1. society
2. welfare
3. social services
4. volunteering

September – October – November – December 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING
San Luis Obispo County
City of San Luis Obispo
Altrusa
Nipomo Lions
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
660 PISMO STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO
805-544-8740
Welcome New Volunteers
News
By Marie Brinkmeyer
We asked for your input on places of interest for day trips. See the list
that follows. We want to better engage our members in one-day fairly
local trips. Got a great response – read on!
Please look over the suggestions we received and let us know what
would be of most interest to you. This will help us plan for the
remainder of 2014 and on into 2015. Not only are these trips
fundraisers for us but a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know one
another better – and actually provide our entire membership an
opportunity to mingle with those whose paths one might otherwise not
cross – be it Northern Santa Barbara County or North County San Luis
Obispo. Remember, our RSVP covers from “the tunnel” on the South, to
San Miguel, on the North.
Here are the suggestions we received (in alphabetical order) – please
pick your top 3:
• Catalina Island
• Chablis Cruise in Morro Bay
• Chumash Casino
• Filoli Gardens (at Christmas)
• Moss Landing (whale watching)
• Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar
• Ojai, Santa Barbara (could be combined)
• Oxnard (harbor and shopping)
• Solvang (at Christmas)
• Train trip to Santa Barbara
• Ventura (harbor and shopping)
• Wine tasting in Los Olivos - stop in Los Alamos
The response did not stop at suggestions, but included volunteers who
said they would be interested and willing to assist staff with trip
arranging – now what could be better than that? We will tally your
responses and plan accordingly. Of course that means we will expect
you to participate in as many of the trips as possible. We have so much
fun – you don’t want to miss out!
Thanks to our “first” responders – keep tuned for the outcome of the
survey. Waiting to hear back – call, FAX, send an email or stop by the
office. Let your “Volunteer Voice” be heard.
With admiration and THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE OUR CORNER
OF THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
- Marie FUNDED BY
THE
CORPORATION FOR
John Achterhirchen
Steven Ladwig
Rose Aeck
Stewart Landy
Jacqueline Beato
Virginia Lazzarini
Ellen Blowers
Nancy Lopez
James Blowers
Deb Lotte
Joyce Brittian
Donna Maier
Volunteers
Eileen BrownWelcome New
Paul
Maier
Bryan Buckey
Susan Martinez
Katie Buggs
Donna Matthews
Otis Carter
Marilyn McCarty
Thomas Considine
Stephanie Metten
Jerry Crabhill
Constance Middleton-Frayer
Betty Cross
Marilyn Moore
Paul Cross
Judy Mulrooney
Paula Del Conte
Robert Mulrooney
Diane Dell’Era
Deborah Napzok
Tim Dolan
Hannelore Nixon
Jeanne Dougall
Sheri Odenwald
Sandra DuBow
Donald Olson
Steve DuBow
France sOlson
John Eichler
Linda Pauli
Catherine Farley
James Pelkey
Joy Ann Fox
Janet L. Pelkey
Kathy Goering
Sue Prior
Louise Gray
Irv Rabinowitz
George Gruen
Fred Rollins
Guyla Hall
Ruth Schooler
Judith Hastings
Nancy Schrum
Sandra Heiskill
Bob Schumacher
Linda Hicks
Alvin Solomon
Rick Hicks
Rick Stephens
Lana Hollady
Rachel Tamagni
David Humphreys
Jane Thornton
Cathy Hunter
Helen Trujillo
Judith Hutchinson
Diane Tuttle
Margret Ingersoll
Alan Upshaw
Paul Kelly
Anne Kemp
Peggy Kesterson
Natalie Wall
Rose Marie Krantz
Anne Winburn
Alan Kushmick
Ed Wright
Joyce Ladwig
Norah Wright
NATIONAL AND
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
2. September – October – November – December 2014
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
******************************************************************************************
WOW! AND DOUBLE WOW!
What’s Going on Around Here?
REPORT ON 6TH ANNUAL GIVEAWAY RAFFLE –
There are simply not enough words to express our thanks for the amazing
effort put forth in ticket sales this year. Our goal was $12,000 and we
recorded $13,023 gross. Although this was definitely a TEAM EFFORT,
extra thanks must go to volunteers and station coordinators like
************************************************************************************
CHUKCHANSI TRIP - $375 (double) or $450
(single) Pricing includes travel, 2 nights lodging, luggage
handling, entrance to Yosemite Day Trip (your choice or
you may remain at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino),
one $20 meal credit and $20 slot play.
Station Supervisor,
Leon Leornas
(from the Nipomo Food Bank)
who sold 25 books
Lorraine Kenney
(from Silver Streaks)
Volunteer Extraordinaire, who sold 17
books (in spite of being ill for one
full month during the summer!)
