City Description
Located in the Great Central Valley, Sacramento is the state capital. Situated at the confluence of two beautiful rivers and boasting an abundant urban forest, this city provides easy access to many delightful attractions. The climate ranges from mild winters to gorgeous springs, hot summers, and amazing falls with trees of many colors. The Mercy Volunteers live in a Victorian era home in Midtown, Sacramento, which is close to the service sites, farmers markets, art galleries, and the capital. Public transportation is available and biking is also a very popular mode of transportation.
Housing: house
Transportation: public bus, bikes, and service site vehicle
Number of Volunteers: 4
Service Site Descriptions
Cottage Housing
Mission: To develop healing communities that are solution-focused, participant-driven and strength-based, where homeless people help themselves – and each other – through their transition from the streets to self-sustainability.
Cottage Housing has established a unique, home-grown solution to Sacramento’s homeless dilemma by managing two healing residential communities – Quinn Cottages, primarily for single adults and Serna Village, a large family facility. They offer a multitude of services and programs such as counseling, financial literacy instruction, access to employment information and skill building workshops, nutrition and healthy eating education parenting classes, and recovery groups. Their offerings are based on an innovative approach to intervention and following a method that is participation-driven, solution-focused and strength-based. A volunteer is needed to serve as a personal development coach, fostering relationships with and assisting the residents in setting and implementing personal goals and facilitating workshops directed to the needs of the Cottage Housing community.
Site Details
Website: www.cottagehousing.org
Skills: Social Work. Personal Development and Life Skills Coach, Education and Behavioral Management, Homeless Outreach
Cristo Rey High School Sacramento
Mission: To transform lives by providing a Catholic, college preparatory education and professional work experience to high school students with limited financial resources.
Rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy and the Jesuits, Cristo Rey High School serves students in grades 9-12. All families must demonstrate that they have limited income to be considered for admission to the school. Most students will be first generation college students with approximately 95% of students identifying as Hispanic and Catholic. A volunteer is needed as an academic support assistant. The volunteer will provide individual and small group tutoring, support students with executive functioning skills, coordinate substitute teachers, and assist the campus minister with retreats, liturgies and other school-wide events. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred, but not required.
Website: www.crhss.org
Skills: Education, Academic Support, Campus Ministry
Hope Cooperative
Mission: To transform the lives of those living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and homelessness by supporting their independence, promoting their housing stability, and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.
Hope Cooperative provides behavioral health and supportive housing services for people with mental health challenges. As a client-driven organization, it is dedicated to the independence and empowerment of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders including those experiencing homelessness. Three volunteers are needed to serve as wellness center associates. The wellness center makes a critical difference by providing a space where members can engage in activities focused on personal growth and community building, rather than activities that could jeopardize their sobriety and stable mental health. The responsibilities of the volunteers include nurturing a welcoming and safe environment, planning and implementing small group activities, and supporting clients with referrals to resources.
Website: www.hopecoop.org
Skills: Social Services, Mental Health, Advocacy, Interpersonal Skills, Activities Coordinator
REFLECTIONS FROM VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVED IN SACRAMENTO
Forming A New Home Away From Home
When I first started as a Mercy Volunteer, I was nervous about…
Little Moments in Sacramento: Spirituality, Service, and Community
Biking with God It’s 7:50am and I take a right onto 19th…