Each month we ask that you submit your monthly hours. These are incredibly important to log as it provides us with record to validate dates of service, provide you with resources and reimbursement, and demonstrate the effectiveness of RSVP. It is so important! Thank you!

The Home for Volunteerism in Santa Cruz County

Together, we're transforming our community through volunteerism,
empowering everyone to Be the Difference.

Thank you for your support!

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization.

Our EIN is EIN: 94-1702678
1740 17th Ave | Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 831-427-5070 | Email: volunteer@scvolunteercenter.org