Station Coordinator, Robin Teunissen
(from Paso Robles Senior Center)
who sold over 10 books
It’s a GO. We made our magic number and are
excited at the thought of the trip. We’ve added one
more stop – a brunch and matinee at the Roger
Rocka’s Theater in Fresno on October 12th at no
extra cost to the travelers. While at Roger Rocka’s
we will enjoy a lovely brunch and be treated to a
performance of “The Addams Family”. We have a
stand-by list but cannot take any more reservations
unless we have a cancellation.
To INQUIRE:
Call: 805-544-8740
And Chrissy Alvarez,
Volunteer Coordinator (from
Santa Maria Police Department)
who sold 9 books
This frightfully delightful musical comedy
about the original creepy, kooky, spooky
family will run September 18th to
November 9th. It’s deliciously eerie musical
fun, and is perfect for the fall season! PG
Mark your calendar for our Annual Rummage Sale – this year it will be a Holiday Boutique. Please bring your
donations of small items, holiday décor, candles, jewelry, scarves, hats, purses, books to our office by November 6 th
– Sale Day: November 8, 2014.8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Ramsden Hall A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
September – October – November – December 2014
3.
Cheryl’s Corner
Nancy’s Notes
As we get into the swing of things this FALL, I just want to
thank those who participated in our “Unusual Summer
Vacation Photo” contest and to our winners 1st Place Susan Oberholtzer, docent for Friends of the Elephant Seals,
giving an elephant a bath at Visio Quest in Salinas, CA and
2nd Place - Charlene Premer & her daughter who did a
mini-vacation to the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo
Beach.
I would also like to encourage those who have never
checked out the RSVP-Central-Coast Facebook page to do
so! We so appreciate your support as you leave your
comments on our posts. If you have a great senior joke or
other inspirational photo you would like us to share, just
send it to me via e-mail and I will post it.
NOTE to our Station & Volunteer Coordinators! I want to
support you, so perhaps you would consider scheduling me
to come and make a brief presentation of the RSVP Senior
Volunteer Program & our FREE BENEFITS. This is a great
way to show how your senior volunteers impact our county
and the areas where they live and serve. This personal
connection supports your agency and gives added incentive
for seniors to join RSVP. I love taking a picture to post on
our Facebook page of your volunteers as well! I look
forward to hearing from you!
NOTICE regarding our Electronic Newsletter! If you would
like to receive the quarterly newsletter “Volunteer’s Voice”
by e-mail rather than snail mail, please send an e-mail to:
[email protected]. Tell me your full name and the city
you live in. I will add you to our “Electronic Only” list and
remove your e-mail from our snail mail list. I hope those of
you with e-mail are receiving our weekly E-Blasts of new
and ongoing Volunteer Opportunities. Please let me know if
your e-mail has changed this past year or if you are not
receiving these e-mails.
You may also have some creative ideas of online contests
we can do this Fall! Love hearing from you,
Northern Santa Barbara County Volunteers!!
Thank you to all our RSVP volunteers and partner
organizations that are making a huge impact in our
communities.
A couple reminders I would like to mention as we keep
moving forward. If you are on Facebook please like our
page and become our friend by visiting our page at
www.facebook.com/pages/RSVP-CentralCoast. This is
one of the best ways we stay connected with our many
friends, relatives and organizations by posting events,
daily activities and much more. Don’t forget your
monthly timesheets .
If you are a site coordinator with one of our
organizations I am available and would love to attend
your volunteer meetings to share the benefits of being
an RSVP member. Want to update your Volunteer
Description due to changes? That’s easy. You can fill
out a new Volunteer Form which you can find on our
website www.rsvpcentracoast.org and either fax or mail
it in. You can also give me a call and I will forward
you a Volunteer Opportunities Form.
Thank you to everyone who supported our 6 th Annual
Giveaway Raffle by purchasing tickets for yourself
and helping us sell tickets. We couldn’t have done it
without you!
Lastly, are you looking to expand your volunteer hours
and wondering where or what to do? Give me a call. I
have a list of organizations that have many
opportunities for you to choose from and explore.
Thank you,
Nancy Rodriguez, Northern Santa Barbara/
Santa Maria Area Coordinator
805-922-9931 (Phone)
805-310-5099 (FAX)
[email protected]
Cheryl
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
4.
September – October – November – December 2014
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
Opportunities are listed in each issue of our newsletter, but we have a
more extensive listing in our offices. Additional information is available
by calling 544-8740 in San Luis Obispo or 922-9931 in Santa Maria.
Senior Volunteer Services, Project Lifesaver and RSVP are
seeking interested community members to serve on their
Boards of Directors and Advisory Councils. Very rewarding
volunteer assignments. Refer your friends and family!
============================================================
SLO Countywide Opportunities
In addition to the opportunities below,
have fun volunteering at special events
and fundraisers throughout the county!
Volunteers are needed to assist with
registration, serving, helping set-up and
breakdown, etc. This is a great way to
contribute to community service without a
long-term commitment. Please call the
RSVP office, 544-8740, to sign up for our
“on-call list”.
