Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM)

Since 1971, CVRM has been a safe haven for those in our valley facing homelessness, hunger and hardship.  From its humble beginnings as a soup kitchen, it now serves over 340,000 meals annually and provides shelter to thousands of men and women with children.  In addition, food, clothing and shelter are also provided for those who choose not to reside there.

 

DHWC Volunteer Opportunities for CVRM

 

During the December holidays, DHWC and DHCC donate toys for boys and girls who are being cared for at the mission. 

 

You can help by: contributing toys to this drive, helping to collect toys from the drop-off locations, and/or assisting in the delivery of the toys to CVRM.

 

For more information about CVRM, you can go to their website at www.cvrm.org

FIND Food Bank

The Coachella Valley’s regional food bank FIND helps to feed an average of 120,000 people each month through a network of 30 mobile sites and 80+ community-based programs including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, after-school programs and homeless shelters in the Coachella Valley.  At their distribution center in Indio, they clean, sort, box and prepare for distribution throughout the valley. 

 

DHWC Volunteer Opportunities for FIND

 

DHWC collects canned and non-perishable goods for Food Drives both in the spring and before the long hot summer season. 

 

You can help by donating food items during our food drives.  We also hope to increase our FIND volunteer involvement to our pre-Covid efforts, perhaps helping with sorting and/or assisting at mobile or other distribution sites.

 

For more information about the services of FIND, go to their website at www.findfoodbank.org

Shelter from the Storm (SFTS)

SFTS is the Coachella Valley's only comprehensive domestic victim assistance service and shelter provider.  SFTS’s first priority is the safety of those who seek assistance.  It provides numerous services to meet the varied needs of their clients. They may provide professional consultations services, clinical therapy, emergency shelters, and often provide basic hygiene and personal care items, and non-perishable food items.

 

DHWC Volunteer Opportunities for SFTS

Each year DHWC donates stuffed animals, pajamas, personal care items, and blankets, towels and sheets for use at the shelter.  Every year our members go over-the-top to make a beautiful experience for the mothers and their children.

 

You can help by: contributing items to our various donation drives for SFTS clients in need, and even offering to help pick up items from collection stations, or assisting in the delivery of items to SFTS.

 

For more information about the services of SFTS, go to their website at www.shelterfromthestorm.org

College of the Desert (COD)

COD is our local community college, which serves about 12,500 students of which one-third are full time.  COD’s numerous academic schools offer two-year programs in general education and associate degrees for transfer. 

 

DHWC Volunteer Opportunities for COD

 

DHWC has supported COD nursing department for many years by providing scholarship funds to assist a female nursing student who is required to furnish a number of nursing-related expenses on her own. (Ex: personal stethoscope)   Each year DHWC takes a very appreciated and popular tour of the college facilities. 

 

You can be involved by: attending our tour of COD and perhaps helping with transportation or other logistics of the tour.  Or, you can review scholarship application letters and assist in selection of the recipient for the DHWC scholarship.   You may also be invited to attend nursing department events such as the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Stethoscope Presentation, the Department Graduation ceremony and several others.

For more information about COD, go to their website at www.collegeofthedesert.edu

Hidden Harvest

Hidden Harvest is a non-profit organization of the Coachella Valley, devoted to delivering free fresh produce to low income families and is distributed at churches, elementary schools, Boys and Girls' Clubs as well as at senior centers.  Our mission is to help small farmers develop crops and assist them in providing this fresh produce, and paying them to do so.  Each year we expand our reach.  Our goal has always been to help mothers feed their children with fresh, healthy produce, and to provide our senior citizens with healthy options.  Our major fundraising event is held in November each year in the form of a luncheon that is attended by over 300 people.

One Future Coachella Valley

OneFuture’s mission is to enable Coachella Valley students to succeed in college, career and life – expanding and enhancing the local workforce so that our youth and economy thrive. They provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to ensure college and post-secondary education success. We can help support young woman to become successful adults. More information about OneFuture Coachella Valley can be found at: https://www.onefuturecv.org

DHWC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES for OneFuture

Timing:  Winter
Event: Preview Student Scholarship Applications  (online volunteer opportunity)
-  Review scholarship applications for a female student and grade for final award selection
- ·Attend scholarship award ceremony to celebrate scholars and to show community support

Timing:  February
Event:     The Future Is Ours Award Celebration and Fundraiser
      -  Secure auction/raffle items for event
      -  Event logistics - Event set-up, greeters, check-in, set-up, prize runners, event break down
      -  Sell raffle tickets

Timing:  March
Event:  Arts, Media, Entertainment Symposium
This event brings the students together with professionals in Arts, Media, and Entertainment
who help them learn about opportunities and professions in this industry, critique
their portfolios and provide mentorship and guidance for future opportunities.
-  Student and Presenter Check-in and Greeters ·
-  Event logistics (set-up, clean-up, guides, etc.)
-  Participate as a session panelist and presenter (based on experience)

Timing: June, July & January
Event:  Annual Student Leadership Conference and Mid-Year Summit

The events include motivational speakers, interactive sessions including: Financial Aid advice,
College and Career Planning, Mental Wellness, Volunteering/Internships/Fellowships,
Student/Alumni Mentoring about how to survive and thrive in college, etc.
-  Volunteer panelists and presenters needed (based on experience in particular topics)
-  Serve as an adult mentor or consultant for female students