Volunteer Program
Many people find themselves hunting for volunteer opportunities, whether it be
for a work/school project or simply a humanitarian desire to help their fellow
neighbor, but aren't exactly sure who would be in need of their services. We
have designed a program to assist people interested in reaching out to their
communities by matching their skills, talents and availability with the needs
of local participating organizations.
Our Volunteer Coordinator works hand-in-hand with prospective volunteers and
the community agencies to assist and prepare both parties, and to ultimately
ensure a mutually satisfying and successful venture for both. Our extensive
database of volunteer opportunities allows us to align interested volunteers
with an organization that is sure to provide a meaningful and rewarding
experience.
A sample of the organizations currently served by the Volunteer Exchange
include: libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs, centers serving the handicapped,
nursing and convalescent homes, senior centers, and shelters for abused and
battered children. Volunteer Exchange invites interested organizations and
volunteers to fill out a registration application
and/or contact us at (714) 899-6849.
It is extremely important to Volunteer Exchange to have program participants
know how much their time and effort means to us and to the community at large.
Volunteer Exchange formally recognizes volunteer efforts through a variety of
activities and events such as The Silver Bowl Awards, Certificates of
Achievements to hospital auxiliaries, high school students, senior centers, and
the mentally/physically disabled. Our intention is to reward existing
volunteers and organizations, and to inspire and encourage new volunteers to
get involved!
Disaster Program
It is human nature to assist those in need during a major catastrophe. Volunteer
Exchange acknowledges the need to organize volunteers well in advance of a
major earthquake or disaster.
In anticipation of this need, Volunteer Exchange has developed and implemented
a basic program designed to solicit, pre-register, classify, and dispatch
volunteers by their respective skills and training during a time of crisis. We
recognize that skilled volunteers and other resources will be required
immediately after a disaster, as well as throughout the recovery period. With
this in mind, we have prepared a fully committed team and a response plan
program to provide efficient access to community volunteers and private sector
resources. In doing so, we have also assessed and addressed the potential risks
to our volunteers and have taken every preventive measure to assure that our
participants remain safe and secure when responding to any disaster.
Our goal is to provide the most seamless transition possible to mitigate the
effects of a disaster and maintain a sense of security in our community.
Misty's Closet
Today's economy, coupled with our present job market, demands fierce competition
between applicants looking to secure permanent employment. Unfortunately, many
applicants cannot afford to buy clothes for everyday use let alone purchase the
necessary apparel to sufficiently "dress to impress." With this is mind, we
created a program to provide low-income men and women with interview-ready
clothing.
Participants are typically referred to our program by local non-profit
organizations, social services, Calworks, and governmental member/referring
agencies throughout Orange County. The objective of our clothing program is to
assist low-income men and women to re-enter the job market with professional
business attire. This is done in an effort to help them procure and retain
employment, and ultimately empowering them to become self-sufficient.
The need for our program has continued to grow over the years and we have
expanded our collection to also include casual garments as well as infant and
children's clothing. What had started as a proactive solution to assist people
in need of interview clothing has blossomed into a program that attempts to
furnish our community with basic human essentials. For example, our center
coordinates distribution of excess material goods, equipment and furniture from
local businesses to local nonprofit agencies who will match individuals in need
with the respective resource. For donations and program information, please
call (714) 899-6849.
Housing Program
Volunteer Exchange has engaged in a successful outreach and marketing crusade to
bring awareness to the homeless epidemic occurring in Orange County. As a
partner of ACS and Orange County Social Services, we have been enlisted to
assist Welfare-to-Work participants procure and retain safe and affordable
housing.
Our Housing Coordinators meet with program participants to discuss budgeting,
income alternatives and housing action plans. Our specialized services revolve
around three components: prevention and risk reduction; short term and
emergency needs; and, transitional-to-stabilized housing. While there is so
much work to be done in solving our ever-increasing housing crisis, our program
has already assisted many participants in locating and securing safe, clean and
affordable shelter.
Our committed team has been able to successfully bring together a meeting of
the minds between participants and landlords in order to ensure a peaceful and
satisfying relationship for both. We look forward to providing new and
innovative ways to assisting members in our community to truly secure a "living
wage" and affordable housing, as all Orange County residents deserve.
Court Referral Program
As a direct court order or an alternative to court-ordered fines and/or
incarceration for misdemeanor offenses, the Court may assign a person to a
number of supervised hours for community service. The Court Referral program
provides in-kind work to agencies, state, county and local governments, saving
taxpayers million of dollars annually. This is truly a positive experience for
the individual, through the opportunity to help others; and the nonprofit
organization, by receiving the services of a much needed volunteer.
A wide variety of community service assignments are available through Orange
County nonprofit organizations, parks, beaches, cities and schools. This
variety allows us to offer assignments that are specifically tailored to our
participants' individual needs as a mechanism to preserve their already
existing work/school schedules. Participants may choose between weekdays,
weekends, or evenings. Volunteer assignments may include: janitorial, clerical,
tutoring, data input, preparation for community events, patient services,
environmental cleanup, graffiti removal and Caltrans. Assignments are also
available for the disabled, homebound and non-English speaking clients.