American
Red Cross has area-wide
opportunities. Receptionist – to provide
administrative
assistance
to
staff;
Client
Caseworker – working with clients in providing
Red Cross assistance to those affected by local
disasters;
Preparedness
Presenter
–
presentations to elementary school students about
disaster preparedness, safety and response.
Caring Callers, a warm and caring visiting service
for seniors, is in need of volunteer visitors in
various locations throughout the county.
The
commitment is one visit per week to the “senior
friend” to whom you are assigned. Please consider
this program as a rewarding way to help reach out
to our frail, homebound elderly community.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for
Children) Volunteers become an advocate for an
abused child or sibling group. They meet with the
children each week and investigate current
circumstances and provide information and
recommendation to the Juvenile Court Judge. Also
needed are volunteers to mentor young adults
transitioning at age 18 from foster care to
adulthood.
Good Neighbor Program – help needed SLO
Countywide for medical & social transportation,
shopping & errands, friendly visits, telephone
reassurance, light household chores, minor home
repairs, and yard work. The choice is yours!
Habitat For Humanity has several new volunteer
opportunities in SLO County, including Crew
Leaders and a back-up Manager for ReStore North;
also needed are Family Selection Committee
Members.
Literacy Council - San Luis Obispo County
Learning Centers countywide that provide Learners
and Tutors with books, learning materials, and a
friendly learning environment.
We provide a
monthly 13-hour tutor training then volunteers
tutor adults 16 years and older in a one-on-one
setting in basic English language skills at centers
throughout the Counties. $25 fee for supplies.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman of SLO
County (LTCO) is a non-profit agency
promoting the highest possible quality of life
and care for residents of long-term care
facilities.
We are seeking compassionate,
dedicated, and skilled volunteers to advocate
for residents of these facilities. Volunteers are
trained to be safe, confidential, and caring
advocates for the residents; acting as a voice
for vulnerable residents while resolving
complaints and encouraging facility staff to
meet residents needs.
The Pismo Grove, or educate the public on the sea
otters of Morro Bay. Training provided.
Cal State Parks/Oceano Dunes needs volunteers
for the welcome center, sales center, office, garden
activities, arts and crafts and docents for their walks.
Central Coast Senior Center really desperately
needs help with their meal delivery program to shut-in
seniors in Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Oceano.
Senior Nutrition Program has an urgent,
ongoing need for drivers, both regular and
substitute, at locations throughout the county.
Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum has a
need for docents to guide visitors through the
museum and answer their questions. Training is
provided. Need not be a vet to qualify; just an
interest in history will suffice.
SLO County YMCA has a variety of volunteer
opportunities available throughout San Luis
Obispo County.
Don’t forget this valuable
community resource when looking for
somewhere to spend a few hours a week.
Community Foundation SLOCO – we work to
enhance the quality of life of all residents of San Luis
Obispo County. We do this by supporting local
nonprofits, helping people donate money strategically
and building endowments for future generations.
Tri-Counties Regional Center has need for
general office assistance at both their San Luis
Obispo and Atascadero locations; duties vary.
ECOSLO seeking assistance with their E_Waste
Recycling Program.
Central County Opportunities
Alpha Pregnancy & Parenting Support –
Office in SLO looking for volunteers for
anything from sorting clothes and toys at the
office, to assisting with outreach events
throughout the county.
Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access (APA)
Tues – Thursday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. We
PROVIDE anyone with a free service to improve
accessibility to medications to treat chronic
illnesses. Light office help with fliers.
Alzheimer’s Association in San Luis Obispo
is looking for a volunteer to help answer
phones and do data input several hours per
week.
Bella Vista Transitional Care Center needs
volunteers to help on group outings like visits
to the pool, assist at special events such as
candle-light dinners, visit bed-bound residents,
and help with various group activities for our
program.
Cal State Parks/Coastal Division – sites at
Morro Bay, Montana de Oro and Pismo State
Parks have many volunteer opportunities
available, such as the Museum of Natural
History, the Spooner Ranch House, and the
Pismo Butterfly Grove and Nature Center in
Oceano. Volunteers greet visitors, handle sales
at the nature stores, lead nature hikes for both
the general public and groups of school
children, lead walks and talk about local Native
American history or birds, estuary or marine
mammals, show off the Monarch Butterflies in
Family Care Network needs volunteer mentors.
Great need for tutors in college level Math and
English. 6-month commitment.
Food Bank needs strong, able-bodied volunteers to
help at their Oceano, Five Cities, Nipomo, SLO, Morro
Bay and Paso Robles locations. Distribute boxes to
vendors, then pick them up after 5 and give to drivers.
This is an on-going volunteer opportunity.
Friends of the Elephant Seal organization is looking
for volunteers to interact with visitors at Piedras
Blancas elephant seal rookery and provide
interpretation of seals and habitat to public.
Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is looking for
volunteers to assist in the office a couple hours a day,
welcoming clients, answering phones and “other”
tasks, as needed.
