Field Guide to Community Service 2.0 We believe in the power of community Compass Collective is excited to present the award-winning Field Guide to Community Service 2.0. We revived this publication to help motivate you to get involved, give back and make a difference! Compass Collective has a grassroots mindset, a high-touch approach and a genuine, long-held belief that we all have an opportunity to make every day better through service to our community.
The Field Guide is designed to be a “starter kit” for individuals who crave deeper engagement in our community but are not quite sure how to begin. It’s intended to be a useful, up-to-date resource with relevant information that is easily accessed. It’s simple Community engagement can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we make it easy. If you’re new to a city, or if you’ve felt out of the loop for a while, we’ll show you how to get started, dig deeper or go all in. The good news is, getting connected has never been easier, and the Field Guide can help. It’s all of us By holding this publication in your hands, you’ve already taken the first step. And with each step you take on this journey to community service, you’ll be accompanied by the doers, the joiners and the activists. The truth is that we are all in this together and there is strength in numbers.
Ready? Come on, we’ll show you the way. “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.” — Mother Teresa
The cover
The cover photo of “Hands” was donated by Kymberli Brady, sanjosestock.com. Thanks to her generous spirit for supporting The Field Guide to Community Service 2.0.
“Hands” by Christian Moeller, 2009 Approaching the Mineta San José International Airport from the east, the hands of 53 Silicon Valley residents greet the world and reach for the skies from a mural created with 400,000 plastic pixels snapped onto architectural metal mesh, spanning 1,200 feet and standing seven stories high. Christian Moeller is an artist and professor in the department of Design Media Arts at UCLA and operates his studio in Silverlake, Los Angeles, California. His large scale site specific works interrogate and explore the synergies between architecture and sound, technology and moving image. Over the past two decades, his work has been increasingly focused on the field of public art and surveillance art. Table of Contents
1 Social Services 1
2 Arts 9
3 Environment 15
4 Animals 20
5 Education 25
6 Youth 30
7 Seniors 37
8 Health Care 41
9 Community Activism 47
No Excuses 10 Get the Kids Involved 53
Vote. 11 Someone Needs Your Stuff 60
Pick up trash.
“Sometimes the smallest things Use your local library. take up the most room in your heart.” — Winnie the Pooh Learn about CSA.*
Turn off your TV.
*Community Supported Agriculture
Social services | 1
Social Services
“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes … and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” 1 — Eleanor Roosevelt Social service organizations are the vital agencies ♦♦ Participate in YWCA Silicon Valley’s annual that focus on basic needs — food, shelter, clothing Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to raise aware- — as well as other human services. From homeless ness about sexual assault and domestic violence. shelters and food banks to empowering women and ♦♦ Host a “Gathering For Garments Party” for protecting children, there are endless opportunities The Grateful Garment Project by bringing your to make a difference. friends together to gather essential items to be provided to victims of sexual violence. Get started ♦♦ Celebrate your birthday differently by partici- pating in Second Harvest Food Bank’s “Share ♦♦ Donate your extra theatre or sporting event tick- your Birthday.” All the tools are there and 95¢ ets to Child Advocates for a foster child to enjoy. of every $1 they receive goes directly toward ♦♦ Print and pass out Village Harvest’s flyers so programs that feed our local neighbors in need. friends and neighbors with fruit trees know how to donate extra produce to local food banks. All in ♦♦ Make a donation of food, clothing, hygiene ♦♦ Organize a drive as part of Family Giving Tree’s items or warm blankets to StandUp for Kids Back-to-School Drive to deliver backpacks filled and help homeless youth in our community. with essential school supplies to K-12 students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Dig deeper Lunch program. ♦♦ Spend a weekend morning volunteering with ♦♦ Get involved with Sacred Heart Community Sunday Friends: sundayfriends.org. Service’s La Mesa Verde, which plants gardens in the yards of families struggling to meet their ♦♦ Audition as a reader for Books Aloud and share nutritional needs. the magic of books with those who “read by ♦ listening.” ♦ Recovery Cafe — which believes that every ♦ human being is precious, worthy of love and ♦ Conduct a used cell phone drive for Next Door So- deserving of opportunities — needs teachers to lutions to Domestic Violence and help them raise share their yoga or cooking skills with members money that pays for used, unwanted cell phones. re-entering the community. 2 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources Asian Americans for Community Involvement aaci.org (408) 975-2730 ACT for Mental Health Inc. AACI serves the Asian American community by actmentalhealth.org (408) 287-2640 improving the health, mental health and well-being ACT empowers and rehabilitates people who are of individuals and their families by providing an ar- socially, mentally, economically and/or situationally ray of human services. disadvantaged.
Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center Abilities United defrankcenter.org (408) 293-3040 abilitiesunited.org (650) 494-0550 The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center Abilities United supports children and adults with strives to be the community’s premier resource disabilities, their families and the community, and hub and a recognized leader in promoting health, champions a culture in which all members of society strength, diversity and inclusiveness. are included and appreciated for their distinctive contributions. Books Aloud Inc. booksaloud.org (408) 808-2613 AbrahamicAlliance International Books Aloud works to improve the quality of life for abrahamicalliance.org (408) 728-8943 the blind, visually impaired, physically and learning Uniting Jews, Christians and Muslims for active disabled of all ages through the “Reading by Listen- peacebuilding and poverty relief. ing” program.
African American Community Service Agency Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County sjaacsa.com (408) 292-3157 catholiccharitiesscc.org (408) 468-0100 AACSA is one of the only African American Catholic Charities serves and advocates for families cultural centers in Silicon Valley. It provides quality and individuals in need, especially those living in educational, cultural, social and recreational pro- poverty. It works to create a more just and compas- grams, services and activities in order to perpetuate sionate community in which people of all cultures and strengthen African American identity, culture, and beliefs can participate. values, traditions, knowledge and family life.
Center for Employment Training American Red Cross cetweb.org (408) 534-5360 redcross.org/local/ca/san-jose (877) 727-6771 CET is dedicated to fighting poverty and depen- The American Red Cross helps our community pre- dence on public aid by making hands-on job train- vent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. ing available to youth and adults of all educational levels, especially to those most in need. Social services | 3
Charities Housing charitieshousing.org (408) 550-8300 No Excuses
Charities Housing develops, preserves and manages Bring muffins to a neighbor. high-quality affordable housing for low-income individuals and their families. Host a neighborhood watch meeting.
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley Find out who your local elected officials are. cadvocates.org (408) 416-0400
Child Advocates recruits and trains Court Ap- Subscribe to the local newspaper. pointed Special Advocates (CASAs)who stand up for children in the foster care system. Prepare an emergency kit.
CityTeam San Jose cityteam.org/san-jose (408) 232-5600 Employment & Community Options CityTeam provides hot meals, safe shelter, showers communityoptions.org (408) 423-9484 and clothing to San Jose’s homeless population. Employment & Community Options educates and empowers low-income adults with intellectual disabilities with the skills and knowledge to achieve Destination: Home their personal goals and optimum potential in life. destinationhomescc.org (408) 513-8700 A public-private partnership serving as the back- bone organization for collective impact strategies to Expandability end homelessness in Santa Clara County. expandability.org (408) 278-2000 Expandability (formerly TransAccess) helps youth and adults with disabilities achieve their goals Downtown Streets Team through individualized assessments, career and job streetsteam.org (650) 305-1174 placement assistance, adaptive technology and more. Downtown Streets Team strives to end homeless- ness by restoring the dignity and rebuilding the lives of unhoused men and women. Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley fcservices.org (408) 292-9353 Family & Children Services works to build strong, Dress for Success San Jose safe, and self-sufficient individuals, families, and sanjose.dressforsuccess.org (408) 935-8299 communities by offering a range of innovative, Dress for Success provides professional attire, a accessible, and integrated programs and services ad- network of support and career development tools to dressing critical health and human services needs. help disadvantaged women thrive in work and in life. 4 | Field Guide to Community Service
Family Giving Tree, The Grateful Garment Project, The familygivingtree.org (408) 946-3111 gratefulgarment.org (408) 674-5744 The Family Giving Tree fulfills the exact holiday The Grateful Garment Project ensures that every wishes and provides backpacks filled with school victim of a sexual crime is provided with whatever supplies to children in the most need in our com- new clothing, toiletries, snacks, and other miscella- munities while inspiring the values of kindness, neous items that he or she may require. philanthropy and volunteerism.
Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley Family Supportive Housing habitatsiliconvalley.org (408) 942-6444 familysupportivehousing.org (408) 926-8885 Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based organization Family Supportive Housing provides shelter and committed to eliminating poverty housing through- supportive services to homeless families in Santa out the world. Clara County, to empower them to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency in our community. Health Trust, The healthtrust.org (408) 513-8700 Good Karma Bikes The Health Trust is working to lead Silicon Val- goodkarmabikes.org (408) 291-0501 ley to advance wellness through various programs Good Karma Bikes transforms lives by supporting including Healthy Eating, Healthy Aging, Healthy people with low cost or free bicycles so they can get Living and Destination: Home. to work.
HomeFirst Goodwill of Silicon Valley homefirstscc.org (408) 539-2100 goodwillsv.org (408) 998-5774 HomeFirst (formerly EHC LifeBuilders) confronts Goodwill of Silicon Valley supports employees, homelessness by cultivating people’s potential to get customers, and people with challenging barriers to housed and stay housed. employment and works to raise their standard of living and improve their lives through our services and social enterprise. Hope Services hopeservices.org (408) 284-2850 Hope Services works to improve the quality of life Grail Family Services for individuals with development disabilities by gfsfamilyservices.org (408) 347-7892 providing children’s services, after school programs, Grail Family Services works to strengthen family day services, employment and job training, mental capacity to support young children’s positive educa- health services, senior services and community liv- tional outcomes and to build a thriving community. ing services. social services | 5
Housing Industry Foundation Martha’s Kitchen hifinfo.org (650) 437-2980 marthas-kitchen.org (408) 293-6111 HIF helps individuals and families remain in or Martha’s Kitchen is an interfaith, community dining return to stable housing and to assist with special room for the hungry poor. housing projects or renovations in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Mexican American Community Services Agency macsa.org (408) 326-0200 Housing Trust of Santa Clara County MACSA enriches the lives and advances the inter- housingtrustscc.org (408) 436-3450 ests of the local Latino community. The Housing Trust works to make Silicon Valley a more affordable place to live by making loans and grants to increase the supply of affordable housing, Midtown Family Services assist first-time homebuyers, prevent homelessness midtownfs.org (408) 642-5852 and stabilize neighborhoods. Midtown provides services, including housing as- sistance, transportation vouchers, senior support and medical and mental health referrals. International Rescue Committee rescue.org (408) 277-0255 Each year, thousands of refugees are invited by the My New Red Shoes U.S. government to seek safety and freedom and the mynewredshoes.org (650) 241-3911 IRC helps them rebuild their lives. My New Red Shoes provides homeless and low- income children with new clothing and shoes. LifeMoves lifemoves.org (650) 685-5880 Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence LifeMoves (formerly InnVision Shelter Network) nextdoor.org (408) 501-7550 is dedicated to providing interim housing and Next Door Solutions is dedicated to domestic vio- supportive services that create opportunities for lence and creates paths for women to achieve safety, homeless families, individuals and veterans to return stability and self-sufficiency. to stable housing and self-sufficiency.
OUTREACH Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen outreach1.org (408) 436-2865 loavesfishes.org (408) 998-1500 OUTREACH supports older adults, individuals Loaves & Fishes provides free, nutritious meals with disabilities and low-income families with their and support services in a dignified, safe and caring efforts to lead independent and self-sufficient lives environment to all needy individuals, with special through transportation services and other programs. concern for families, seniors and the homeless. 6 | Field Guide to Community Service
Project HIRED Sacred Heart Community Service projecthired.org (408) 557-0880 sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 Project HIRED provides job search, training and Sacred Heart works to build a community free from placement services for adults with disabilities who poverty by creating hope, opportunity and action. desire to enter or re-enter the workforce. They provide essential services, work together to improve our lives, advocate for justice, and inspire our community to love, serve and share. Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley rebuildingtogether-sv.org (408) 578-9519 Salvation Army Rebuilding Together provides critical home repairs salvationarmyusa.org (408) 998-2064 to low-income residents and assists nonprofits with facility maintenance. The Salvation Army operates a nationwide network of food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts and a wealth Recovery Café San Jose of children’s programs. recoverycafesj.org (408) 294-2963 Recovery Café is founded on the belief that every San Jose Exchange Club human being is precious, worthy of love and deserv- sjexchangeclub.com (408) 293-6341 ing of the opportunities to fulfill his or her poten- tial. In this sanctuary from the streets, the Café The National Exchange Club is a community helps participants develop tools and access other service and networking organization focused on community resources for stabilizing recovery. Americanism, youth activities and child abuse prevention.
S.T.A.R. Programs Inc. starprogramsinc.org (408) 283-9758 San Jose Search and Rescue sjsar.org The S.T.A.R. program (St. Andrews Residential Program for Youth) provides a safe place for abused San Jose Search and Rescue is an emergency re- and neglected children. sponse team, created in 1968, that serves the city of San Jose and the surrounding communities.
