Needs From: San Benito County Volunteers

Assemble frozen meals that will support our Meals on Wheels program in San Benito County.

Please wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. A hairnet will be provided if you don't have a hat.

Set up tables and chairs, then prepare the tables for meal service.

Please wear closed-toed shoes.

Serve lunch to seniors in San Juan Bautista.

Please wear closed-toed shoes.

Serve lunch to seniors.

Please wear closed-toed shoes.

Every fall, fields across California’s Central Coast burst into color with cempoalxóchitl - the brilliant Mexican marigolds at the heart of Día de los Muertos traditions. Through The Marigold Collective / Colectivo Cempoalxóchitl, we bring you an experience rooted in Mexican heritage from seed to seedling to artist to the people bringing them to market - all led by our community. This is not just about flowers; it is about music, food, hands-on workshops, and vibrant gatherings that celebrate culture, land, and joy.

This celebration will take place every Sunday from October 4th through November 1, 2025 at Dyvina Organic Ranch on Pacheco Pass Road, near Gilroy.  The organizer, Regeneration, is seeking volunteers to help organize and run these events.  Tasks include outreach and communication, logistics and event operations.  You can volunteer for one or two tasks or events or all of them.  For more information and to sign up, please contact Josefina Lara Chavez at josefina@regenerationla.org or (831) 744-5424.  Please pass this opportunity on to interested family, friends and colleagues.

Date & Tasks & time commitment 

Sept. 1-28: Preparation

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment: 5 hrs./week

Oct. 5th: Marigold Festival, including farm tours & crafts

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment: 4 hrs./day

Oct. 10th: Farm tours & crafts

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment: 5 hrs./week

Oct. 19th: Garlands for Diwali

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment: 4 hrs./day 

Oct. 26th: Offerings for Dia de Los Muertas

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment:  4 hrs./day

Nov. 2nd: Dia de Los Muertos

Tasks: Outreach, logistics, purchasing, etc.

Time commitment:  4 hrs./day

Lead senior art activities, such as drawing, jewelry-making, and painting at the Pauline Valdivia Memorial Community Center. Open to Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 am – 11:30 am.

Please contact Heather Wall for more information.

Lead a senior fitness class at the Pauline Valdivia Memorial Community Center. Must be CPR/AED certified. Open to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. Examples: Tai Chi, chair yoga, chair Zumba, chair stretching and toning.

Please contact Heather Wall for more information.

Spanish Speaking Volunteers needed in Hollister/Salinas/Watsonville

Some of our hospice patients need volunteers who they can share and connect with in their native language. As a Bridge Hospice Volunteer, you can make a difference in the life of someone who needs your gift of speech to communicate their needs. Spending time with our patients once or twice a week, sharing stories and providing a warm friendly visit can make all the difference in his/her life. It's a wonderful way to honor those in need of companionship and a way to give back to your community.

Please contact Loida Arriaga if your would like to join us at larriaga@bridgehh.com or centralcoastvolunteers@bridgehc.com

Advocates are caring volunteers who are committed to providing a voice for the most vulnerable youth in our community: foster children. The role of the volunteer advocate is to ensure the child’s safety and well-being, as well as the physical, emotional, and educational needs are met during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

SENIOR NETWORK

SERVICES

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

CERTIFIED LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN (VOLUNTEER) Job Description MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Compassion for older people and a commitment to work in a long-term care environment • Ability to pass a background check after the training • Ability to record in written form, all necessary information about a complaint • Possession of a valid California driver's license and access to a fully insured vehicle • May not have been employed by a long-term care facility for at least one year • May not have a financial interest in a long-term care facility RESPONSIBILITIES • Complete the 36-hour training (online and classroom) and a 12-hour internship • Visit assigned facilities on a regular basis for the purpose of hearing, investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities.

• Honor complete confidentiality in regards to residents, cases, and facilities.

• Act as an advocate for the "expressed wish" of the long-term care resident.

• Provide a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of service each week, or 8 to 15 hours a month.

• Attend the monthly 2-hour volunteer meeting/training.

• Maintain accurate case notes and submit facility reports each month.

• Provide  ombudsman services in a manner consistent with federal and state requirements, as well as local program policies and procedures.

• Strictly observe the ombudsman-specific regulations regarding known or observed physical abuse of any resident in a long-term care facility. (We are not mandated

reporters)

HOURS & COMMITMENT

• A minimum of 2 to 3 hours of service each week, or 8 to 15 hours a month.

• This is a volunteer position, but you may claim mileage reimbursement!

• A minimum commitment of one year to the program. (Many volunteers provide service for multiple years!) BENEFITS • The satisfaction of working with people in need and promoting change that helps a person live out their remaining years in dignity and with respect • Valuable knowledge about the rights of long-term care residents, the regulatory system, and services available to help residents and their families • Making a difference in the lives of aging residents and your community • Mileage reimbursement!

HICAP is a government funded program that educates Seniors on how Medicare works. HICAP enlists volunteers to meet program goals. There is training provided by both State and Federal agencies to help get volunteers educated on how Medicare works. Once State registered through the California Department of Aging (CDA) volunteers work with local HICAP to deliver services to Seniors and their families. Counselors set their own hours for counseling. Most volunteers counsel 2 to 4 hours per week.

If you are passionate about helping seniors in your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! We are seeking upbeat, passionate individuals to coach evidence-based fall prevention classes called Matter of Balance. These classes help seniors overcome the fear of falling by using cognitive restructuring, an exercise regimen, and evidence-based methods. 

Matter of Balance is an 8 class program, in which each class is 2 hours long. In order to become a coach for this awesome opportunity, all you need to do is attend an 8 hour training (split over 2 days), and be ready to bring your best self to the classes you will teach!

What are some perks of becoming a Matter of Balance coach? 

Sign up to become a coach today by contacting Ares Bartell - ares.bartell@scvolunteercenter.org