KCBX.net has need of volunteers who have teaching
experience and are willing to teach beginners to use
the computer. Need classroom assistants to help
students keep up with the instruction or do one-onone tutoring for 2-4 hours/week.
Las
Brisas
Independent
Senior
Living
Community needs volunteers to enrich the lives of
their residents, leading or assisting in leading activities
such as Bingo, Bocce Ball, Bean Bag Baseball, etc.
Volunteers will be provided one-on-one training.
Los Osos/Baywood Chamber of Commerce –
needs a volunteer 1 day per week for 3 hours for their
information desk to greet and provide information
about the area. Knowledge of what the chamber
provides to visitors and businesses in the area will be
provided at the Chamber office.
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
September – October – November – December 2014
Mission View Health Center, is looking for two
kinds of volunteers. #1 to help by answering the
phones from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. and #2, volunteers
who could accompany residents out of the facility to
doctor’s appointments. These volunteers would ride
along on Ride-On or Runabout buses.
SLO County Library – seeks volunteers to assist
with shelving, processing materials, mending.
Morro Bay Senior Center. Our busy office needs a
few good volunteers! We meet and greet, answer lots
of questions, loan out medical equipment, etc. Utility
payments no longer accepted. One day a week, 4hour morning or afternoon shifts. We’re busy but fun!
Come join us!
SLO NOOR FOUNDATION, a non-profit clinic
providing free medical, dental and eye care for the
uninsured.
Volunteer positions available for
physicians, dentists, ophthalmologists, dental
hygienists, and dental assistants.
Pacific Wildlife Care rescues, rehabilitates and
returns to the wild orphaned, pollution-damaged and
injured wildlife in San Luis Obispo County. Work with
all birds and most land mammals, as well as reptiles.
Always seeking Center Workers (Morro Bay) Phones
Volunteers (at home), and Transporters (throughout
county). Find more information about next orientation
at www.paciicwildlifecare.org
Salvation Army in San Luis Obispo has an urgent
need for an Intake Assistant two to three days a week.
Some lifting is required. Food is distributed through
this site to those in need.
San Luis Obispo County Airport and the Amtrak
Station - we are looking for a few diligent individuals
to volunteer at either the San Luis Obispo County
Airport or the Amtrak Station. This involves being able
to identify with the needs of passengers, learning the
rules and regulations of the airport and train station,
knowing flight and train schedules, lost luggage
procedures, able to read tickets and bus schedules,
parking regulations and many other situations.
Extensive training is required and provided.
Knowledge of the local area and services is required.
San Luis Obispo Police Department – needs
volunteers for volunteer patrol and Project Lifesaver.
Duties include data entry, scanning, mail to City Hall &
Court House. Battery change for Project Lifesaver
clients. Patrol consists of 72 hour tow, vacation check
and light traffic control, Lifescan operator. Extensive
training provided. Background clearance at SLOPD.
10 volunteers needed for 2-4 hours per day.
San Luis Obispo Senior Center has an ongoing
need for outgoing people to staff our volunteer office –
computer skills a plus. We also need individuals to
assist with monthly luncheon set-up and serving, and
for Senior Cinema.
SLOCO Bicycle Coalition – various volunteer
opportunities available thru one of numerous
programs (Bike Valet, Bike Kitchen & Kidical Mass).
United Way of SLO – looking for volunteer(s) to
work 5 days/wk, 4 hours/day to answer phones,
utilize data to create excel reports, sort office
paperwork, file, scan, i.e., general office. Looking
for volunteers who have done this type of work
before and are comfortable talking to guest, staff
and volunteers.
Wilshire Hospice Partners of the Central
Coast needs volunteers to review patient records,
conduct phone surveys, help with mailings,
assemble packets for new patients – the list goes
on and on. Perhaps you could find your niche here;
your efforts would be greatly appreciated. Help is
also needed in the Hospice Partners Hope Chest,
the thrift shop whose proceeds go to benefit the
hospice patients and their families.
North County Opportunities
Atascadero Christian Community –looking for
volunteers to interact with residents, escort to/from
activities, lead games, reading and watch movies.
Also, a volunteer to tutor on the use of a computer.
Volunteers with people skills, able to be clearly
understood and willing to listen highly desired.
Atascadero Fun Club – needs volunteers to greet
PickleBall players as they arrive at the gym, collect
their fee to play and provide copies of written
information about the program. Program is at the
Colony Park Community Center is a fun way to meet
people.
Atascadero Police Department is looking for
helpful, community-minded volunteers to help with
a variety of duties in the office as well as in the
field.
Must complete city application and
background check prior to service.
Senior Legal Services Project is seeking a
volunteer to work three days per week, two hours per
day, answering phones, returning messages, talking to
potential clients, scheduling appointments. Prior office
experience required.
Legal office experience
preferred. Compassion and interest in listening to
people’s problems highly desired.