St. Vincent de Paul Santa Clara County svdp.org/santaclara (408) 249-2853 Santa Maria Urban Ministry santamariasj.org (408) 292-3314 St. Vincent de Paul provides person-to-person services of time, talent and resources to help our Santa Maria Urban Ministry provides our commu- neighbors in need. nity with a safe, welcoming place for basic services that meet short-term needs, and educational and targeted services to support permanent transforma- tion. social services | 7
Second Harvest Food Bank Step Up Silicon Valley shfb.org (408) 266-8866 stepupsv.org (408) 325-5128 Second Harvest Food Bank is dedicated to ending Step Up seeks to transform community awareness local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second and generate the political will to create change that Harvest has become one of the largest food banks enables individuals and families to step up out of in the nation, providing food to nearly a quarter of a poverty in Santa Clara County. million people each month.
Sunday Friends Silicon Valley Independent Living Center sundayfriends.org (408) 793-0441 svilc.org (408) 894-9041 Sunday Friends empowers families to break the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center serves generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive people with all types of disabilities in Santa Clara development in children while educating and guid- County with support tools and resources needed to ing parents to support their children’s life success. live interdependently, and advocates for policies that ensure equal access and opportunity for all. TeenForce teenforce.org (408) 827-3078 Sourcewise Community Resource Solutions TeenForce matches prepared and trained young mysourcewise.com (408) 350-3200 workers to jobs in high-wage, high-demand fields. Sourcewise aims to inform, educate, and prepare all They focus on vulnerable youth that are most likely adults, including seniors and those with disabilities, to benefit from their services. within Santa Clara County to better navigate their health and life options. United Way Bay Area uwba.org (415) 808-4300 Special Olympics United Way works to focus community resources to sonc.org (925) 944-8801 help families and individuals fully engage in increas- Special Olympics Northern California provides ing their self-sufficiency, educational achievement athletic opportunities to children and adults with and opportunity for success. intellectual disabilities, instilling the confidence they need to succeed in life. Unity Care Group unitycare.org (408) 510-3480 StandUp for Kids — Silicon Valley Unity Care Group provides quality youth and fam- standupforkids.org/SiliconValley ily programs for the purpose of creating healthier StandUp For Kids works to end the cycle of youth communities through lifelong partnerships. homelessness with assistance, training and resources to make a successful re-integration into society. 8 | Field Guide to Community Service
Uplift Family Services Village Harvest upliftfs.org (408) 379-3790 villageharvest.org (888) 378-4841 Uplift Family Services (formerly EMQ Families- Village Harvest harvests fruit from backyards and First) does whatever it takes to strengthen and small orchards, then passes it along to local food advocate for children, families, adults and communi- agencies to feed the hungry. They also provide ties to realize their hopes for behavioral health and education on fruit tree care, harvesting and food well-being. preservation.
Valle Verde West Valley Community Services valleyverde.org (408) 293-3475 wvcommunityservices.org (408) 255-8033 Valley Verde provides low-income families with West Valley Community Services provides direct as- organic gardening classes and materials at no cost. sistance and referral services to encourage the shar- ing of community resources, to provide basic human needs in a caring and dignified environment, and to Via Services provide opportunities for volunteers to participate in viaservices.org (408) 243-7861 West Valley Community Services’ activities. Via Services helps children and adults with disabilities achieve greater self-sufficiency and lead richer lives. Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
Home by home, block by block … Home by home, block by block, Rebuilding Together is rebuilding homes and communities nationwide.
For almost 25 years, Rebuilding Together has provided extensive home rehabilitation and modification services to homeowners in need. Nationwide, their network of almost 160 affiliated nonprofits brings together 75,000 volunteers and completes nearly 10,000 projects each year. With the help of 3.4 million volunteers, Rebuilding Together has delivered over $1.3 billion in market value since its found- ing. Rebuilding Together continues its mission of seeking to provide a safe and healthy home for every person.
There are various ways to volunteer with RTSV, including skilled trade professionals, service volunteers and support volunteers. arts | 9
Arts
“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” 2 — Salvador Dalí
The most simple thing you can do to support the — and learn the inside scoop on the arts world. arts is to become a patron — buy a ticket, purchase ♦♦ Check out Higher Fire Clayspace and Gallery a subscription and attend exhibits and performanc- for classes that will ignite your inner artist. Also es. The arts cannot survive without an audience, so look into TechShop, an open-access, DIY work- fill those seats, spread the word and enjoy the show! shop and fabrication studio where entrepreneurs, artists, makers, teachers and students come to Get started learn and work together. ♦ ♦♦ LiveSV.com is your first stop for details on what’s ♦ Sponsor painting an utility box through San happening on the stage and screen, music scene Jose, Campbell or Los Gatos and help brighten or festival front. up our community one street corner at a time. ♦ ♦ Grab some friends and go to First Fridays in ♦♦ Buy gifts at Kaleid, an artist’s co-op in the 4th downtown San Jose for the monthly gallery crawl. Street Garage in downtown San Jose. ♦♦ Attend a movie during Cinequest, which takes place annually in February or March. All in ♦♦ Subscribe to Content magazine (content-mag- azine.com) for the latest in the area’s art and ♦♦ Sponsor a musician, a concert, a conductor, the design scene. Chorale, or an education program for an under- served school through Symphony Silicon Valley. Dig deeper ♦♦ Join the board of a nonprofit arts organization or serve on a public committee, commission or ♦♦ Support the Djerassi Program by going on an grants panel. ART//SKY sculpture tour in the redwood- ♦ forested Santa Cruz mountains. ♦ Consider adding an arts organization in your estate planning and create your own cultural ♦♦ Apply for an internship — check out the ICA legacy. 10 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources Cinequest cinequest.org (408) 295-3378 Abhinaya Dance Co. of San Jose abhinaya.org (408) 871-5959 Cinequest, the nonprofit, produces the Cinequest Film Festival, an annual independent film festival. Abhinaya has been educating generations of dancers in the classical art form of Bharatanatyam, and con- ducting performances to bring attention to contem- City Lights Theater Co. porary and traditional themes. cltc.org (408) 295-4200 City Lights creates provocative live productions that Bay Area Glass Institute engage, inspire, and challenge audiences and artists bagi.org (408) 993-2244 alike through innovative concepts, intimate staging, and uncompromising storytelling. BAGI provides accessible, hands-on glass experi- ences that educate and inspire current and future generations of patrons, students and artists. City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs sanjoseculture.org (408) 793-4344 Children’s Discovery Museum Office of Cultural Affairs is the champion of San Jose’s cdm.org (408) 298-5437 artistic and cultural vibrancy, resources and vision. Children’s Discovery Museum inspires creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning for children, families College of Adaptive Arts and schools. collegeofadaptivearts.org (408) 384-8674 The College of Adaptive Arts is an institution of Children’s Musical Theatre lifelong learning for students with disabilities. cmtsj.org (408) 288-5437 CMT trains and educates today’s youth through Commons, The musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and thecommonssj.org personal goals, and to inspire them to become ex- emplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. The Commons is a music and performance show- case that stages events in transformed public spaces that are free and welcoming to everyone. Christmas in the Park christmasinthepark.com (408) 200-3800 Community School of Music and Arts Christmas in the Park is a free annual holiday tradition arts4all.org (650) 917-6800 in downtown San Jose that transforms Plaza De Cesar Chavez into a holiday fantasy with decorated trees, CSMA is an art and music education center where animated exhibits and visits from Santa. people of all ages and abilities can discover, develop and nurture their creativity. arts | 11
CreaTV San Jose Naatak House creatvsj.org (408) 295-8815 naatak.com (408) 499-5692 CreaTV is a member-based, nonprofit media center Naatak, America’s biggest Indian theater, is a that helps the community communicate to a broader company dedicated to producing intelligent and audience using public and education television and entertaining plays. Internet channels.
Opera Cultura Montalvo Arts Center operacultura.org (408) 876-6397 montalvoarts.org (408) 961-5800 Opera Cultura is an opera company that explores Montalvo Arts Center is an oasis of culture and the Latino-Hispanic cultural experience through nature whose mission is to create and present arts music theater and opera, while providing opportu- of all types, nurture artists, and use our historic nities for the community to participate as creators, Villa, buildings, and grounds in innovative ways that learners and performers. engage people in the creative process.
Opera San Jose MACLA operasj.org (408) 437-4450 maclaarte.org (408) 998-2783 Opera San Jose is a professional, regional company MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino that specializes in showcasing the finest young pro- Americana is an inclusive contemporary arts space fessional singers in the nation. grounded in the Chicano/Latino experience that incubates new visual, literary and performance art. Peninsula Symphony peninsulasymphony.org (650) 941-5291 The Peninsula Symphony works to enrich the lives No Excuses of people in our community with inspiring, innova- tive, high-quality musical presentations at affordable Attend an arts exhibit. prices, and to promote music education through engaging programs for children and adults. Plant flowers. Peninsula Women’s Chorus Go listen to a local band play. pwchorus.org (650) 327-3095 PWC is a 50-voice women’s choir performing Honor everyone’s holidays. high-quality classical and contemporary music. The chorus envisions a future as a vibrant music making Try something outside your comfort zone. community where women collaborate to create tran- scendent musical moments beyond their imagining. 12 | Field Guide to Community Service
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum egyptianmuseum.org (408) 947-3635 Creative diversity
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the San Jose’s creative scene reflects its rich cultural largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit history and diverse ethnic make-up. Check out in the western United States. these organizations celebrating cultures, tradi- tions and performance from across the globe.
SV Creates Abhinaya Dance Co. of San Jose svcreates.org (408) 998-2787 SV Creates builds the creative sector’s capacity, MACLA/ raises the value and visibility of the creative sector, Movimiento de Arte y Cultura and increases access to arts and creativity. They sup- Latino Americana port artists, creatives, educators and arts organiza- tions with grants, awards, enrichment opportunities, Naatak House professional development, networking and resources to grow their capacity. Opera Cultura
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum sjica.org (408) 283-8155 The ICA is an energetic art space in San Jose dedi- San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild cated to making contemporary art accessible and engaging to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. San Jose Taiko
San Jose Jazz Teatro Visión sanjosejazz.org (408) 288-7557 San Jose Jazz is dedicated to enriching the commu- nity through music education and live performance. San Jose Museum of Art It produces the annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. sjmusart.org (408) 271-6840 The San Jose Museum of Art reflects the diverse cultures and innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild Through its exhibitions, programs, scholarship, and sjmag.org (408) 272-9924 collections, SJMA connects the present and the SJMAG is a diverse, professional, cross-cultural arts past, the art of the West Coast and the world. organization, that serves the community by present- ing traditional and contemporary performing arts. arts | 13
San Jose Museum of Textiles & Quilts Silicon Valley Arts Coalition sjquiltmuseum.org (408) 971-0323 svarts.org (408) 251-8440 The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles pro- SV Arts Coalition includes performing arts orga- motes and celebrates the art, creators, craft and nizations that collectively produce more than 200 history of quilts and textiles. performances every year to showcase local talent and provide a venue for collaboration among local artists. San Jose Stage Company thestage.org (408) 283-7142 Silicon Valley Blues Society San Jose Stage produces professional live theatre svblues.org (408) 295-6656 in a unique environment, thereby intensifying the medium in connection to artisan, playwright and Silicon Valley Blues Society works to promote, audience. inspire, and engage blues music, in order to preserve and expand the musical heritage relevant to the history of blues music and the artists within our San Jose Taiko community. taiko.org (408) 293-9344 San Jose Taiko is a Japanese-American drumming South Bay Guitar Society and rhythm organization commited to enriching the sbgs.org (855) 502-7247 human spirit and connecting people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries. South Bay Guitar Society promotes and presents classical and related guitar styles and provides per- formance opportunities to all musicians. San Jose Youth Symphony sjys.org (408) 885-9220 Steinway Society, The Bay Area SJYS gives young people a foundation for life steinwaysociety.com (408) 295-6500 through orchestral music. Steinway Society is a presenting organization that promotes excellence in piano performance and School of Arts & Culture at MHP music education in the Bay Area. schoolofartsandculture.org (408) 794-6250 The school’s vision is to create a vibrant place of Symphony Silicon Valley learning, culture and community that nurtures the symphonysiliconvalley.org (408) 286-2600 soul and brings joy, skill building and a sense of be- longing to children, families and all who participate. Symphony Silicon Valley is a professional symphony orchestra founded in 2002. It produces free outreach programs for thousands of children every year. 14 | Field Guide to Community Service
Tabard Theatre Co., The Vivace Youth Chorus tabardtheatre.org (408) 979-0231 vivaceyouthchorus.org (408) 885-1746 Tabard provides enlightening theatre experiences, Vivace Youth Chorus is committed to choral excel- including new works, innovative interpretations and lence, regard for each child, kinship among choris- unique plays, that are appropriate and affordable for ters and their families, and respect for the cultures audiences of all ages. that comprise our diverse community.
