March Volunteer Newsletter

Volunteer News | March 31, 2022

The Results are IN!

Dear CRC Volunteer,

The CRC Volunteer Program sent out a survey last month to hear what you had to say about your volunteer experience as well as our communication methods and our upcoming appreciation event.

In the survey we asked the question, “What motivates you to volunteer for CRC?” The overwhelming reason that came up? Community.

I think most of us can agree that you only have to glance at the news to know that hardship can bring a community together or it can tear it apart. One common purpose can inspire the world, can make incredible, positive changes, and can create lasting, deep connections. CRC Volunteers come together to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you!

You can read more about the survey results below as well as here.

Warmly,

Sara Rosenbaum,

CRC Volunteer Manager

Your Feedback, Our Response

Feedback: Trainings

70% of respondents indicated a desire to take a training on “What is Homelessness and What can we do?”
40% of respondents indicated a desire to take a training on “Trauma Informed Care/Practices.”

Our Response: On March 10th and 17th we provided the opportunity for volunteers to attend a virtual training on "Trauma-Informed Practices." One volunteer who attended said, "For me, the training reemphasized the important work CRC is doing - not only meeting people where they are at right now, but helping folks break the cycle of domestic violence and/or homelessness. These efforts no doubt make a difference in our community today, but will also positively impact generations to come."

In addition to that training, we are providing a training/workshop on homelessness on June 2nd. We will open the registration for this in May.

Feedback: Communications

90.91% of respondents find emails from the Volunteer Program useful.
71.48% of respondents find the Monthly Volunteer Newsletter helpful.
73.46% of respondents do not find the website helpful or it is not applicable.

Our Response: We will continue to send out emails and newsletters and have reached out to our volunteer database to make sure everyone who wants to receive the newsletter is on the list. We are currently doing a re-design of the CRC website and hope it can be more user-friendly in the future!

Feedback: Volunteer Appreciation Event

76.19% of respondents preferred an outdoor/garden setting
68.18% preferred appetizers
Raffle and discount coupons were high preference as well.

Our Response: All volunteers who have donated at least 2 hours in the last year are invited to join us on May 12th! Outdoor games and entertainment, appetizers and drinks, and a sunset over the ocean (in the distance) are included.

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations Chris Zahner!

Chris was nominated by the Encinitas Store Management team. Robert Pontier writes, “Chris has become one of our hardest working and devoted volunteers at the Encinitas store. She volunteers multiple shifts a week and is extremely dependable. Chris works on the sales floor, she puts out merchandise, cashiers, and anything we ask of her she does with a smile. She has great customer service skills and works well with staff and other CRC volunteers. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”

Other Volunteer News ... and Needs

Ambassador’s Mary Jo and Karen share our mission at the Encinitas Community Resource Expo on March 22nd.

Volunteers sort food at the CRC Carlsbad warehouse to support our Food and Nutrition Program on March 16 – Thank you!

Annual Tea Volunteer Needs

Needed: 4 set-up volunteers to help put on chair covers and assist with other set up needs from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Friday, April 22nd.

Needed: 4 champagne servers. Must be 21 years old and either have or be willing to take a Responsible Beverage Training in advance of the event (2 of 4 need this training). 12:45 - 2:15 pm/3:30 pm. If interested, email the Volunteer Manager.

Interested in attending? Learn More

Food Pantry Reopening in May for In-Person Shopping

After 2 years of following COVID safety protocols and providing a modified shopping experience for our clients, Community Resource Center is making plans to re-open on May 2. We are excited to provide the dignity of choice and the community market feel once again of the Food and Nutrition Center (FNC). We will be providing training for all FNC volunteers in April (Location and Date TBD).

Needed: Volunteer LEAD to schedule and oversee a crew of 3-6 people sorting and shelving food donations to the Food Pantry. Requirements: Must be able to commit to at least 6-12 months and ensure that the weekly schedule is filled with volunteers. Must be willing to communicate important volunteer and program updates to their team in a timely manner. Must be able to stand for up to 4 hours at a time. Training and the opportunity to work with the team for a month in advance of taking on the lead position is recommended. Interview with the Volunteer Manager required. This shift is Mondays 9:15-12:30.

If interested, email our Volunteer Manager for more information.

If you know of anyone in need of food, housing or shelter, please pass along this link to information on how we can help: crcncc.org/integrative-services/

If you have a good story of volunteering, please share with me at srosenbaum@crcncc.org. I can include those stories in future newsletters as an encouragement to our team.

Community Resource Center

(760) 230-6501| info@crcncc.org | CRCNCC.org