Boys & Girls Club of North County (Paso) –
Looking for senior volunteers to help within One
Power Hour Group (Kinder through 8th grade) with
Math, English, Spanish or Science homework and
quizzes. Basic orientation to Power Hour and
expectations of Club provided. Flexible times and
dates available. Experience as a mentor or tutor
preferred. Make a difference in the life of a child in
need!
Sierra Vista Hospital & Gift Shop – need senior
volunteers for the front desk M-F (4 hr shifts), the Gift
Shop M-Sat (4 hr shifts).There is required training and
background check, along with a one-year commitment
of a 4 hr shift per week.
Cambria Anonymous Neighbors welcomes
volunteers to assist neighbors with a variety of
short-term and ongoing services.
Knowledge of Cambria streets would be helpful but
certainly not required.
Silver Streaks – bulk mailing services has many
opportunities for those who enjoy a bit of socialization
while preparing bulk mail for local non-profit agencies.
SLO Chamber of Commerce – needs volunteers to
help with a variety of projects.
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
5.
Cambria Community Bus always has a
need for additional drivers. No special
driver’s license required. Training is
provided. Half or full day driving schedules
available. The bus transports senior riders
door to door around Cambria-San Simeon for
medical appointments, grocery shopping, and
trips to the drugstore, exercise class, library
and post office. Bus runs Monday through
Friday, 8 am to 4:30 PM.
Camp Roberts Historical Museum needs
volunteers who are prompt and not afraid to
work the small gift shop and run the bash
register, handle money (not much), and
operate the card reader for credit card sales.
The Museum is the repository for the entire
history of one of America’s largest and most
historic Army installations, and open to the
public on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 9
am to 4 pm (excluding National Holidays).
Canyon Creek Learning Center at the
People’s Self-Help Housing Center in
Paso Robles needs volunteers to read to
children who are learning English as a 2nd
language.
Cayucos Senior Center is looking for
volunteers to provide rides to medical
appointments. Must be a “people person.”
Community Action Partnership’s Adult
Day Services in Paso Robles needs volunteers
to interact and visit with program
participants.
Must be patient and enjoy
working with older adults who suffer from
Alzheimer’s/dementia.
Also needed is a
handyperson/gardener
to
assist
in
maintaining the garden at the facility.
Cuesta College North County Chorus
needs volunteers to work in the ticket booth
and as ushers at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion
for concerts and special events. Looking for
4-6 volunteers with good people skills, ability
to make change, interact with large crowds in
a pleasant manner and love of chorus music!
El Camino Homeless Organization in
Atascadero looking for 6 greeters/host/hostess
for dinner. Light prep work for meal providers.
Assist clients during dinner. Must have good
people skills. Also need a campus monitor who
provides supervision in the outdoor areas. Prefer
to work from home? We need someone to write
thank you notes to donors.
Food Bank USDA distribution site at the Villa
Paseo Senior Apartments in Paso Robles needs
volunteer helpers on the 3rd Tuesday of each
month at 11:30 am for 3 – 4 hours. Duties
include sorting, packing, assisting clients with
carrying bags, setting up, cleaning and breaking
down site. Some lifting required.
Greenspace – Cambria Land Trust – needs 23 volunteers, 2 days/week for 4-6 hours to assist
in the office with tasks such as bulk mailings,
copying, filing and special projects.
Person
needs to be comfortable using copies, MS Office
and e-mail. Good organizational skills preferred.
6.
September – October – November – December 2014
Habitat for Humanity - Paso Robles ReStore
North
and building materials thrift store.
Needs volunteers to perform store upkeep and
duties such as cashiering, receiving donations,
merchandising, donation pick-ups, pricing and
customer service 1-5 days/week for 4 hours.
Hearst Castle Visitors Center – Greet
visitors from around the world and tell them
about Hearst Castle tours as well as nearby
landmarks. Docents trained in spring and fall.
Heaven Can Wait desperately needs
volunteer office help and those who love
horses and other animals to provide care for
them, clean stalls, help groom, and provide
socialization.
Paso Robles City Library is currently
recruiting volunteers for three important areas
of their excellent library service. Volunteers
are needed at various times to: Assist with the
processing of materials; assist in the Children’s
Library and at the Circulation Desk. Brand new
opportunity for volunteer gift shop manager.
Call for details.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
(Virginia Peterson Elementary School) –
Volunteers
must
complete
volunteer
background clearance packet and receive
clearance before they begin their assignment.
Volunteers are needed to listen to students
reading and assist with basic math. Program
needs are 5 days/wk, 2 hrs/day. Initial training
provided by the principal; ongoing training
provided by teachers. Video and/or in person
training ongoing.
Paso Robles Police Department Community
Volunteer Police Patrol is seeking new
members.. Duties include, but are not limited
to, city patrol, traffic control, special events,
business checks and home vacation checks.
Volunteers must pass background check and
are required to complete a training course.
CVPP members can work as often as they like,
any time, day or night, seven days a week
Pioneer Museum in Paso Robles can always
use docents; other volunteer opportunities also
exist.
