YPN Spotlight: Hands in the Community
We organize volunteers, along with groups, schools, service clubs and businesses to go out into the community to help those less fortunate. With over 1,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and organizations, and 64 churches we are becoming a “go-to place” for many organization referrals. We strive to collaborate with existing networks, organizations, and agencies to provide the best assistance possible to those in need. Our community partner agencies include but are not limited to the Visalia Rescue Mission, Visalia Emergency Aid Council, Tulare Emergency Aid Council, Kings Partnership for Prevention, Family Services of Tulare County, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Tulare Health and Human Services, Veterans Services, District Attorney’s Office, CSET and the Samaritan Center. HNC observes the highest standards of business conduct and respect in our relationships with these partners and the community. Our volunteers are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, dentists, doctors, general contractors, beauticians, youth groups, and others. HNC has worked with local high schools, College of Sequoias, SJVC, Reedley College, California State University Fresno, Fresno Pacific and University of Phoenix to provide internships and community service hours. Our volunteers are of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels all working together to change lives, build relationships, and provide true community values throughout Tulare and Kings Counties.
HNC currently has many major home repairs with high importance: Fence and roof repairs, new handicap ramps, flooring, house painting, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and modifying entryways and bathrooms for handicapped access. We have many families/seniors who are not able to perform normal household chores or make basic home repairs. We connect them with one of our volunteers who can help them. Whether it is replacing a light bulb or building a ramp, our service does not end there. We encourage building relationships and providing a support network that will assist people in becoming self-sufficient. HNC will provide project support to the seniors, adults, children, families and at-risk youth within the community without discrimination.
Our organization is run by volunteers, with the exception of one full-time Executive Director and two part-time Office Managers. Our volunteers are of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. A variety of opportunities exists for Young Professionals volunteer involvement with Hands in the Community. Individuals can volunteer time in the HNC office or meet a variety of client requests by working in the office, event planning, videography, media, networking and so much more. Small groups can complete yardwork or yard clean-ups for disabled or elderly HNC clients. Larger groups can assist with major home improvements such as painting, fencing, or ramp construction. Some organizations establish an annual community service day and
collaborate with HNC to complete projects on that day. HNC works with businesses and community groups each year to adopt families or individuals for holiday baskets and gifts.
We can work with volunteers Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 4 PM or Friday 9 AM to noon. Some of the social media/publicity, event planning, writing, videography can be done remotely. We have opportunities with after school programs, senior/elderly and youth.
