Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. As college students we are constantly on a journey to discover who we really are—after all, that is what college is all about. Santa Clara is certainly a great place to take on this task with all the service opportunities it offers in the area. However, some SCU students may not be aware of all of the good they can offer the Santa Clara community and its surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a place where you can lose yourself to find yourself, or simply help out others, read on.
1. Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP)
SCCAP is a student organization that offers Broncos many volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas. It focuses its attention to four different causes: empowerment, education & mentoring, homelessness, and health & disabilities. You have the opportunity to get involved in a number of events related to these issues in order to benefit the community. Some activities include volunteering at the Kids Club, Project Open Hand, and the Special Olympics.
2. County of Santa Clara Animal Shelter
As a volunteer for the Santa Clara Animal Shelter you would probably have one of the best jobs on this planet—playing with adorable little (or big) cats and dogs. Volunteers are part of the adoption process for these animals in need; duties include walking, playing, and even hiking with the hopeful pets. Through volunteering as an Animal Socializer for 3 hours once a week you could make a lonely cat or dog happier. You can sign up here or call (408) 686-3900 for any questions.
3. HomeSafe Santa Clara
HomeSafe is an incredible program offered to victims of domestic violence in the county of Santa Clara. It provides housing for victims, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, and Self-Sufficiency Programs. HomeSafe has been able to address the grave problem of domestic violence through many different services, and just last year served over 200 women and children. To apply for a volunteer position you can email Donna Knowlton at dknowlton@nextdoor.org or call (408) 501-7558.
4. Wildlife Associates
This organization’s 120-acre wildlife sanctuary holds over 50 animals that would not be able to survive in the wild. Wildlife Associates cares for them, provides them with a habitat, and educates children and adults about wildlife. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with animals, prepare meals, landscape, and make toys for the animals. You would be helping these animals live their lives in a secure home where they can thrive. For information about volunteering, email volunteers@wildlifeassociates.org or call (650) 712-0800.
5. Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen
For 33 years Loaves & Fishes has been offering their service to low-income members of the Santa Clara community with hot meals and grocery bags. They place great importance on the nutrition of the food they provide, emphasizing fruits and vegetables in the meals that they offer. Hot meals are served in three different locations and grocery bags are distributed once a month. With a staff of 10, Loaves & Fishes takes all of the volunteers it can; you can sign up on their website [insert link: http://loavesfishes.org/cms/volunteering].
6. Partners in Reading
The San Jose Public Library is offering a program for adults who lack reading skills above the ninth grade label. Reading is a fundamental and the SJ Public Library makes sure these adults are not stripped of any opportunities because of their current situation. Volunteers tutor adults in order to improve their literacy skills and furthermore improve their quality of life. Training for the program is provided and required. To learn more about volunteering visit their site.
Santa Clara offers students so many opportunities for us to branch out and be inspired; all we have to do is take them!