"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."

– Winston Churchill

Volunteer

Volunteers of all ages help SBCS provide more children, youth and families in our community with the services they need to succeed. During this economic downturn, volunteer help is critically needed in order to provide the basic services sought by so many.

Becoming a volunteer is also personally and professionally rewarding. Not only will you create a lasting impact in the lives of others, but you will also acquire valuable work experience and network with many people in your community.

Volunteer opportunities are available for all – whether one day events or on-going. We will work with you to find the best program or activity to best match your skills, talents, wishes and time availability. Individual, group and youth volunteers are welcome.

Who Can Volunteer?

Individual Volunteer Opportunities
You can make a difference in the lives of many! Whether once a year or an hour a week, we welcome your time and energy to help us build hope and change lives. Here are some ways you can help:

• Mentor
• Tutor
• Guest Speaker
• Childcare
• Office Assistant
• Clothing/Food Donation Sorter
• Special Events
• Bulk Mailing
• Teach/host a class
• Tax Filing

Group Volunteer Opportunities: Corporate, Community and Faith Based Organizations
Volunteering at SBCS is a great way for groups to have fun together and provide valuable community service. We can help you find the best activity for your group or even help you create one especially for you! Here are some ideas:

• Help beautify our sites
• Hold a Food Drive
• Host a workshop
• Organize a special event
• “Adopt a Family” during the holidays

Youth Volunteer Opportunities: Students, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, School Groups and Youth Groups
We welcome youth who care about where they live and are willing to make a commitment to improve their community. There are many ways youth can help on an individual bases or with a group. Here are some ideas:

• “Adopt a Family” during the holidays
• Hold a food drive
• Help out with childcare
• Create your own project
• Afterschool office assistant

How do I Become a Volunteer?

Phone or E-Mail Contact:
The first step in becoming a volunteer with SBCS is to contact our Community Relations Coordinator, Erica Johnson, through the on-line contact form, or via the phone by calling: (619) 420-3620.

Orientation:
Your next step will be to attend one of our informational Volunteer Orientation meetings. Generally these meetings occur two times per month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Please contact the Community Relations Coordinator, Erica Johnson, at (619) 420-3620 x125 for specific times and directions. The orientation takes approximately 1 hour and will go over the Volunteer Manual, confidentiality policy, volunteer opportunities and required clearances.

Are Clearances required?
With some exceptions, all volunteers will need to complete and pass the following:

• Background Check – Forms and information to schedule your Live Scan fingerprinting will be given during the meeting.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test – A TB test with your physician or at a local clinic of your choice is also required before starting your volunteer work. A TB test consists of an injection in your forearm, followed by a brief visit 2 to 3 days later where a clinician will examine the injection spot. A copy of your TB test results must be submitted. ***This is the only test NOT paid for by SBCS***
• Drug Test: Many volunteer opportunities will require a drug test before you begin. This will be completed at our main agency after your Live Scan fingerprint results have been received.
• DMV Report: On rare occasion a DMV report may be required

When are Clearances NOT required?

• One-day or special occasion events (i.e. Reading time for Mi Escuelita, Change Their Lives, Holiday Giving Program, Food Drives) do not require full clearances. The volunteer must sign a Confidentiality Form and must be in the presence of SBCS employees at ALL TIMES. If the volunteer wishes to return on a regular basis, full clearances will be necessary.

Placement
After all clearances have been submitted, you will be placed with one of our various programs and begin making a difference in your community!

Available Volunteer Opportunities

Special Events:
SBCS has various annual events throughout the year. We encourage and welcome volunteers to help with Change Their Lives, Thunderboats and The Holiday Giving Program. Please contact Erica Johnson for more information, (619) 420-3620 x125.

Beautify our Sites:
Our shelter and transitional developments welcome touch up care such as: painting, gardening, spring clean up, reorganizing and sometimes a little face lift. Beautifying our surroundings brings us together, revitalizes the residences and local neighborhood and brings encouragement to our residents.

Clerical/Office Support:
Our staff can always use help with filing, mailings and other necessities to help our staff do the work needed in the community. This can be done on a weekly basis.

Youth Activities:
There are many opportunities to spend time with the youth in our programs – from cooking classes for foster youth to a day trip to the beach or story time at Mi Escuelita Preschool. With your imagination and enthusiasm, the Community Relations Department can help you with the best activity for youth.

Teaching/Tutoring/Host a Class:
Assist with one-on-one tutoring or organize a mini-group course such as cooking class, fitness, yoga, computer skills, public speaking, or financial literacy.

Guest Speakers:
Your achievements and life story can inspire our youth. SBCS is always in need of guest speakers for our EXCEL program.

Tax Season help!
South Bay Community Services’ EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) program prepares taxes for low-income individuals and families for free. Various locations are available throughout the South Bay. SBCS is need of volunteers to help with intake forms or help prepare taxes from January to April. No experience necessary!

Childcare:
SBCS offers various parenting classes and other topics that help families achieve their goals. To help make it easier for parents to attend, SBCS offers childcare. Volunteers are needed to assist with infants, toddlers and/or school aged children. Classes are help at various locations and times throughout the South Bay.

Reception:
Help families’ access services. Volunteers are needed answer phone calls and assist families at the SBCS main office on Bay Blvd. Training available.

For detailed information, times and locations, contact Erica Johnson (619) 420-3620 x125, e-mail volunteers@csbcs.org or use our Contact Form and choose “Volunteer” from the drop down.