Teatro Visión Works/San Jose teatrovision.org (408) 294-6621 workssanjose.org (408) 300-6405 Teatro Visión is a Chicano theater company with Works/San Jose is a grassroots art and performance work that amplifies the voices of Latinos, creates a center that supports creative experimentation. dignified and empowering sense of identity, inspires action, builds respect and understanding, and explores the social and psychological experiences of ZERO1 Latinos. zero1.org ZERO1 is a Silicon Valley arts organization that connects creative explorers in art, science and Tech Museum of Innovation technology to provoke new ideas that shape a more thetech.org (408) 294-8324 resilient future. The Tech Museum of Innovation is a family-friend- ly interactive science and technology center located in the heart of downtown San Jose. City Lights Theater Company
City Lights partners with nonprofits City Lights partners with one local nonprofit organization per production (six organizations per year). City Lights seeks to partner with organizations whose mission may be tied to the theme of a specific play or musical. City Lights provides an acknowledgement of the partnering organiza- tion’s contribution to the community in the program and a mention in the curtain speech prior to each performance. They also include the partner’s logo on the postcard for the production; place a donation box for the partner in the lobby during each performance; and provide display space for the partnering organization to place literature and create an engaging exhibit. Environment | 15
Environment
“I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees.” 3 — Gilbert K. Chesterton
In the San Francisco Bay Area, we couldn’t be ♦♦ Take the kids to a Youth Garden day at Veg- luckier to have a temperate climate, abundant trails gielution where the whole family can enjoy and green spaces, and access to extraordinary natural gardening, crafting and learning together. beauty. Is it time for you to get away from the desk ♦♦ Learn to compost through Master Gardeners of and back into the fresh air? Do you need to get your Santa Clara County or the City of San Jose. hands dirty? Would you like to find out how to do your part to live more sustainably? ♦♦ Help install solar panels for a low-income family with sunwork.org. Get started All in ♦♦ Call Village Harvest to come glean fruit from your trees. They do the work and donate the ♦♦ Volunteer to be a Outdoor Education Leader bounty to local food banks. at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to teach elementary students about good land ♦♦ Get familiar with ocean-friendly seafood choices stewardship. at seafoodwatch.org. ♦♦ Gather a group of friends for a day of planting ♦♦ Recycle your used computer equipment through trees with Our City Forest. eiae.org. ♦♦ Become a garden mentor with Valley Verde, ♦♦ Download the San Jose Urban Village Toolkit at and help urban families learn to grow their own greenbelt.org and find out how you can improve organic food. Spanish speakers are especially your neighborhood. needed. Dig deeper ♦♦ There’s green living, and green dying. Learn about the options for returning to the earth ♦♦ Sign up for a day long beautification effort with naturally atgreenburials.org. San Jose Project at sjproject.org. ♦♦ Become a weekly volunteer at the California Na- ♦♦ Join SPUR for newsletters, events and lectures tive Garden Foundation in downtown San Jose: to inform yourself about critical issues. middlebrookcenter.com. 16 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources Friends of Stevens Creek Trail stevenscreektrail.org (408) 255-5780 Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet FSCT promotes community pride and involvement acterra.org (650) 962-9876 in the completion, enhancement, and enjoyment of Acterra brings people together to create local solu- the Stevens Creek Trail and Wildlife Corridor. tions for a healthy planet including the Business Environmental Awards, energy and climate program and a public lecture series. Friends of the San Jose Rose Garden friendssjrosegarden.org This group is dedicated to maintaining the roses at Bicycle Exchange Silicon Valley the Historic San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. bikex.org (650) 691-5989 Bicycle Exchange provides refurbished bicycles to the underprivileged. They donate bicycles and hel- Garden to Table mets to more than a dozen organizations through- garden2table.org (408) 641-8313 out Silicon Valley. Garden to Table is committed to creating a sustain- able, local food system that builds community, im- proves access to healthy food, and teaches residents Coastal Watershed Council to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables. coastal-watershed.org CWC preserves and protects coastal watersheds through community stewardship, education and Good Karma Bikes monitoring. goodkarmabikes.org (408) 291-0501 Good Karma Bikes transforms lives by supporting people with low cost or free bicycles so they can get Environmental Volunteers to work. evols.org (408) 244-2449 Environmental Volunteers promotes understanding of, and responsibility for, the environment through Greenbelt Alliance hands-on science education. greenbelt.org (415) 543-6771 Greenbelt Alliance addresses a single challenge: how the Bay Area handles growth. They shape the Filoli rules that govern growth to protect the region’s open filoli.org (650) 364-8300 spaces and to ensure neighborhoods within our cit- Filoli is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation ies and towns are amazing places for everyone. and stewardship of this country estate for public education and enjoyment. Environment | 17
Hidden Villa No Excuses hiddenvilla.org (650) 949-8650
Compost. Hidden Villa uses its organic farm, wilderness and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Turn the TV and computer off one day a week.
Shop at a local farmer’s market. Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County mastergardeners.org/scc (408) 282-3105
Take light rail, BART or Caltrain. Master Gardeners is a volunteer organization that works to extend research-based knowledge and in- formation on home horticulture, pest management, Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. and sustainable landscape practices.
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy grpg.org (408) 298-7657 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District openspace.org (650) 691-1200 GRPC provides leadership for the development and use of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District through education, advocacy and stewardship. works to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportuni- Hakone Foundation ties for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and hakone.com (408) 741-4994 education. The Hakone Foundation manages the Hakone es- tate and gardens toward independence from public Nature Conservancy, The financing by encouraging membership contribu- nature.org (415) 777-0487 tions, managing rentals of the buildings and gardens and by sponsoring programs. The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature Happy Hollow Foundation and people. hhpz.org (408) 277-3000
Happy Hollow Foundation supports Happy Hollow Open Space Authority Santa Clara Valley Park and Zoo, which connects people to nature openspaceauthority.org (408) 224-7476 through play. It was the first Amusement Park & Zoo in the country to be certified LEED gold by Open Space Authority preserves key portions of the the U.S. Green Building Council. natural environment in order to balance continuing urban growth. 18 | Field Guide to Community Service
Our City Forest Santa Clara County Farm Bureau ourcityforest.org (408) 998-7337 sccfarmbureau.org (408) 776-1684 Our City Forest cultivates a green and healthy Sili- The SCC Farm Bureau is dedicated to promoting con Valley by engaging community members in the and preserving farming and ranching in Santa Clara appreciation, protection, growth and maintenance of Valley. our urban ecosystem, especially our urban forest.
Save Our Shores Peninsula Open Space Trust saveourshores.org (831) 462-5660 openspacetrust.org (650) 854-7696 Save Our Shores is a marine conservation organiza- POST protects and cares for open space, farms and tion that works to care for the marine environment parkland in and around Silicon Valley. through ocean awareness, advocacy and citizen action.
SPUR San Jose spur.org (408) 638-0083 Save Our Trails saveourtrails-scc.org SPUR brings people together to develop solutions to the big problems our cities face. They are a leading Save Our Trails promotes trails in Santa Clara civic planning organization and respected for their County for the benefit and enjoyment of all. independent and holistic approach to urban issues.
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter San Jose Community Gardens lomaprieta.sierraclub.org (650) 390-8411 sjcommunitygardens.org (408) 793-4165 Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter provides opportu- San Jose has 19 year-round community gardens that nities for people to develop leadership skills, to give are managed by volunteers and offer opportunities back to the community and help the environment. for San Jose residents to have their own garden.
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition San Jose Parks Foundation bikesiliconvalley.org (408) 287-7259 sanjoseparks.org (408) 893-7275 The Bicycle Coalition exists to promote increased SJPF advocates for San Jose’s parks and trails and cycling and to create a healthy community, environ- the programs within them, by empowering residents ment and economy through bicycling for people and volunteers and securing private donations. who live, work or play in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Environment | 19
Silicon Valley Land Conservatory Sustainable Silicon Valley siliconvalleylc.org (408) 460-1102 sustainablesv.org (650) 318-3638 The Conservancy protects, promotes and enhances Sustainable Silicon Valley is a collaborative work- the habitats of fish, wildlife, plants or similar ecosys- ing to produce environmental improvement and tems, and maintains land for agricultural, recreation, resource conservation in Silicon Valley. education, historic preservation or open space.
Valle Verde Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition valleyverde.org (408) 293-3475 svtc.org (408) 287-6707 Valley Verde provides low-income families with free SVTC is engaged in research, advocacy and grass- organic gardening classes and materials. roots organizing to promote human health and en- vironmental justice in response to the rapid growth of the high-tech industry. Veggielution Community Farm veggielution.org (408) 887-2562 Veggielution helps people make healthy food Sustainable Community Gardens choices and provide opportunities for connecting fullcirclesunnyvale.org (408) 735-8154 with the natural world. Sustainable Community Gardens is the nonprofit arm that runs Full Circle Farm and Charles Street Gardens in Sunnyvale. SCG is dedicated to the re- Youth Science Institute newal of local, sustainable food systems throughout ysi-ca.org (408) 356-4945 Silicon Valley. YSI works to inspire enthusiasm for science and love learning by offering hands-on, nature-based, science education to children, families and the general public.
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
Blaze a trail in our community
GRPC can bring you many benefits — from learning success- ful gardening techniques, to having the satisfaction of doing something good for the environment. They have regular vol- unteer activities, including volunteering with the new Rotary PlayGarden, which enables children with special needs to play alongside their siblings and friends. It is maintained by GRPC via volunteers, in-kind donations and fee-for-service contracts. 20 | Field Guide to Community Service
Animals
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” 4 — Mahatma Gandhi
If you are partial to four-legged friends or furry ♦♦ Participate in 13th Street Cat Rescue’s “Trap- creatures, there are many opportunities to connect Neuter-Return” free training workshop at the to our faithful companions. Silicon Valley is brim- Joyce Ellington Branch Library. Learn more at ming with nonprofits that serve animals, domesti- www.13thstcats.org. cated and wild, from large established organizations ♦♦ Enjoy the fresh air as a weekly side-walker for to small but mighty groups. new horse riders at B.O.K. Ranch, which pro- Get started vides riding lessons for those with special needs.
♦♦ Donate your leftover flea and heartworm medi- All in cation to Silicon Valley Pet Project. ♦♦ Help count birds on Hawk Hill with the Golden ♦♦ Participate in the Humane Society Silicon Valley Gate Raptor Observatory, which tracks the an- (HSSV)’s Pet Pantry Donation Program, which nual flight of tens of thousands of hawks, eagles, provides pets and pet owners with food to keep falcons and vultures. animals fed, in their own loving homes and ♦♦ Adopt a dog from one of the many breed rescue ultimately safe from homelessness. organizations, including Golden State German ♦♦ You can donate your birthday to the Red Panda Shepherd Rescue (www.gsgsrescue.org), Golden Network; they have tools on their website to State Greyhound Adoption (www.goldengrey- help you raise money for habitat protection and hounds.com) or NORCAL Golden Retriever restoration, anti-poaching and establishing the Rescue (www.golden-rescue.org). Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung Red Panda Protected ♦♦ Foster a rescued rabbit through The Rabbit Ha- Forest. ven (therabbithaven.org). Your foster care saves Dig deeper rabbit lives. ♦♦ Learn how your pet can become a therapy ♦♦ Learn how to treat sick and injured wildlife animal and make visits to hospitals, retirement through the internship program at Wildlife homes or schools. You can learn more at the Center of Silicon Valley. National Service Animal Registry. ANIMALS | 21
Resources Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue jakeswishrescue.org B.O.K. Ranch Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue is a volunteer-driven bokranch.com (650) 366-2265 organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs B.O.K. Ranch Therapeutic Horseback Riding who would otherwise be euthanized in shelters due Program is dedicated to providing horseback riding to lack of space. lessons to children and adults with special needs.
Leave a Trail Companion Animal Rescue Effort leaveatrailtherapy.org (408) 726-8453 carepets.org (408) 227-CARE Milpitas-based Leave a Trail offers therapeutic rid- C.A.R.E. finds good, permanent homes for dogs ing for children with special needs. that were abandoned, relinquished, or never re- claimed. C.A.R.E. provides temporary shelter, food, love, and medical care to these foster dogs and pup- Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue pies until they are placed. mickaboo.org Mickaboo rescues parrots and other commonly domesticated companion birds who have been ne- DreamPower Horsemanship glected, abused, injured or surrendered because their dreampowerhorsemanship.com (408) 686-0535 owners can no longer care for them. DreamPower provides therapeutic horsemanship programs to at-risk, low-income children and teens in the Gilroy area. National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy nceft.org (650) 851-2271 NCEFT is dedicated to helping people with special Happy Hollow Foundation needs reach beyond their boundaries through hhpz.org (408) 277-3000 equine-assisted therapies, education and research. Happy Hollow Foundation supports Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, which is part of the species survival program to help ensure the survival of selected Native Animal Rescue species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are nativeanimalrescue.org (831) 462-0726 threatened or endangered in the wild. NAR is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife.
Humane Society Silicon Valley hssv.org (408) 262-2133 Nike Animal Rescue Foundation narfrescue.org (408) 224-6273 Humane Society saves and enhances lives of animals by working to eliminate unnecessary euthanasia. NARF is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to They have been in Silicon Valley for over 85 years. protecting dogs and cats. 22 | Field Guide to Community Service
Nine Lives Foundation No Excuses ninelivesfoundation.org (650) 368-1365
Nine Lives Foundation rescues cats from high-kill Offer to walk a elderly neighbor’s dog shelters and at-risk homeless situations, providing them with a no-kill shelter and on-site medical care, and seeks permanent loving homes for them. Teach children how to interact with new animals
Spay or neuter your pet One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding osctr.org (408) 778-3567 Participate in Meatless Mondays One Step Closer is an equestrian organization that offers therapeutic riding to individuals with physical and/or emotional disabilities, as well as youth-at- Recycle — it saves wild animals’ habitat risk and U.S. military veterans.
Project Purr Pandemonium Aviaries projectpurr.org (831)423-6369 pandemoniumaviaries.org (650) 941-2473 Project Purr is an all-volunteer rescue organization Pandemonium Aviaries is dedicated to preventing for feral cats and kittens in Santa Cruz County. the extinction of targeted avian species through They fund a trap/neuter/return program, adopt cats conservation and education. and have a successful barn cat program.
