You Can Make a Difference — Volunteer!

By René Arché

Volunteering is popular among people looking for ways to stay busy and give back to their community. Helping others activates reward centers in the brain and can create a sense of meaning and purpose. Volunteering has also been found to reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and confidence and create new social connections.

Volunteers are integral to many programs and organizations that serve older and disabled adults in our community, including at Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC). Our dedicated volunteers are integral to the success of the HSRC’s engaging activities and essential services that help enhance the lives of the older adults we serve throughout our community.

If you enjoy helping others, especially older adults, HSRC has numerous volunteer opportunities available, ranging from one-time events to continuous support:

• Activities Group Leaders: Facilitate fun and enriching group activities that foster social connections and promote wellness.

• Adult Day Health Care: Visit and interact with participants at our centers in Eureka and Fortuna; assist with crafts, music and exercise groups, or help with special activities.

• Heritage Café Support: Assist at our Heritage Café locations in Eureka, Arcata and Fortuna, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for our diners.

• Meals on Wheels Redwood Coast: Help deliver nutritious meals to seniors in need, ensuring they receive both sustenance and a friendly smile.

• Redwood Coast Village: Volunteers are central to the services provided to Village members, including help with shopping, pet care, rides to appointments and social activities, and more.

• Senior News distribution drivers: Once a month, help distribute Senior News to drop-off locations in communities from Garberville to Trinidad. Volunteering with HSRC is a rewarding way to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults while connecting with others in the community. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or are looking to engage more deeply, we welcome your support. For some programs, mileage reimbursement is available.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 707-443-9747 or email info@humsenior.org.

René Arché is HSRC’s director of Communications & Marketing.

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