Templeton Historical Society Museum –
looking for volunteer Docents to greet visitors
to the museum, show visitors around the
exhibits and answer questions. Museum is
open Friday, Saturday & Sunday– 1-4 p.m.
The Meade Canine Rescue Foundation in
Creston – looking for volunteers to help in the
office; walking or sitting with the dogs; or to
help with gardening. Bring a smile and love of
animals, 7 days/wk.
South County Opportunities
American Cancer Society, with offices in
Arroyo Grande, welcomes volunteers for many
positions.
There are both short-term and
ongoing opportunities available.
Ampsurf - non-profit organization established
to Promote, Inspire, Educate and Rehabilitate
(PIER) all people with disabilities and families
through adaptive surfing and other outdoor
activities at Pismo Beach.
Arroyo Grande in Bloom – volunteers needed for
this local non-profit that helps beautify and maintain
the public areas of Arroyo Grande. Must love the
outdoors, gardening and friendly people.
Central Coast Aquarium – Avila Beach – needs
volunteers 1-3 days per week for 3 hour shifts for
information desk, data clerk/computer, handyman
and assist with teaching. Training provided.
Children’s Resource Network of the Central
Coast (formerly Lisa Ray’s Donation Group)
needs volunteers to help sort and fold children’s
clothing for distribution to needy children. Need for
Spanish speaking volunteers.
Clark Center Association in Arroyo Grande is
looking for new volunteers “to greet and seat”
(usher) during their season performances. Must be
able to stand for 45 minutes, be able to walk up
stairs; and be friendly. Mandatory training class
required annually. Volunteers required to pay $25
annual Volunteer Association dues and receive many
perks and benefits as a result.
Dana Adobe in Nipomo needs volunteers to be
docents, education docents and to help with the
grounds and projects at the Adobe. Whether you
can help occasionally, short-term or on an ongoing
basis they will be happy to have you. They also
need people for the information desk, data entry,
clerk typist, computer work or to work with the
materials as a handyperson doing minor
maintenance at the property.
Five Cities Christian Women’s Food Pantry –
has need of volunteers Monday thru Friday. AM shift
is 8-10; afternoon shift is 2-4 pm. AM volunteers
sort fruits & vegetables received. PM volunteers
give out 3 bags of food as needed by clients. Need
ability stand at the counter inside and fill bags from
shelves and refrigerator to give to clients.
Five Cities Dog Park – Bark Rangers for early
morning dog park patrol and maintenance at the
Elm Street Dog Park in Arroyo Grande. Need
reliable volunteers and friendly dogs to start the day
at the dog park to work with one or two others
between 7:30-8 a.m., to refill mutt-mitt dispensers,
wipe benches, sweep walkways, patrol the large
and small dog park areas and remove trash bags
from the cans. On-the-job training provided.
Grover Beach Community Library is ready to
welcome new volunteers who enjoy working with
friendly people, good books and readers in a small
free all-volunteer library. Varied opportunities exist,
work is done in small groups and training is
available.
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce seeking
outgoing volunteers to greet visitors at their Visitors
Center and assist with some office duties.
Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers – volunteers
needed for Gift Shop, special events and as docents to
lead tours at the Lighthouse. Looking for volunteers able
to commit to 2 shifts per month for 2-4 hours each. If
you like people and enjoy an historic site, this might be
for you!
South County Historical Society, with six museums in
the Arroyo Grande area, needs docents for museums, bus
tours, school field trips and special events. We make it
easy for docents to learn by working with fellow
volunteers. Other volunteer opportunities include data
entry,
scanning
newspaper
articles,
gardening,
handyperson, actors and actresses.
We love our
volunteers and our volunteers love teaching their skills.
The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande
needs seniors who can help with raking, trimming plants
and changing water for the turtles.
Santa Maria/Northern Santa
Barbara County Opportunities
Alliance Pharmaceutical Access– Santa Maria is
searching for an assistant to the Program Coordinator 4
hours per day, Mon.-Thurs.; duties include filling out online medication applications, phoning in medical refill
orders, inputting client info into computer, contacting
doctors offices for RX clarification, and misc.
clerical/organizational tasks; training provided.
Alzheimer’s Association is looking for a Care Specialist
Monday thru Friday.
Times vary but are flexible.
Training is provided regarding Alzheimer’s and other
duties.
Area Agency on Aging has volunteer opportunities for
a wide variety of community services. Included are “Car
Fit Volunteer Technicians”, advisors to the AAA Board and
staff including processing Requests for Proposals.
Braille Institute is looking for a volunteer once a week
to assist with bringing students to class and returning
them home; also aid the teacher during their teaching
session individually or in a group setting.
Catholic Charities Santa Maria is seeking volunteers
to help stock, inventory and provide clerical assistance.
Central Coast Literacy Council has an ongoing need
for tutors to tutor adults either one-on-one or in a small
group. Tutoring basic reading/writing skills and English
as a second language. Training provided.