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue Rabbit Haven, The peaceofminddogrescue.org (831) 718-9122 therabbithaven.org (831) 600-7479 Peace of Mind is a resource and advocate for senior The Rabbit Haven rescues abandoned rabbits and dogs and senior people on California’s Central accepts surrendered rabbits from the general public Coast. They find loving homes for dogs whose and shelters. They work to place these rescued rab- guardians can no longer care for them and for senior bits into loving foster homes, secure medical care dogs in shelters. including needed spay neuter, and then place them into permanent homes.
Pet Awareness and Welfare Society paws4sjacs.org (877) 729-7475 St. Francis Animal Protection Society stfrancisanimal.org PAWS supports and works with San José Animal Care and Services to reduce the number of homeless A rescue organization that helps cats and dogs of all animals and to increase awareness of the value of breeds, ages and medical conditions. St. Francis is companion pets in the home and community. one of the first foster-based, non-facility nonprofit organizations. ANIMALS | 23
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (408) 420-7233 safehavenanimalsanctuary.org Not just horsing around
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary believes that no ani- These equestrian nonprofits make a big dif- mal should have to go hungry, be homeless or live in ference for those in need, from children with fear or pain. The sanctuary believes that all animals disabilities to military veterans. deserve to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect and provided with care that increases their B.O.K. Ranch Woodside opportunity for a safe life. DreamPower Horsemanship Gilroy
San Jose Animal Advocates sjanimaladvocates.org Leave a Trail Milpitas San Jose Animal Advocates is an all-volunteer orga- National Center for Equine nization made up of compassionate people building Facilitated Therapy Woodside a community network to save more shelter pets. One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding Morgan Hill Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society scvas.org (408) 252-3747 Westwind 4-H Riding for Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society preserves, en- the Handicapped Los Altos Hills joys, restores and fosters public awareness of native birds and their ecosystems, mainly in Santa Clara County. South Bay Purebred Rescue sbprdogs.org (408) 629-8293 Save Our Shores South Bay Purebred Rescue is an all-volunteer orga- saveourshores.org (831) 462-5660 nization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of dogs of all breeds. Save Our Shores works to care for the marine en- vironment through ocean awareness, advocacy and citizen action. Support Team Animal Rescue staranimalrescue.org (408) 876-6221 Silicon Valley Pet Project Support Team Animal Rescue was created to ad- svpetproject.org (408) 641-8745 dress the problem of euthanasia of companion ani- mals due to shelter overcrowding, medical and other Silicon Valley Pet Project is a nonprofit organiza- needs. They work with shelters and other rescues tion of volunteers committed to saving local at-risk and agencies to place animals in loving, responsible, shelter pets through rescue, community involvement forever homes. and education. 24 | Field Guide to Community Service
13th Street Cat Rescue Westwind 4-H Riding for the Handicapped 13thstcats.org westwind4h.org (650) 947-8680 13th Street Cat Rescue is a no-kill nonprofit Westwind gives children with disabilities the oppor- sponsored in part by the 13th Street Neighborhood tunity to have fun while improving their coordina- Advisory Committee (NAC). tion and balance, strengthening their muscles — and building their confidence.
Town Cats towncats.org (408) 779-5761 Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley wcsv.org (408) 929-9453 Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted, and feral cats in Santa Clara WCSV provides high-quality care and rehabilita- County. tion of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife within Silicon Valley. Through educational programs, it fosters a positive coexistence between the general Unconditional Love Animal Rescue public and wildlife, and encourages an interest in, ul-rescue.org and concern for wildlife conservation issues. Unconditional Love Animal Rescue works to rescue animals from euthanizing shelters.
Animal Assisted Happiness
Experience smiles only animals can bring Animal Assisted Happiness (AAH) enriches the lives of children and their families experiencing special needs, health or family challenges. As a nonprofit organization, they provide barnyard friends to bring moments of happiness and smiles into their day. Their vision is a “Million Smiles.”
Animal Assisted Happiness operates 100% with volunteers. They are in need of adult volunteers and youth volunteers. If you have a passion for children and animals, there’s something for you to do.
They could use your help with caring for and socializing animals, assisting children interacting with animals, taking animals on visits, maintaining the facility, helping raise money and community outreach. Education | 25
Education
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” 5 — Malala Yousafzai
Education matters; it’s as simple as that. The more visitors on interactive touchscreen displays, or our children are educated, the better our community share hands-on learning activities about local will be. Our schools face many challenges but the birds, native plants, earthquakes, and more. nonprofit sector is working to help solve problems ♦♦ Teach someone how to read as a volunteer with for our students, our teachers and our community. Partners in Reading. Take note, get involved and help find solutions. Get started All in ♦♦ Become a mentor with Alum Rock Counseling ♦♦ Give your extra office supplies, corporate swag or Center and make a difference in a youth’s life. surplus materials to Resource Area For Teach- ing (raft.net) and they will be transformed into ♦♦ Share your experience, skill, time, and resources educational activity kits for students. with Junior Achievement to help students understand the connections between school and ♦♦ Visit donorschoose.org and make a donation success in work and life. that will support a teacher, classroom and stu- dents all with the click of a few buttons. ♦♦ Volunteer with Project Cornerstone to read books and lead discussions about generating ♦♦ Log onto ScholarMatch.org to find out how you respect across school campuses. can help a high-achieving, low-income student attend college. ♦♦ Share your love of math once a week through the Elevate [math] summer program of Silicon Dig deeper Valley Education Foundation and help high school students their STEM skills. ♦♦ Host a small group of 2-5 middle or high school ♦♦ Write a blog post for Edutopia, a leading voice students (ages 11-16) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 illuminating and showcasing what works in edu- p.m. at your workplace through Breakthrough cation by showing people how they can adopt Silicon Valley’s career day program. best practices and tell stories of innovation and ♦♦ Become an EcoCenter Docent with Environ- continuous learning in the real world. (edutopia. mental Volunteers and lead nature hikes, guide org/about/contact/write-for-edutopia) 26 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources No Excuses Assyrians For Education Read to kids. assyriansforeducation.org AFE helps underprivileged cultural groups and new Learn about Project Cornerstone’s Dev. Assets. immigrants to assimilate into the American culture and achieve the American dream through education. Start a book club.
Breakthrough Silicon Valley Take a class and learn something new. breakthroughsv.org (408) 287-6357 Breakthrough Silicon Valley launches high poten- Attend a city council meeting. tial, underserved middle school students on the path to college and inspires high school and college students to pursue careers in education. Children’s Discovery Museum cdm.org (408) 298-5437 Bring Me A Book Foundation Children’s Discovery Museum inspires creativity, bringmeabook.org (650) 625-5000 curiosity, and lifelong learning for children, families and schools. BMAB is focused on children from 0-8 (with focus on preschool years) who need books at home and at school. City of San Jose Library and Early Education Commission sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-3500 BUILD build.org (650) 543-4762 This commission studies, evaluates, reviews and provides advice on issues related to childcare, early BUILD is a four-year college readiness program childhood education, child development, and other whose mission is to use entrepreneurship-based, issues concerning young children ages 0- 5 years and experiential learning to ignite the potential of youth their families. in under-resourced communities and equip them for high school, college and career success. College of Adaptive Arts collegeofadaptivearts.org (408) 384-8674 Center for Employment Training cetweb.org (800) 533-2519 The College of Adaptive Arts is an institution of lifelong learning for students with disabilities. CET is dedicated to fighting poverty and depen- dence on public aid by making hands-on job train- ing available to youth and adults of all educational levels, especially to those most in need. Education | 27
Community School of Music and Arts Junior Achievement of Northern California arts4all.org (650) 917-6800 juniorachievement.org/web/ja-norcal CSMA is an art and music education center where Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating young people of all ages and abilities can discover, develop people about financial literacy, workforce readiness and nurture their creativity. and entrepreneurship.
Computer History Museum JustREAD computerhistory.org (650) 810-1010 justreadcenters.org (650) 940-7402 Dedicated to preserving the artifacts and stories JustREAD works to help every student gradu- of the Information Age, the CHM is home to the ate high school with the skills and self-confidence largest international collection of computing mate- needed to pursue their dreams and become produc- rials in the world. tive members of their communities.
ConXión to Community Girls for a Change conxion.org (408) 213-0961 girlsforachange.org (866) 738-4422 ConXión to Community works to open doors to GFAC inspires girls to have the voice, ability and create new opportunities through culturally compe- problem solving capacity to speak up, be decision tent education, workforce development and social makers, create visionary change and realize their full services to create a better community. potential.
Downtown College Prep History San Jose dcp.org (408) 271-8120 historysanjose.org (408) 287-2290 DCP prepares first-generation middle and high History San Jose collects, preserves and celebrates school students for college success. the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and Santa Clara Valley.
Environmental Volunteers evols.org (408) 244-2449 Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education Environmental Volunteers promotes understanding iisme.org (408) 553-2267 of, and responsibility for, the environment through hands-on science education. IISME fosters a community of educators, scientists, engineers, and business leaders who share a com- mitment to ensuring that all members of our society are equipped to benefit from and contribute to the innovations in science and technology that shape our nation. 28 | Field Guide to Community Service
Morgan Autism Center Educational foundations morgancenter.org (408) 241-8161
Educational foundations are formed to increase The center helps children and adults with autism student achievement through philanthropic in- or other developmental disabilities to maximize vestment and involvement. The National School their potential in a dignified, positive and learning Foundation Association has a list of founda- environment. tions by state but we’ve highlighted a few local foundations below. Pacific Autism Center for Education Alum Rock Educational Foundation pacificautism.org (408) 245-3400 alumrockef.org PACE works to enhance the lives of people im- pacted by autism, through innovation, exceptional Bay Area Financial Education Foundation education and compassionate care. bafef.org
Evergreen Elementary Education Foundation Project Cornerstone eeef.org projectcornerstone.org (408) 351-6482 Project Cornerstone helps all children and teens in Foundation for Hispanic Education Silicon Valley feel valued, respected and known by tfhe.org building a web of support around young people so that they grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults. Silicon Valley Education Foundation svefoundation.org RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) raft.net (408) 451-1420 Innovate Public Schools innovateschools.org (650) 562-6200 RAFT provides creative ideas, affordable project materials, pre-packaged activity kits, one-on-one Innovate Public Schools works to build demand for mentoring and professional development for educa- world-class public schools, particularly for low- tors who believe in the power of hands-on teaching. income students and students of color.
Reading Partners Lyceum of Santa Clara Valley readingpartners.org (408) 945-5720 lyceum-online.com (408) 278-5593 Reading Partners works with under-resourced Lyceum is a self-supporting, parent participation schools and engages volunteer reading partners to organization that provides after-school enrichment help students who struggle with reading unlock and classes and other opportunities for gifted children develop the foundational skills they need to succeed that might otherwise not be available to them. in school and in life. Education | 29
Rocketship Education Tech Museum of Innovation rsed.org (877) 806-0920 thetech.org (408) 294-8324 Rocketship Education is a network of public The Tech Museum is a family-friendly interactive elementary charter schools serving primarily low- science and technology center in San Jose. income students.
THINK Together San Jose Public Library Foundation thinktogether.org (408) 946-2727 sjplf.org (408) 808-2081 THINK Together provides after-school programs The San Jose Public Library Foundation raises in academics, enrichment and health/fitness. private funds to complement the City’s annual al- location to the San Jose Public Library system. UnitedWeReach unitedwereach.org Silicon Valley Children’s Fund UnitedWeReach works to bridge the opportunity svcf.org (408) 484-6200 gap in education so that every child has equal op- Silicon Valley Children’s Fund works to improve portunity to achieve maximum academic potential. educational and life outcomes for foster youth.
Vision Literacy Silicon Valley Education Foundation visionliteracy.org (408) 676-7323 svefoundation.org (408) 790-9400 VL provides education services that empower adult SVEF is working to transform Silicon Valley into a learners to reach their personal goals, build confi- model for enhancing public education. dence and develop a successful vision for their future.
Morgan Autism Center Youth Science Institute ysi-ca.org (408) 356-4945 YSI works to inspire enthusiasm for science by offering hands-on, nature-based, science education.
