VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH SANTA MONICA / WESTSIDE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Looking for something to do?  Volunteer!  Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and make a difference in the lives of those around you.  Many local nonprofit agencies have volunteer opportunities available in Santa Monica.  Find the one that inspires you!  High school students are welcome where noted.

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING
Peer Counseling Program - Become a volunteer senior peer counselor in an internationally-recognized Peer Counseling Program.  To register for the next training session, contact Marlena at (310) 576-2550 ext. 371.  Fee: $150.

ITNSantaMonica^TM - The Center for Healthy Aging’s new transportation program is scheduled to begin in Spring 2006. Sign up now to provide transportation assistance to older adults, using your own vehicle (must have 3 years of driving exp.).  Additional volunteers will also be needed for recruitment and outreach to local businesses and the community (high school students welcome).  Contact Ellen Blackman at (310) 576-2550 ext. 223.

CHRYSALIS
Chrysalis needs volunteers over the age of 18 to teach job preparation classes, assist in the computer lab, help clients create resumes, and conduct one-on-one mock interviews.  Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.  Contact Piper Kamins at (310) 392-4117 ext. 332.

CLARE FOUNDATION
CLARE Foundation, Inc., a substance abuse recovery program, has many opportunities available including mentoring, fundraising, tutoring, babysitting, maintenance, gardening, and more!  Some opportunities for high school students are available.  Contact Robert Dhondrup at (310) 314-6211 or via e-mail at: rdhondrup@clarefoundation.org.

CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN
Interested in making the holidays a little bit brighter? Help wrap gifts for distribution to local families in need this holiday season.  High school students welcome.  Contact Catherine Griffin at (310) 452-3325 ext. 237 or via e-mail at: catherineg@cfc-ca.org.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES
The Peer Mediation program is a school-based way for youth to help one another resolve interpersonal issues through the process of mediation.  Adults (enrolled in College and/or over 25 years old) are needed to coordinate and supervise mediations.  Contact Candice Gottlieb at (310) 629-4769 or via e-mail at: cgottlieb@lacba.org.

THE GROWING PLACE
The Growing Place at Marine Park, an early childhood center, is looking for 1-2 volunteers to assist with classroom activities.  All volunteers need to have TB test clearance and fingerprinting, at their own expense.  Volunteers over the age of 16 welcome.  Contact Pauline Tranter at (310) 392-9727.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Jewish Family Service needs clerical help on weekday afternoons to greet clients, answer phones, and provide general assistance If you’re a people person, this is for you! High school students welcome.  Contact Marlene Singer at (310) 393-0732 or via e-mail at: msinger@jfsla.org

NEW DIRECTIONS
Women Recovery Houses are substance abuse treatment centers for veteran women and dependents of veterans.  Assistance is needed with arts and craft classes, jewelry making, interior design, horticulture, self-esteem groups and parenting. High school students welcome.  Contact Cherlyn Martin at (310) 398-0191.

OPCC
Access Center serves homeless clients and seeks help with food preparation, morning triage, clothing room, and the grocery program.  Volunteers with ability to develop and implement workshops and training seminars for Access Center clients are also needed. High school students welcome.  Contact Ibeth at (310) 450-4050 ext. 122.

Daybreak provides shelter and services to homeless mentally ill women in Santa Monica. Female volunteers over the age of 18 are needed.  Contact Ruth Ellis at (310) 393-6045.

K9 Connection is an organization dedicated to animal rescue, humane education and the cultivation of inspirational bonds between dogs and at-risk children. Foster homes are needed for individual dogs beginning September 26, for 4 week terms.  All supplies will be provided at no cost.  Contact Glen Zipper at (310) 264-5424 or via e-mail at: gzipper@k9connection.org

PICO YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER
Pico Youth & Family Center is in need of computer technicians, tutors and leaders to serve on the board of directors.  If interested, visit www.picoyouth.org or call 310-396-7101.  We serve Santa Monica youth age 16 to 24.
 

STEP UP ON SECOND
Step Up on Second has volunteer opportunities (for volunteers over the age of 18) to teach classes in your area of expertise or interest, help serve dinner on site, especially during the holidays, or assist with office work during the weekdays from 1-2 p.m.  Contact Ashley Houston at (310) 394-6889 ext. 22 or via e-mail at: ashley@stepuponsecond.org.

UPWARD BOUND HOUSE
Upward Bound House seeks volunteers for the Mailing Club, Kid's Night Volunteers, Computer Lab Instructors & Aids, Reception & Administration, Events, and Senior Villa Friends.  High school students welcome.  Contact Michelle Butler at (310) 458-7779 ext. 204 or via e-mail at: mbutler@upwardboundhouse.org

WESTSIDE FOOD BANK
Westside Food Bank needs help sorting canned and packaged food gathered in food drives.  High school students welcome.  Contact Allison Griffith at (310) 828-6016 ext. 12 or via e-mail at: allison@westsidefoodbankca.org. 

WISE SENIOR SERVICES
WISE America Reads, a program of WISE Senior Services, is looking for volunteers (over the age of 18) to work with elementary school-aged children, either one-on-one or in small groups, in an effort to improve reading literacy (training is provided). Contact Susanne Pennoyer at (310) 394-9871 ext. 452.

WISE Senior Services seeks volunteer advocates for its Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (contact Molly Davies at (310) 394-9871 ext. 457) and volunteer clerical/intake workers for its Care Management Program (contact Linda Behar at (310) 394-9871 ext. 419).  Volunteers must be over the age of 18.  Training is provided.