Central Coast Rescue Mission has an ongoing need
for volunteers to assist with food service to hungry
people from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays; also
to provide G.E.D. instructions to clients.
Grover Beach Police Department is looking for
community-minded volunteers to help with a variety
of office tasks, as well as in the field. Must
complete city application and background check.
City of Lompoc – Police Department – needs new
police volunteers to assist officers with special events,
writing citations, vacation checks and other community
related duties (i.e., Information Desk, clerk typist and
office duties). Training available.
LifeLine Crisis Pregnancy Center - Grover Beach
is looking for volunteers to help with fundraising
activities such as registration, decorating, etc.;
serve food/drinks, greet people, clean up after
events, count baby bottles and empty change;
distribute forms and help with mailings. Training
available. People skills, basic math and office skills.
City of Santa Maria Parks and Recreation is looking
for volunteers to serve in a variety of tasks in park and
recreational centers throughout the city.
Nipomo Food Basket is looking for volunteers to
help with food distribution; must be able to lift small
boxes; no special skills required; training provided.
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
Community Partners in Caring (Santa Maria, Lompoc
& Santa Ynez Valley) is looking for volunteers for medical
& social transportation, shopping & errands, friendly
visits, telephone reassurance, minor home repairs, and
yard work.
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE September – October – November – December 2014
GenSpan Foundation is seeking volunteers to work as
mentors an hour a week or more in the elementary
schools in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, and Lompoc;
all volunteers will be TB tested and fingerprinted before
they are placed.
Good Samaritan Shelter has 16 different programs
from which to choose. Some examples aside from the
actual Shelter would be Charlene’s Closet (community
food distribution), Dress for Success (Clothing assistance
for job interviews), Community Garden (Campus garden &
landscaping opportunities) and much more. Need more
detail? Go to www.goodsamshelter.net. All volunteers are
required to have a current TB test. Training provided.
Habitat For Humanity’s Santa Maria “Re-Store” needs
volunteer sales clerks and experienced preferred (willing
to train) cashier in their building materials warehouse
thrift stores open to the public 3 days a week; flexible
hours; must be dependable and have good people skills;
construction knowledge a plus; volunteers receive training
and get a discount on products!
Other needs are for
Project Volunteer Coordinators in their building
department; Family Selection Committee members,
Building Volunteers, Public Relations Committee members
and Design Team members. Unlimited possibilities!
HICAP is seeking enthusiastic volunteers who want to
learn about Medicare and help others by being a Medicare
Counselor. Multiple opportunities are available – administrative support, information specialists, publicity and outreach specialist and translators. No experience necessary;
FREE training provided. Spanish speaking a plus for many
of these opportunities; and necessary for translators.
interdisciplinary meetings, participate in volunteer
support groups, educational in-services and more.
Help is also needed in San Luis Obispo County as
we have clients who live there.
Santa Maria Salvation Army is looking for
volunteer to assist Case Worker. Administrative
assistance to answer phones, send e-mail messages,
make copies, greet guests etc.
Marian Regional Medical Center is looking for
volunteers to serve in a variety of services. Visit
www.marianmedicalcenter.org or call (805) 739-3520
for more information. Training is provided.
Santa Maria Terrace is looking for a volunteer to
assist in many facets of activities for seniors.
Mussell Senior Center needs two receptionist
volunteers to meet and greet the public, answer any
questions, take care of the front desk, answer phones,
etc.
Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum is looking
for docents to assist with Museum tours for local
students. If you love history this is the place for
you. Training provided.
PCPA Marian and Severson Theatres in Santa
Maria needs ushers to meet and greet, help seat
patrons, handle money, assist with concessions.
Santa Maria Valley Humane Society – needs an
office assistant, cat socializer, and dog exerciser at
their shelter.
People’s Self-Help Housing seeking volunteers to
assist in classroom activities, snack preparation and
clean-up. Also need help in tutoring and mentoring
children one-on-one and in small groups with
homework.; special events, guest speakers, field trips
and basic office support also needed.
Santa Ynez Valley Meals on Wheels – is looking
for volunteers to drive and deliver meals to our
elderly community.
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program needs a few
volunteers to provide clerical/organizational assistance
for the Santa Maria satellite office; computer
experience helpful; hours flexible.
Retirees Activities Office at VAFB – is looking for
volunteers to answer phone calls from military retirees
and/or families or meet them on base and answer
questions
about
VAFB
facilities
and
retiree
entitlements; retired military personnel preferred.
Lompoc Adult Services needs volunteers to answer
phones, scan documents, make follow up calls. Possibly
some field work like driving a county car to run errands
for Adult Protective Services.
Salvation Army un Santa Maria is looking for some
volunteers to provide administrative assistance.
Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center needs
activity assistants to establish and maintain
routines in the activity room. Volunteers assist
staff in program presentation; escort residents
to/from activity programs.
Lompoc Food Pantry needs volunteers on a
daily basis to stock and organize food on shelves.
Assist in keeping the facility clean and organized
for clients.