40 years of helping children + adults Morgan Autism Center is the leading provider of educa- tional services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. The generous support of donors allows their students to thrive, helping them to confidently learn and build skills to maximize their potential. 30 | Field Guide to Community Service
Youth
“Hugs can do great amounts of good — especially for children.” 6 — Princess Diana
We’ve all heard this but let’s try to live it. Dig deeper One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how ♦♦ Join one of Uplift Family Services volunteer much I had in my bank, nor what my clothes looked like. auxiliaries, which run Happy Dragon Thrift Shop, The Unicorn Thrift Shop and The Butter One hundred years from now, it will not matter, what Paddle Gift Shop, and help raise funds to help kind of school I attended, what kind of typewriter I children and families. used, how large or small my church. ♦♦ Teach legal education with Fresh Lifelines for But the world may be a little better because I was im- Youth (FLY); no prior legal education or experi- portant in the life of a child. — Forest Whitcraft ence is necessary. Get started ♦♦ YearUp has multiple ways to get involved in- cluding becoming a mentor or tutor, speaking to ♦♦ Donate your extra sports equipment, art supplies a class or proposing a project. or educational items to AchieveKids (there’s a wish list on their website). All in ♦♦ Familiarize yourself with Project Cornerstone’s ♦♦ Become a Career Mentor for TeenForce and Development Assets and learn about simple work one-on-one with youth to help them set ways to support youth in our community. Asset and achieve goals related to their job placement. No. 8 is that young people are given useful roles in the community — can you help make that ♦♦ Volunteer with a literacy organization and help a happen? young person hone their reading skills. ♦ ♦♦ Helping youth can be as simple as smiling and ♦ Learn more about Bill Wilson Center’s volun- saying hello to a young person, engaging them teer case aide program, which connects children in conversation or hiring them to help with odd in foster care to caring adult volunteers who can jobs around your house. Small gestures can have help them with a variety of daily needs such as a huge impact. tutoring, mentoring and supervised visitations. Youth | 31
Resources Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area bbbsba.org (408) 586-0150 AchieveKids Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing achievekids.org (408) 928-5777 adversity with strong and enduring, professionally AchieveKids provides programs that deliver special supported one-to-one relationships that change education, mental health, and family support ser- their lives for the better, forever. vices for students ages 5 to 22 who have complex and often severe developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Bill Wilson Center billwilsoncenter.org (408) 243-0222 Bill Wilson Center supports and strengthens the Addison-Penzak Jewish community by serving youth and families through Community Center of Silicon Valley counseling, housing, education, and advocacy. apjcc.org (408) 357-7429 The JCC is a community center that welcomes people of all faiths and works to enhance Jewish life Boy Scouts of America, by providing social, cultural, educational and recre- Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council ational services for the entire community. svmbc.org (408) 638-8300 Boy Scouts prepares young people to make ethical choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Almaden Valley Counseling Service Oath and Scout Law. avcounseling.org (408) 997-0200 AVCS is a community-based, nonprofit counseling agency committed to meeting the mental health Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley concerns of all ages with an emphasis on youth. bgclub.org (408) 957-9685 The Boys and Girls Club works to inspire and em- power all young people, especially those who need Alum Rock Counseling Center us most, to realize their full potential as productive, alumrockcc.org (408) 294-0500 responsible and caring adults. Alum Rock Counseling Center delivers a full complement of behavioral health services to youth, their families and individuals in neighborhoods BUILD throughout Santa Clara County. build.org (650) 543-4762 BUILD is a four-year college readiness program whose mission is to use entrepreneurship-based, Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative experiential learning to ignite the potential of youth bawsi.org (408) 247-2544 in under-resourced communities and equip them for high school, college, and career success. BAWSI awakens the power of female athletes as change makers in the world. 32 | Field Guide to Community Service
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley No Excuses cadvocates.org (408) 416-0400
Child Advocates recruits and trains Court Appoint- Stop at every lemonade stand. ed Special Advocates who stand up for children in the foster care system. Support your young neighbor’s fund-raisers.
Children’s Discovery Museum Listen to kids. cdm.org (408) 298-5437
Children’s Discovery Museum inspires creativity, Know the children in your neighborhood. curiosity, and lifelong learning for children, families and schools. Hire young people for odd jobs.
Children’s Musical Theatre cmtsj.org (408) 288-5437 FIRST 5 Santa Clara County first5kids.com (408) 260-3700 CMT trains and educates today’s youth through musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and FIRST 5 supports the healthy development of chil- personal goals, and to inspire them to become ex- dren through age five and enriches the lives of their emplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. families and communities.
City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley First Tee of Silicon Valley cityyear.org/sanjose (408) 907-6500 thefirstteesiliconvalley.org (408) 347-0990 City Year is an education-focused organization First Tee impacts the lives of young people by dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley fcservices.org (408) 755-7100 Fresh Lifelines for Youth Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley works flyprogram.org (408) 263-2630 to build strong, safe, and self-sufficient individu- als, families and communities. They offer a range FLY is dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence, of innovative, accessible, and integrated programs crime and incarceration of teens through legal, educa- and services addressing critical health and human tion, leadership training and one-to-one mentoring. services needs. Youth | 33
Girl Scouts of Northern California Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups Inc. girlscoutsnorcal.org (408) 287-4170 lasmadres.org Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, Las Madres provides a network of neighborhood and character, who make the world a better place. playgroups for children born in the same year. Through Las Madres playgroups, members find friendship, support and helpful information as well Girls for a Change as an opportunity for their children to make friends girlsforachange.org (866) 738-4422 their own age. GFAC inspires girls to have the voice, ability and problem solving capacity to speak up, be decision Morgan Autism Center makers, create change and realize their full potential. morgancenter.org (408) 241-8161 The center helps children and adults with autism Girls on the Run Silicon Valley or other developmental disabilities to maximize gotrsv.org their potential in a dignified, positive and learning environment. Girls on the Run inspires girls (3rd thru 8th grade) to be joyful, healthy and confident using curriculum that creatively integrates running. My New Red Shoes mynewredshoes.org (650) 241-3911 Grail Family Services My New Red Shoes provides homeless and low- gfsfamilyservices.org (408) 347-7892 income children with new clothing and shoes. Grail Family Services works to strengthen family capacity to support young children’s positive educa- Parents Helping Parents tional outcomes and to build a thriving community. php.com (408) 727-5775 PHP helps children and adults with special needs Happy Hollow Foundation receive the support and services they need to reach hhpz.org (408) 794-6424 their full potential by providing information, training and resources to build strong families and Happy Hollow Foundation supports Happy Hollow improve systems of care. Park and Zoo through fund-raising and educational activities in conjunction with the city of San Jose. Playworks playworks.org (408) 412-8340 Junior Achievement of Northern California www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-norcal Playworks creates a place for every kid on the play- ground to feel included, be active, and build valuable Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating young social and emotional skills. people about financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. 34 | Field Guide to Community Service
Positive Coaching Alliance Rosa Elena Childcare Center bayarea.positivecoach.org (866) 725-0024 alzactivitycenter.org (408) 279-7515 PCA strives to develop “Better Athletes, Better The Rosa Elena Childcare Center offers childcare People” by working to provide athletes a positive, for children ages two to five. It is affiliated with the character-building youth sports experience. Alzheimer’s Activity Center and the children enjoy several closely supervised, intergenerational activi- ties every week including story time, arts and crafts, Project Cornerstone music and dance, and outdoor activities. projectcornerstone.org (408) 351-6482 Project Cornerstone helps children and teens feel San Jose Youth Symphony valued, respected and known by building a web of sjys.org (408) 885-9220 support around young people so that they grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults. SJYS gives young people a foundation for life through orchestral music.
Project Linus sjlinus.org Silicon Valley Children’s Fund svcf.org (408) 484-6200 Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously Silicon Valley Children’s Fund works to improve ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the educational and life outcomes for foster youth. gifts of new blankets and quilts lovingly created by volunteer blanketeers. Silicon Valley FACES svfaces.org (408) 286-9663 Ride a Wave Silicon Valley FACES is committed to ending bias, rideawave.org bigotry and violence. It is acclaimed for their youth Ride a Wave gives children with special needs camp experience, Camp Everytown. the chance to feel the thrill of being in the ocean and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or StandUp for Kids — Silicon Valley economically challenged. standupforkids.org/SiliconValley StandUp For Kids works to end the cycle of youth homelessness and runs several programs to help Ronald McDonald House at Stanford homeless youth the assistance, training and resourc- ronaldhouse.net (650) 470-6000 es to make a successful re-integration into society. Ronald McDonald House creates a home-away- from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals. Youth | 35
Summer Search Silicon Valley summersearch.org/bayarea (408) 291-0062 Run, play, stay healthy!
Summer Search helps low-income students across the There are many organizations dedicated to country rise to their potential and become beacons of keeping our children active and healthy. change in their communities. Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative
Tech Museum of Innovation Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley thetech.org (408) 294-8324
The Tech Museum of Innovation is a family-friend- First Tee of Silicon Valley ly interactive science and technology center located in the heart of downtown San Jose. Girls on the Run Silicon Valley
TeenForce Playworks teenforce.org (408) 827-3078
TeenForce matches prepared and trained young Positive Coaching Alliance workers to jobs in high-wage, high-demand fields. They focus on vulnerable youth that are most likely to benefit from their services. Ride a Wave
TurningWheels for Kids Teen Success Inc. teensuccess.net (408) 263-8330 Uplift Family Services Teen Success breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty by helping teen mothers graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education, delay YMCA of Silicon Valley additional children until adulthood, and get on a path to long-term self-sufficiency and wellbeing.
THINK Together Third Street Community Center thinktogether.org (408) 946-2727 3street.org (408) 295-8722 THINK Together (formerly Bay Area After-School The Third Street Community Center is a place All-Stars) provides after-school programs in aca- where people of all ages and backgrounds are demics, enrichment and health/fitness. actively engaged in enriching themselves and their community through education, arts, technology and service. 36 | Field Guide to Community Service
Today’s Youth Matter YearUp tymkids.org (408) 719-9125 yearup.org (408) 513-3004 TYM works to build Christian leaders by equip- Year Up empowers low-income young adults to go ping, encouraging, and empowering the kids from poverty to professional careers. through outdoor experiences, spiritual development and intentional lasting relationships. YMCA of Silicon Valley ymcasv.org (408) 351-6400 TurningWheels for Kids The YMCA works to strengthen communities turningwheelsforkids.org (408) 885-5205 through youth development, healthy living and TurningWheels for Kids provides children with social responsibility. brand new, sparkly bikes to encourage life long habits of exercise and outdoor activity. YWCA of Silicon Valley ywca-sv.org (408) 295-4011 Uplift Family Services The YWCA Silicon Valley is dedicated to eliminat- upliftfs.org (408) 379-3790 ing racism, empowering women and promoting Uplift Family Services (formerly EMQ Families- peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. First) does whatever it takes to strengthen and advocate for children, families, adults and communi- ties to realize their hopes for behavioral health and Youth Science Institute well-being. ysi-ca.org (408) 356-4945 YSI works to inspire enthusiasm for science and love learning by offering hands-on, nature-based, sci- Vivace Youth Chorus ence education to children, families and the general vivaceyouthchorus.org (408) 885-1746 public. Vivace Youth Chorus is committed to choral excel- lence, regard for each child, kinship among choris- ters and their families, and respect for the cultures Making college a reality that comprise our diverse community. DCP was the first charter high school in Silicon Val- ley and believes that all students, regardless of prior Downtown College Prep academic achievement, can and should be prepared for college success. DCP has made college success for first- generation college students a reality and more than 500 students have graduated from DCP since 2004.
You can donate to DCP and help bring the dream of college to hard-working, deserving students. There are two memorial funds — Dan Valdespino and Bob Grimm — as well as a scholarship fund. seniors | 37
Seniors
“Do not regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many.” 7 — Unknown
By 2030, about one in five Californians will be 65 companionship, contact Heart of the Valley and or older. It’s the responsibility of our community to become a volunteer. make sure our elders are safe, secure and well cared ♦♦ for. Thankfully, there are dozens of nonprofits that Learn about Coda Alliance’s Go Wish Cards, put serving the needs of the eldest front and center. which stimulate discussions in a positive way From health care and housing to connecting genera- on values and wishes about end-of-life care. It’s tions and caring for the aging, there are myraid ways an easy and entertaining way to have important to help make someone’s golden years golden. conversation with your loved ones about what matters to you. Get started ♦♦ The Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council needs lunch time help on Wednesdays, from ♦♦ Help an elderly neighbor — sweep up leaves, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to set tables, serve lunch, bring in their garbage cans, take them a warm prep food and clean up. meal or drive them to the store. So simple yet so meaningful. All in ♦♦ Become a newspaper roller and join a group ♦♦ Consider becoming a Meals on Wheels driver of environmentally minded seniors who help to deliver hot meals and provide companionship collect, sort, flatten and roll donated newspapers to homebound adults during the weekday. The to be sold to florists. All proceeds benefitYu-Ai Kai, a Japanese-American community senior Health Trust offers opportunities for volunteers service that offers an array of activities and to get involved. programs. ♦♦ If you are 60 or older, check out ElderWisdom- Circle and consider volunteering and answering Dig deeper letters via the Internet. The service offers readers of younger generations free, personalized advice ♦♦ If you want to help seniors with basic needs, on a wide range of topics — love and relation- such as transportation, in-home repairs and ships, family and child-rearing, career and self- services, assistance with shopping, advocacy and improvement, and more. 38 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources AARP aarp.org (888) 687-2277 Alzheimer’s Activity Center AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that alzactivitycenter.org (408) 279-7515 helps people 50 and older improve the quality of The Alzheimer’s Activity Center provides programs their lives. and support services for individuals with Alzheim- er’s disease and other related conditions. AARP Foundation aarp.org/aarp-foundation Alzheimer’s Association of AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of Northern California and Northern Nevada AARP, is working with struggling people 50 and alz.org/norcal/ (408) 372-9900 over. They focus on four priorities where immedi- The Alzheimer’s Association works to eliminate ate action and legal advocacy will have the greatest Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research; impact: hunger, income, housing and isolation. provide support for all affected; and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County catholiccharitiesscc.org (408) 468-0100 Asian Americans for Community Involvement Catholic Charities serves and advocates for families aaci.org (408) 975-2730 and individuals in need, especially those living in AACI serves the Asian American community by poverty. Rooted in gospel values, it works to create a improving the health, mental health and well-being more just and compassionate community in which of individuals by providing an array of human ser- people of all cultures and beliefs can participate. vices, including services specifically for seniors.
City of San Jose Senior Citizens Commission No Excuses sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-3570 The Senior Citizens Commission studies, reviews, Visit a retirement home. evaluates and makes recommendations to the city council on any matters affecting elderly people. Start a tradition. Coda Alliance Talk to the mail carrier. codaalliance.org (408) 267-3922 Coda Alliance provides practical skills and tools for Share your skills. people to plan and receive care they want at the end of life. Check in on your elderly neighbors. seniors | 39
ElderWisdomCircle Hospice of the Valley elderwisdomcircle.org hospicevalley.org (408) 559-5600 ElderWisdomCircle pairs online advice seekers in Hospice of the Valley exists to support patients and their teens, 20s and 30s with a nationwide network their families with high-caliber hospice and pallia- of Cyber-Grandparents, aged 60 to 105, who share tive care at the end of life. their know-how and accumulated wisdom.
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen Heart of Hope Asian American Hospice Care loavesfishes.org (408) 998-1500 en.heartofhopehospice.org (408) 986-8584 Loaves & Fishes provides free, nutritious meals Heart of Hope provides the highest quality of com- and support services in a dignified, safe and caring prehensive care with physical, emotional, social, and environment to all needy individuals, with special spiritual support to terminally ill Chinese and Asian concern for families, seniors and the homeless. American patients and to their family members in the South Bay area. OUTREACH outreach1.org (408) 436-2865 Heart of the Valley, Services for Seniors Inc. Senior OUTREACH provides benefits counseling servicesforseniors.org (408) 241-1571 (social security, Medi-Cal or Medicaid), advocacy, Heart of the Valley is committed to facilitating, transportation and other services (housing and advocating and supporting independent living for food) to low-income older persons needing assis- seniors residing in West Santa Clara County. tance getting through bureaucratic red-tape.
Health Trust Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley healthtrust.org (408) 513-8700 rebuildingtogether-sv.org (408) 578-9519 The Health Trust is working to lead the Silicon Val- Rebuilding Together rehabilitates the homes of low- ley community to advance wellness through various income homeowners so they may live in warmth, programs including Healthy Eating, Healthy Aging, safety and independence. Healthy Living and Destination: Home.
SCORE Hope Services svscore.org (408) 453-6237 hopeservices.org (408) 284-2850 The Silicon Valley Chapter of SCORE provides free Hope Services works to improve the quality of life mentoring from experienced industry leaders and for individuals with development disabilities by consultants to help small businesses grow. providing a variety of services, including seniors. 40 | Field Guide to Community Service
Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council Senior Adults Legal Assistance sascc.org (408) 868-1262 sala.org (408) 295-5991 SASCC provides access to physical and social SALA is a nonprofit elder law office that supports activities along with resource services that improve older persons in their efforts to live independently, the overall quality of life for aging adults in our non-institutionalized and with dignity. community.
Sourcewise Community Resource Solutions Second Harvest Food Bank mysourcewise.com (408) 350-3200 shfb.org (408) 266-8866 Sourcewise aims to inform, educate, and prepare all Second Harvest Food Bank is dedicated to ending adults, including seniors, within Santa Clara County local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second to better navigate their health and life options. Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to nearly a quarter of a million people each month. Young at Heart Project young-at-heart.org (408) 446-0402 Young at Heart Project improves the well being of SeniorNet seniors and the disabled confined to convalescent snlcsj.org homes and other residential care facilities by bring- SeniorNet provides older adults education for and ing them live, high-quality, professional musical access to computer technologies to enhance their entertainment. lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. Yu-Ai Kai Happy Hollow Park & Zoo yuaikai.org (408) 294-2505 Yu-Ai Kai, a Japanese American community senior service in San Jose’s Japantown, serves seniors with an array of activities and programs including day services, daily lunch, social services, transportation and cultural activities.
It’s not just for kids … Happy Hollow Park & Zoo isn’t just for children. You can participate in Happy Hollow’s Senior Safari Walkabout on se- lect Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. Seniors are invited to challenge their minds, get a little (or a lot) of exercise and participate in fun activities that are sure to make them feel like a kid again. Parking and admission is free to participants so come and find your inner child! health care | 41
Health Care
“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” 8 — Winston Churchill
Life expectancy in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa ♦♦ JW House has a registry at Bed, Bath & Beyond Clara metro area is 82.7 years, the highest in the and Target to supply this home away from home country. This area has also been recognized as one for families facing medical crises. of the healthiest in America. You can help main- ♦♦ Donate blood; a single blood donation may help tain this honor by biking to work, participating in up to three different people. Try the American Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Team In Training and Red Cross, the Stanford Blood Center or your making your end-of-life wishes known with help local hospital. from the Coda Alliance. ♦♦ Hospice of the Valley can put your special skills Get started to good use, such as massage, language skills, hairdressing and art, pet and other therapies. ♦♦ If you have any disability equipment — think wheelchairs, bath aids or ramps — consider All in donating it to Able People Foundation who will give it to a low-income individual with physical ♦♦ If you are a lactating mom or have frozen breast limitations. milk that you wish to donate, contact Mothers’ Milk Bank to provide breast milk for a baby in ♦♦ In February, get out those red clothes and par- need. ticipate in National Wear Red Day, an awareness campaign by the American Heart Association. ♦♦ All the area hospitals have auxiliaries to help manage volunteers. Just visit the hospital Web Dig deeper sites, search for “auxiliaries” and you’ll be hooked up to finding a volunteer opportunity. ♦♦ From bloodborne pathogens, first aid and CPR ♦♦ You can help plan and execute Latinas Contra training to swimming, lifeguarding, and Babysit- Cancer events including the National Latino ter’s Training, the American Red Cross trains Cancer Summit and other fundraisers, which thousands of local residents in the San Jose area enables LCC to educate, navigate and support each year. Get educated and save lives. our underserved population. 42 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources American Diabetes Association Able People Foundation diabetes.org (408) 241-1922 ablepeoplefoundation.org (408) 263-8000 The American Diabetes Association leads the fight Able People helps disabled and elderly gain access against the deadly consequences of diabetes. to mobility equipment by receiving donated equip- ment and giving it to the people who do need it. American Heart Association heart.org (408) 606-5940 Alum Rock Counseling Center alumrockcc.org (408) 294-0500 AHA builds healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Alum Rock Counseling Center delivers a full complement of behavioral health services to youth, their families and individuals in the neighborhoods American Red Cross throughout Santa Clara County. redcross.org/local/ca/san-jose (877) 727-6771 The ARC prevents and alleviates human suffering in Alzheimer’s Activity Center the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of alzactivitycenter.org (408) 279-7515 volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Alzheimer’s Activity Center provides programs and support services for individuals with Alzheim- Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative er’s disease and other related conditions. bawsi.org (408) 247-2544 BAWSI awakens the power of female athletes as Alzheimer’s Association of change makers in the world. Northern California and Northern Nevada alz.org/norcal/ (408) 372-9900 Breathe California of the Bay Area The Alzheimer’s Association works to eliminate lungsrus.org (408) 998-5865 Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research; provide support for all affected; and reduce the risk Breathe California fights lung disease and works of dementia through the promotion of brain health. with its communities to promote lung health.
American Cancer Society Cancer Support Community cancer.org (800) ACS-2345 San Francisco Bay Area cancersupport.net (925) 933-0107 ACS is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer CSC works to ensure that all people impacted by as a major health problem. cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. health care | 43
No Excuses City of San Jose Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Walk or bike to work. sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-3850
BPAC provides advice and suggestions on accom- Donate your used eyeglasses. modating bicyclists and pedestrians.
Get an annual health check-up. Coda Alliance codaalliance.org (408) 267-3922 Sign up to be an organ donor. Coda Alliance provides practical skills and tools for people to plan and receive care they want at the end Donate blood. of life.
Eric Drew Foundation Community Health Partnership weheal.org chpscc.org (408) 556-6605 The Foundation empowers patients with knowledge CHP is a consortium organization composed of of the most advanced and non-invasive treatments, nonprofit community health centers that believes in and hopes to drive the demand for these treatments, affordable, accessible, and quality patient-centered which will give hope, save lives and reduce suffering. health care for all of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties’ residents. Expandability expandability.org (408) 278-2000 Corneal Dystrophy Foundation cornealdystrophyfoundation.org (866) 807-8965 Expandability (formerly TransAccess) helps youth and adults with disabilities achieve their goals CDF provides education and support to people through individualized assessments, career and job who suffer from a corneal dystrophy, a group of rare placement assistance, adaptive technology and more. hereditary disorders.
Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency fcservices.org (408) 755-7100 dcara.org (510) 343-6670 Family & Children Services works to build strong, DCARA advocates for the rights of full access to safe, and self-sufficient individuals, families and American Sign Language and English, education, communities. They offer a range of innovative, employment, and cultural identity. accessible, and integrated programs and services ad- dressing critical health and human services needs. 44 | Field Guide to Community Service
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Hospice of the Valley, The first5kids.com (408) 260-3700 hospicevalley.org (408) 559-5600 FIRST 5 supports the healthy development of chil- Hospice of the Valley exists to support patients and dren through age five and enriches the lives of their their families with high-caliber hospice and pallia- families and communities. tive care at the end of life.
Garden to Table Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley garden2table.org (408) 641-8313 indianhealthcenter.org (408) 445-3400 Garden to Table is committed to creating a sustain- The Indian Health Center helps ensure the survival able, local food system that builds community, im- and healing of American Indians/Alaskan Natives proves access to healthy food, and teaches residents by providing high quality, comprehensive health to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables. care and wellness services.
Health Trust, The JW House healthtrust.org (408) 513-8700 jwhouse.org (408) 246-2224 The Health Trust is working to lead the Silicon Val- Located on the campus of Kaiser Permanente Santa ley community to advance wellness through various Clara Medical Center, JW House provides a warm, programs including Healthy Eating, Healthy Aging, comfortable “home away from home” for families Healthy Living and Destination: Home. facing medical crises.
Heart of Hope Asian American Hospice Care Latinas Contra Cancer en.heartofhopehospice.org (408) 986-8584 latinascontracancer.org (408) 280-0811 Heart of Hope provides the highest quality of com- Latinas Contra Cancer is raising awareness about prehensive care with physical, emotional, social, and cancer in the Latino community, increasing access spiritual support to terminally ill Chinese and Asian to quality care, working to decrease mortality and American patients and to their family members in the improving the quality of the health care experience. South Bay area.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County lls.org (408) 490-2666 hkidsf.org (408) 564-5114 LLS is a voluntary health agency dedicated to blood Healthier Kids Foundation ensures access to and ad- cancer that works to cure leukemia, lymphoma, vocacy for health care services for all children through Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the family-centered and innovative approaches. It raises quality of life of patients and their families. funds to support the Healthy Kids program and the Children’s Health Initiative in Santa Clara County. health care | 45
Lupus Foundation of Northern California National Brain Tumor Society lfnc.org (408) 954-8600 braintumor.org The Lupus Foundation offers programs and services The Society is fiercely committed to finding better designed to educate and increase the knowledge of treatments, and ultimately a cure, for people living those affected by lupus, promote lupus awareness with a brain tumor. and support external lupus research efforts.
Peninsula HealthCare Connection March of Dimes (415) 788-2202 peninsulahcc.org (650) 853-0321 marchofdimes.com/california PHC promotes integrated primary and mental March of Dimes improves the health of babies by healthcare and intensive case management for preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant homeless individuals or those at risk of becoming mortality. homeless in Santa Clara County, regardless of their ability to pay.
Morgan Autism Center morgancenter.org (408) 241-8161 Ronald McDonald House at Stanford ronaldhouse.net (650) 470-6000 The center helps children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities to maximize Ronald McDonald House creates a home-away- their potential in a dignified, positive and learning from-home and supportive community for families environment. of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.