Luis Oasis Senior Center needs volunteers in
several areas:
Commodities Crew, Grounds
Beautification, Special Events, Newsletter Crew,
Receptionists and more. Days and times vary and
are flexible.
Marian Hospice Program in Santa Maria is
looking for volunteers to provide supportive
assistance to patients and their families so that
they may feel secure, comfortable and welcomed.
Provide input into the plan of care and
Santa Maria Valley Fish Meals on Wheels –
needs volunteers to drive and deliver meals. Help
needed every day of the week for approximately 2
hours or whatever days you are able to volunteer.
Training is provided.
Parks
&
Recreation
& Urban
Forestry
Department is looking for volunteers to serve in a
variety of tasks within the department.
La Purisima Mission needs volunteers to primarily assist
with visitor information, early CA history of the mission
and costumed demonstration of mission period skills and
activities with grade school visitors. Training of history of
the mission period is provided.
Lompoc Auxiliary Gift Shop is looking for a
volunteer sales person to write sales tickets for
merchandise, keep a running log for candy sales,
and related duties; must be able to make change
and work 2 ½ hour shifts; training provided.
7.
Santa Barbara County Animal Services needs
volunteers Monday – Saturday for a minimum of 2
hours to assist with animals and serving the public.
Training will be provided – must love animals and
people too!
Santa Barbara County Education Office needs
classroom helpers and tutors for math, reading,
language and more. Training available/days flexible.
Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce is
looking for volunteers to perform a wide variety
of duties. Basic computer and copier skills
needed, training is provided. Knowledge of our
Santa Maria and surrounding area is helpful.
Santa Maria Museum of Flight – is seeking
volunteers to answer phones and field visitors
questions.
Santa Maria Natural History Museum – is
seeking docent volunteers.
Training is
provided.
Santa Maria Police Department is looking
for volunteers to serve in different areas of the
department.
Santa Maria Public Library is looking for
volunteers to greet library visitors and provide
general information about events and services
.
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM
Special Needs Network is in need of a Drama
Director/s who can work with developmentally
disabled/delayed adult club members at least once a
week for 1-1/2 hours. The volunteer/s would be part
of a four-person team that includes a coordinator,
music director and experienced aide who assists at
every club meeting. Club members are 18-40 and
developmentally disabled.
Tri-Counties Regional Center – is looking for
administrative assistance in the office and at the help
desk. Training is available.
United Way in Santa Maria needs part-time
experienced clerical assistants to answer phones, do
data entry, upgrade files, and perform misc. general
office tasks.
================================
Welcome
New Stations
Atascadero Christian Community
5 Cities Christian Women’s Food Pantry
Greenspace
Jack’s Helping Hand
Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers
SLOCO Dept. of Social Service
SLOCO Veterans Services Office
South Bay Community Center
Templeton Historical Museum
Veteran’s Administration, GLA VA
Senior Volunteer Services
660 Pismo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Nonprofit Organization
US Postage
Editor:
Marie Brinkmeyer
Contributors: Bernadine Barrow, Cheryl Kippen,
Diane Maiorano, and Nancy Rodriguez
PAID
San Luis Obispo, CA
Publication of the Volunteer’s Voice is made possible
by Silver Streaks (folding and sorting for bulk mail)
and is published every 4 months by Senior Volunteer
Services for RSVP of the Central Coast.
PERMIT No. 207
Place Mailing Label Here
8. September – October – November – December 2014
THE VOLUNTEER’S VOICE
BZB’s BUMBLES
Here we are again, folks, approaching the last quarter of 2014, and I don’t know what happened to summer!
I blinked and it was gone!! So was our Sixth Annual Giveaway!! Those three months of checking the
daily mail, feeling the envelopes for returns, then counting that money and recording the receipts went by
in a flash!! I’m the one who’s adopted this task (because I enjoy it so much – I love watching the receipts
roll in), and I want to personally thank each and every one of you who participated for making my job so
much fun!! This was our most successful effort to date, and we couldn’t have done it without your loyal
support. You are AWESOME!!!
Also, I would like to commend you for the super job you are doing reporting your hours. Your response to
our monthly email reminder has been phenomenal!! Several volunteers have thanked us for the email
blast, commenting that it helps keep them “on track”! Many of you – perhaps even the majority – are
reporting electronically – a few phone in to report – and many timesheets come by regular mail. Regular
mail or FAX (with your supervisor’s signature) is still required if you are asking for mileage
reimbursement. Otherwise, we don’t care which method you choose – whatever is easiest for you - as long as
you report. Compiling accurate records of hours served is the tangible way in which we can demonstrate the
value of your contribution to the communities you serve and, believe me, that contribution is substantial!!
Many of the services provided to your fellow citizens in need would not be available if volunteerism were to
cease! So keep doing what you are doing and encourage your friends, family and neighbors to join you in
service to others.
I feel blessed to be associated with such an amazing group!! Life is good!!!
‘til next time,
BZB
A SENIOR CORPS PROGRAM