Mothers’ Milk Bank mothersmilk.org (408) 998-4550 RotaCare Bay Area Inc. rotacarebayarea.org (408) 379-8000 Mothers’ Milk Bank is a tissue bank providing safe and processed breast milk for babies and others who RotaCare is dedicated to providing free, quality are under the care of a health care professional. health care services to uninsured families and indi- viduals with limited ability to pay for medical care.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara County Santa Clara Valley Blind Center namisantaclara.org (408) 453-0400 visionbeyondsight.org (408) 295-4016 NAMI Santa Clara County offers practical experi- This community-based organization is dedicated to ence, support, education, comfort and understand- increasing the confidence, independence and quality ing to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and of life of the blind and visually impaired. their treatment of services in Santa Clara County. 46 | Field Guide to Community Service
School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County munity on behalf of Santa Clara Valley Medical schoolhealthclinics.org (408) 284-2280 Center (VMC), which serves everyone, regardless of ability to pay. School Health Clinics provide high quality, af- fordable primary medical care for the low income community. Valle Monte League Inc. vallemonte.org (408) 278-8001 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Valle Monte League is an all-volunteer group of bikesiliconvalley.org (408) 287-7259 women dedicated to raising funds that provide and promote better mental health in the community Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition exists to promote through mental health agencies. increased cycling and to create a healthy community, environment and economy through bicycling for people who live, work or play in Santa Clara and Veggielution Community Farm San Mateo counties. veggielution.org (408) 887-2562 Veggielution helps people make healthy food Special Olympics Northern California choices and provide opportunities for connecting sonc.org (925) 944-8801 with the natural world. Special Olympics provides athletic opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, World Runners instilling the confidence they need to success in life. worldrunnersus.org (408) 978-0203 World Runners strives to create a world without VMC Foundation persistent hunger and poverty where people have vmcfoundation.org (408) 885- 5299 the opportunity to reach their full potential while advancing the life-long fitness of its members and The VMC Foundation raises money from the com- making a difference in the world. National Brain Tumor Society
Walking for a good cause The Silicon Valley Brain Tumor Walk raises awareness and much-needed resources to fund critical brain tumor- specific programs to improve the lives of all those affected by brain tumors. The walk offers a chance to honor and remember loved ones, connect with others interested in the brain tumor cause, and helps to educate the local commu- nity on the diverse needs of those affected by this illness. community activism | 47
Community Activism
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” 9 — Unknown
Community activism captures a category of agencies Dig deeper that may not immediately come to mind when you think about volunteering. These are the groups that ♦♦ If you are passionate about technology and help other nonprofits function better, promote civic entrepreneurship, get involved with VLAB by engagement and support leadership development. volunteering at events or participating on a func- tional committee. Get started ♦♦ Preservation Action Council of San Jose needs volunteers to help with special events, write ♦♦ Learn about the Strong Girls, Strong Women newsletter articles, attend public meetings, give Conference put on by AAUW and the Santa legal assistance, work on public relations, and Clara County Office of Women’s Policy. This even stuff envelopes. leadership conference is for high school girls, young adults and their allies. All in ♦♦ Be flexible with time for employees to do volunteer work or service projects. ♦♦ Apply to become a volunteer facilitator at SV FACES Camp Everytown, an intensive youth ♦♦ Check out One Brick, a nonprofit that brings leadership development program based on core volunteers together to support nonprofits by values - respect, acceptance, and responsibility - adopting an innovative twist to the volunteer ex- that promote non-violent campus communities. perience by creating a social atmosphere around volunteering. After each event, volunteers gather ♦♦ Hone your leadership skills and learn more at a local restaurant or café to get to know one about our community through a yearlong train- another in a relaxed social setting. ing program, such as Leadership Gilroy, San Jose or Sunnyvale. ♦♦ Help with San Jose Police Foundation’s most pressing needs, including rappelling lines, canine ♦♦ Participate in one of CEN’s Executive Director trauma kit, canine blastics vest and night vision Roundtables, a unique monthly forum for non- goggles. A donation of any size will help protect profit executives to share experiences, challenges, the officers who protect us. solutions and best practices. 48 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources proving the health, mental health and well-being of individuals by providing an array of human services. Abrahamic Alliance International abrahamicalliance.org (408) 728-8943 Uniting Jews, Christians and Muslims for active Association of Fundraising Professionals SV peacebuilding and poverty relief. afpsiliconvalley.afpnet.org (408) 744-0412 AFP advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fund- Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center raising. svjcc.org (408) 357-7429 The JCC is a community center that welcomes people of all faiths and works to enhance Jewish life Black Chamber of Silicon Valley by providing social, cultural, educational and recre- blackchamber.com (408) 288-8806 ational services for the entire community. The Black Chamber works to create, identify and/ or expand economic development opportunities for African Americans and minorities in Silicon Valley. African American Community Service Agency sjaacsa.com (408) 292-3157 AACSA provides programs to strengthen African Catholic Community Foundation of SCC American identity, culture, values, traditions, knowl- cfoscc.org (408) 995-5219 edge and family life. The Foundation develops, acquires and distributes funds that provide support to parish, educational, religious, charitable and other organizations com- American Association of University Women prising the Catholic community of the county. sanjose-ca.aauw.net (408) 294-2430 AAUW advances equity for women and girls through No Excuses advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.
Work on a political campaign. American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley alfsv.org (408) 554-2000 Find out if your company has matching donations. ALF is a network of regional leaders committed to serving the common good in Silicon Valley. Remember a nonprofit in your will.
Asian Americans for Community Involvement Organize a block party. aaci.org (408) 975-2730 AACI serves the Asian American community by im- Walk your neighborhood. community activism | 49
Center for Excellence in Nonprofits Italian American Heritage Foundation cen.org (650) 517-5855 iahfsj.org (408) 293-7122 CEN strives to be a strong resource for informa- IAHF is dedicated to preserving and promoting the tion and support for nonprofit emerging leaders, spirit and passion of Italian heritage and culture. executive directors and board members seeking to maximize the effectiveness of their organizations. Japanese American Citizens League San Jose sanjosejacl.org (408) 295-1250 CompassPoint Nonprofit Services JACL secures and maintains the civil rights of Japa- compasspoint.org (510) 318-3755 nese Americas and all others who are victimized by CompassPoint intensifies the impact of fellow non- injustice and prejudice. profit leaders, organizations and networks to achieve social equity together. Joint Venture Silicon Valley jointventure.org (408) 298-9330 CreaTV San Jose Joint Venture brings together established and creatvsj.org (408) 295-8815 emerging leaders — from business, government, CreaTV San Jose is a community media center that academia, labor and the broader community — to helps the residents, businesses, schools and organi- spotlight issues and work toward innovative solu- zations in San Jose to effectively communicate their tions. message to a broader audience using our public and education television and Internet channels. Junior League of San Jose jlsj.org (408) 264-3058 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley The Junior League is an organization of women hccsv.com (408) 248-4800 committed to developing the potential of women, HCCSV works to maximize Hispanic business and improving the community, and promoting volun- economic development by serving as an advocate tarism through the effective action and leadership of and resource by being the premier voice for His- trained volunteers. panic and minority businesses.
KQED Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley kqed.org (415) 553-2150 hfsv.org (408) 216-7612 KQED includes television, radio, digital media and The Hispanic Foundation is dedicated to inspiring educational services that changes lives for the better community philanthropy and engaging people to and helps individuals and communities achieve their improve the quality of life for Latinos in the Silicon full potential. Valley region. 50 | Field Guide to Community Service
Kiwanis International National Charity League Inc. kiwanis.org nationalcharityleague.org Kiwanis is a volunteer-led international service club NCL fosters the mother-daughter relationship that believes by working together, members achieve through community service, leadership development what one person cannot accomplish alone. and cultural experiences.
Leadership San Jose Pars Equality Center sjchamber.com (408) 291-5256 parsequalitycenter.org (408) 261-6400 Leadership San Jose identifies emerging leaders Pars acts as a catalyst for social, cultural and eco- within San Jose and exposes them to a broad range nomical integration of Iranians, and Persian speak- of issues that impact the region’s economic prosper- ing communities, into mainstream American society. ity and quality of life.
Preservation Action Council of San Jose Lions Club International preservation.org (408) 998-8105 lionsclubs.org PAC preserves San Jose’s architectural heritage Lions Clubs empower volunteers to serve their through education, advocacy and events. communities, meet humanitarian needs, encour- age peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley rainbowchamber.org (408) 998-9600 The Chamber works to create a vibrant LGBT sup- Little Italy San Jose portive business community through development, littleitalysj.com (408) 394-2893 facilitation, promotion and advocacy. Little Italy promotes historic renovation of the Little Italy neighborhood, Italian culture through the arch, murals and other projects and redevelop- Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley ment of the blighted portion of the neighborhood. rotaractclubofsiliconvalley.wordpress.com The Rotaract Club is a group of young professionals who are dedicated to making an impact in the com- Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation munity through service, social and networking events. lgmspf.org (408) 827-8655 The Foundation is committed to supporting our community by providing funding for public safety Rotary Club of San Jose tools and educational outreach programs for our www.sjrotary.org (408) 297-6100 Police Department. Rotary engages San Jose leaders in meaningful service within our community and humanitarian projects around the world. community activism | 51
SCORE Silicon Valley svscore.org (408) 453-6237 San José city commissions
SCORE helps grow small businesses through free San José city commissions advise City Coun- consulting services from industry experts. cil and provide ongoing input into policies and issues affecting the future of the San José community. There are more than 20 different San Jose Downtown Association commissions; below is just a sampling. sjdowntown.com (408) 279-1775 Airport commission San Jose Downtown Association represents business Arts commission and property owners working to enhance down- Bicycle pedestrian advisory committee town’s vitality and livability. Ethics commission Housing/community development commission Library and Early Education Commission San Jose Elks Lodge No. 522 Neighborhoods Commission sjelks.com (408) 298-3880 Parks and recreation commission Elks is a fraternal and charitable organization that Senior citizens commission invests in their communities through programs that Youth commission help children and veterans. Silicon Valley Community Foundation siliconvalleycf.org (650) 450-5400 San Jose Police Foundation sanjosepolicefoundation.org (408) 291-5257 SVCF advances innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems, engaging donors to make The San Jose Police Foundation is dedicated to our region and world a better place for all. improving community safety.
Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce svcn.org (408) 260-3915 sjchamber.com (408) 291-5250 Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits represents the The Chamber provides business connections, needs and concerns of its member agencies and the promotes the community and initiates political and clients they serve. community action.
Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers San Jose Sports Authority svcrimestoppers.org (408) 673-1581 sjsa.org (408) 288-2930 SV Crime Stoppers works with law enforcement The San Jose Sports Authority strives to increase the and the media to help make our community a safer city of San Jose’s economic development, visibility place in which to live. and civic pride through sports. 52 | Field Guide to Community Service
Silicon Valley De-Bug United Way Bay Area siliconvalleydebug.org (408) 971-4965 uwba.org (415) 808-4300 SV De-Bug is a media, community-organzing and United Way is working to lead the community to entrepreneurial collective committed to social justice overcome barriers to economic opportunities and and the rights of youth, workers, immigrants and create big and lasting impact on our community’s those impacted by the criminal justice system. most pressing issues, with a focus on coming to- gether for good to end poverty.
Silicon Valley Leadership Group svlg.org (408) 501-7864 VLAB vlab.org SVLG is a public policy business trade organization that represents more than 390 of Silicon Valley’s VLAB connects Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurs, employers on issues, including energy, transportation, industry experts, venture capitalists, private investors education, housing, health care, tax policies, economic and technologists to enable them to effectively grow vitality and the environment. high-tech ventures.
Silicon Valley FACES Valle Monte League Inc. svfaces.org (408) 286-9663 vallemonte.org (408) 278-8001 Silicon Valley FACES is committed to ending bias, Valle Monte League is a group of women dedicated bigotry and violence. to raising funds that provide and promote better mental health in the community through mental health agencies. Step Up Silicon Valley stepupsv.org (408) 325-5128 Volunteer Match Step Up seeks to transform community awareness volunteermatch.org (415) 241-6868 and generate the political will to create systems change that enables individuals and families to step VolunteerMatch works to strengthen communities up out of poverty in Santa Clara County. by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect.
United States Power Squadrons, District 25 uspsdistrict25.org Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Francisco Bay Area USPS is a nonprofit, educational organization dedi- cated to making boating safer and more enjoyable ynpnsfba.org by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and YNPN connects emerging nonprofit leaders as a related subjects. force for good. They empower nonprofit profession- als and create opportunities to make meaningful connections. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED | 53
Get the Kids Involved
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” 10 — L.R. Knost
It is never too early — or too late — to teach your Dig Deeper children how to give back, get involved and care about their community. Don’t over-think this or fret ♦♦ Become a buddy with Jacob’s Buddies and bring that it’s a hard lesson to teach. When you wheel in smiles to the faces of children with physical or your neighbor’s trash cans, bring a meal to a friend mental disabilities. in need or simply smile at someone you pass, you are ♦♦ Sponsor a family during the holidays and make teaching your child important lessons about being a a big impact for a local family. Many local good citizen. nonprofits, including The Family Giving Tree and Second Harvest Food Bank, have holiday Get started programs. ♦ ♦♦ Download the San Jose Clean app (sanjoseca. ♦ Order a deck of AOK Cards (they even have a gov/prns/antigraffiti/) and use it with your kids pack) from Life Vest Inside and help raise children to report graffiti. The app is easy to use awareness about what kindness looks like. and empowers children to help clean up their community, one piece of graffiti at a time. All in ♦♦ Visit Doing Good Together (doinggoodto- ♦♦ Make a calendar of giving for the year by choos- gether.org) for a list of books to help nurture ing one simple service project per month. Maybe community, gratitude and giving back in your in February you could make Valentine’s cards children. From topics on mindfulness, seniors for a nearby senior center, in April participate in and aging to everyday acts of kindness, inspira- an Earth Day clean-up and in September bring tion is a book away. muffins to a neighbor. ♦♦ Check out Give Together (givegrow.org) for a ♦♦ Create an allowance system for your children list of opportunities that are perfect for families. with three buckets of money: share-save-spend. ♦♦ Organize your own family community service Allow your kids to find charities that have day by bringing trash bags and brooms to a local meaning for them and then help them make park and spending 30 minutes tidying up. donations with their “share” money. 54 | Field Guide to Community Service
Resources Bay Area Friendship Circle bayareafc.org (650) 858-6990 Alzheimer’s Activity Center Dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive and Rosa Elena Childcare Center community for children with special needs. alzactivitycenter.org (408) 279-7515 ♦♦ Teens (grades 8-12) can help kids with special The center works together to create a welcoming, needs in a full range of social, educational and supportive and mutually enriching environment. recreational activities. Several times a week the two generations come together for story time, arts and crafts, music and dance, and outdoor activities. Bill Wilson Center ♦♦ Volunteer with children and Alzheimer patients billwilsoncenter.org (408) 243-0222 in this unique setting. Many grammar schools Bill Wilson Center supports and strengthens the and high schools have worked with the center community by serving youth and families through for service activities. counseling, housing, education and advocacy. ♦♦ Look into their Chat 4 Teens Peer Counselor American Cancer Society program, which has volunteer opportunities for cancer.org (408)-871-1062 high school juniors and seniors. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization Children’s Discovery Museum dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health cdm.org (408) 298-5437 problem. ♦ Children’s Discovery Museum inspires creativity, ♦ Start a Relay for Life team; putting a team curiosity, and lifelong learning for children, families together to walk for 24 hours is family-building and schools. at its best. ♦♦ If you are 16 years old you can become an inte- gral part of visitor services. Animal Assisted Happiness ♦♦ Families can volunteer together with school-age animalassistedhappiness.org (650) 887-0887 children on weekend afternoons at special activ- Animal Assisted Happiness enriches the lives of ity tables. children experiencing special needs, health or family challenges. They provide local destinations where families interact with animals to bring moments of Cityteam San Jose happiness and smiles into their lives. cityteam.org/san-jose (408) 232-5600 ♦♦ Youth volunteers (6th-12th grade) are needed to Cityteam provides hot meals, safe shelter, showers, socialize animals, assist children interacting with and clean clothing to our city’s homeless population. animals, maintain the facilities and help with ♦♦ Volunteers who are 14 years or older are needed. fund raising and community outreach. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED | 55
First Tee of Silicon Valley No Excuses thefirstteesiliconvalley.org (408) 347-0990
Teach your children to be grateful. First Tee impacts the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy Practice compassion. choices through the game of golf. ♦♦ If you are in high school, become a junior volun- Share family stories. teer and help children learn how to golf.
Be a good neighbor. Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services furryfriends.org (877) 433-7287 Take a walk in nature. Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services is devoted to bringing the healing power of animals to those less fortunate in our community. Family Giving Tree, The familygivingtree.org (408) 946-3111 ♦♦ Children ages 12-16 can volunteer at Furry Friends when accompanied by an adult. The Family Giving Tree fulfills the exact holiday wishes and provides backpacks filled with school supplies to those children in the most need in our Give Together communities while inspiring the values of kindness, givegrow.org philanthropy and volunteerism. Give Together works to strengthen our community ♦♦ Conduct your own donation initiative as part by empowering, inspiring and helping families give of Family Giving Tree’s Holiday Wish Drive or back together. Back-to-School Drive. ♦♦ A one-stop shop for family volunteer activities. They list dozens of opportunities for you and Family Supportive Housing your family to get involved. familysupportivehousing.org (408) 926-8885 Family Supportive Housing provides shelter and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy supportive services to homeless families in Santa parksconservancy.org Clara County and empowers them to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency in our community. The Parks Conservancy preserves the Golden Gate National Parks, enhances the park visitor experience, ♦♦ Become a weekend activity leader and create a and builds a community dedicated to conserving the special activity for children. Volunteers under the parks for the future. age of 18 are welcome with an adult chaperone. ♦♦ There are volunteer opportunities for all ages, in- cluding volunteering at Fort Funston Nursery to collect seeds, weed or help maintain the nursery. 56 | Field Guide to Community Service
Good Karma Bikes Hospice of the Valley, The goodkarmabikes.org (408) 291-0501 hospicevalley.org (408) 559-5600 Good Karma Bikes transforms lives by supporting Hospice of the Valley exists to support patients and people with low cost or free bicycles so they can get their families with high-caliber hospice and pallia- to work. tive care. ♦♦ Check out the Good Karma Kids program, ♦♦ Look into their teen program, which matches designed for youth to experience a philanthropic teens with hospice patients to provide friendship, way of life: ask, volunteer, give. practical help, and companionship and allow for growth and discovery for both.
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy grpg.org (408) 298-7657 Humane Society Silicon Valley hssv.org (408) 262-2133 GRPC provides community leadership for the development and active use of the park and gardens Humane Society saves and enhances lives of animals through education, advocacy and stewardship. by offering quality adoptions, affordable spaying/ neutering, vaccinations, microchipping services, pet ♦♦ Student internships available and they also care services and education programs to enhance the organize community service opportunities that human-animal bond. might include trail maintenance, river clean-up or orchard projects. ♦♦ A variety of opportunities exist from Compas- sion in Action for teens and Animal Starz for kids between 10-13. Host a birthday party at the Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley facility or participate in Paws for Parents where habitatebsv.org (408) 942-6444 you drop your children off for a few hours and they participate in community service activities Habitat for Humanity brings people together to and learn all about how shelters work. build homes, communities and hope. ♦♦ Assist the Playhouse Program in cutting, sand- ing and painting wooden playhouse pieces in Jacob’s Buddies League Adaptive Sports Program preparation for playhouse builds. Minimum age jacobsbuddiessports.org is 16. Jacob’s Buddies offers a community-based sports program that is designed to meet the needs of children with physical and/or mental disabilities Happy Hollow Park & Zoo through the utilization of peer buddies and profes- hhpz.org (408) 794-6425 sional coaches. Happy Hollow Foundation supports Happy Hollow ♦♦ If you are 12 years old, you can become a buddy Park and Zoo through fund-raising and educational with this program and play sports or provide activities in conjunction with the city of San Jose. encouragement. ♦♦ Happy Hollow has a zooteen program for chil- dren ages 14-18. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED | 57
LifeMoves National Charity League Inc. lifemoves.org (650) 685-5880 nationalcharityleague.org LifeMoves (formerly InnVision Shelter Network) is NCL fosters the mother-daughter relationship dedicated to helping homeless individuals return to through community service, leadership development permanent housing and self-sufficiency. and cultural experiences. ♦♦ Prepare and serve meals, host a community- ♦♦ Girls must be 12 years old to participate. building party, organize donations or tend the organic garden; many opportunities for youth and families. Operation: Care and Comfort occ-usa.org (408) 832-2929 OCC allows caring Americans to donate their Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen time, talent, and treasure to honor those serving our loavesfishes.org (408) 998-1500 country and those who have served. Loaves & Fishes provides free, nutritious meals ♦♦ Conduct a neighborhood scavenger hunt, volun- and support services in a dignified, safe and caring teer at a care package assembly or start a letter environment to all needy individuals, with special writing campaign. concern for families, seniors and the homeless. ♦♦ Help prep fruits and vegetables, serve hot meals, pour beverages, wash dishes, and tidy-up the site Princess Project facility. 14 years of age or over (unless accompa- princessproject.org nied by a parent or guardian). The Princess Project provides free prom dresses to high school girls who cannot afford them. Martha’s Kitchen ♦♦ If you’re in high school, host a dress drive in your marthas-kitchen.org (408) 293-6111 school or gather a group of friends to decorate for the Dress Giveaway events. Martha’s Kitchen is an interfaith, community dining room for the hungry poor. ♦♦ Help get hot meals to those in need. Volunteers Project Linus must be 16 and older. projectlinus.org Project Linus provides homemade blankets to children in need. The blankets are lovingly made by My New Red Shoes adults and children from all walks of life and many mynewredshoes.org (650) 241-3911 different sources. My New Red Shoes provides homeless and low- ♦♦ Become a blanketeer and make a warm, cozy income children with new clothing and shoes. blanket for a child in need. ♦♦ Great volunteer opportunities for families in- ♦♦ Collect empty printer cartridges of any size, any cluding hosting a shoe drive, sewing gift bags or kind for recycling credits. creating first day cards. 58 | Field Guide to Community Service
Rabbit Haven, The San Jose Animal Advocates therabbithaven.org (831) 600-7479 sjanimaladvocates.org The Rabbit Haven rescues abandoned rabbits and San Jose Animal Advocates is an all volunteer orga- accepts surrendered rabbits from the general public nization made up of compassionate people building and shelters. They work to place these rescued rab- a community network to save more shelter pets. bits into loving foster homes, secure medical care ♦♦ The Youth Chapter is focused on supplying both including needed spay neuter, and then place them information and advice for pet owners and ani- into permanent homes. mal lovers everywhere. While they don’t interact ♦♦ Students must be 14+ to help but there are lots directly with animals, they improve their quality of ways to participate, including a sewing pro- of life by writing articles and participating in gram, photography or social media help. local pet-related events.
RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) Second Harvest Food Bank raftbayarea.org (408) 451-1420 shfb.org (408) 266-8866 RAFT’s mission is to help educators transform a Second Harvest provides food for people in need in child’s learning experience through hands-on educa- our community. tion to one that inspires the joy and discovery of ♦♦ Family activities include creating colorful learning. grocery bags for seniors, making holiday cards, ♦♦ From assembling educational kits to assisting preparing comfort kits, doing a mini food drive members in the Green Room, your time will or creating family food baskets. help educators and spread the use of hands-on teaching in our schools. Sunday Friends sundayfriends.org (408) 217-9587 Sacred Heart Community Service Sunday Friends empowers families to break the www.sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 generational cycle of poverty by fostering positive Sacred Heart works to build a community free from development in children while educating and guid- poverty by creating hope, opportunity and action. ing parents to support their children’s life success. They provide essential services, work together to ♦♦ Family volunteering is the norm at Sunday improve our lives, advocate for justice, and inspire Friends including teens or pre-teens facilitat- our community to love, serve, and share. ing art, cooking, writing or playing educational ♦♦ Organize a drive to collect food or hygiene items games and younger children can join in on art, through your school. cooking and games. ♦♦ Families or students can volunteer in their food pantry or clothes closet. GET THE KIDS INVOLVED | 59
Sustainable Community Gardens Village Harvest fullcirclesunnyvale.org (408) 735-8154 villageharvest.org (650) 740-7725 Sustainable Community Gardens is the nonprofit Village Harvest provides food for the hungry, pre- arm that runs Full Circle Farm and Charles Street serves our heritage and skills, and promotes sustain- Gardens in Sunnyvale. SCG is dedicated to the re- able use of urban resources. newal of local, sustainable food systems throughout ♦♦ Village Harvest encourage families and students Silicon Valley. to volunteer for backyard harvests. ♦♦ Volunteers of all ages can help in the education garden to dig, plant, water, weed and enjoy the amazing vista of the farm and hills. Parents are Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley required to accompany children. wcsv.org (408) 929-9453 WCSV provides high-quality care and rehabilita- tion of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife in Silicon Veggielution Community Farm Valley. Through educational programs, it fosters a veggielution.org (408) 887-2562 positive coexistence between the general public and Veggielution Community Farm helps people make wildlife, and encourages an interest in, and concern healthy food choices and provide opportunities for for wildlife conservation issues. connecting with the natural world. ♦♦ On-going volunteer opportunities and intern- ♦♦ Check out Veggieultion’s Youth Garden. Every ship program for 16+. Saturday the whole family can enjoy gardening, ♦♦ Wildlife Center has a wish list on their website crafting and learning together. and you and your family could purchase items or hold a drive to gather supplies and then bring them to the center to help wild animals in need. My New Red Shoes
Building confidence, one shoe at a time My New Red Shoes offers many opportunities for individu- als, families, school and community groups who would like to engage in a meaningful, hands-on activities to supports home- less and low-income children. They host Pack for Pride events on site but also offer opportunities for anytime, anywhere volunteer projects, including sewing gift bags, creating “Happy First Day” cards or collecting/purchasing shoes.
Over the last year, more than 3,000 community volunteers have joined together to contribute more than 7,000 hours of service in support of our mission, helping to offset more than $150,000 in annual operating expenses. 60 | Field Guide to Community Service
Someone Needs Your Stuff
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” — Amelia Earhart
11Clear the clutter. Lighten your load. Reclaim your Art supplies space. Give new life to items you no longer need or that bring you no joy. Someone out there could use ♦♦ Support Network (YWCA of Silicon Valley) your stuff! Many of the organizations below have supportnetwork.org (408) 295-4011 wish lists online; you might be surprised at all the The opportunity for self-expression through ways you can help. Many have other volunteer op- creative activities can help individuals and fami- portunities as well, such as assisting with collection, lies heal from the traumatic effects of domestic sorting and stocking shelves. violence. A Bit of Everything Baby Care
♦♦ American Cancer Society Discovery Shops ♦♦ Mothers’ Milk Bank cancer.org (800) ACS-2345 sanjosemilkbank.com (408) 998-4550 Lactating mothers needed to donate fresh milk. ♦♦ Center for the Development of Recycling recyclestuff.org (408) 924-5453 ♦♦ Sacred Heart Community Service sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 ♦♦ Elefante Blanco Needs include diapers and baby formula. elefanteblanco.org (408) 272-7877 ♦♦ Sunday Friends ♦♦ Freecycle Network sundayfriends.org (408) 793-0441 freecycle.org Sunday Friends needs diapers and wipes. ♦♦ Goodwill of Silicon Valley goodwillsv.org (408) 998-5774 Batteries ♦ ♦ Happy Dragon Thrift Shop (408) 354-4072 ♦♦ Call2Recycle ♦♦ Salvation Army (408) 374-2350 call2recycle.org salvationarmysiliconvalley.org ♦♦ County of Santa Clara ♦♦ Throwplace.com sccgov.org throwplace.com Search for “Free Household Battery Drop Loca- tions” for the one nearest you. ♦♦ Unicorn Thrift Shop unicornthriftshop.com (408) 997-9188 DONATE | 61
Bicycles Cell Phones
♦♦ Good Karma Bikes ♦♦ Cell Phones for Soliders goodkarmabikes.org (408) 291-0501 cellphonesforsoldiers.com Welcomes new or refurbishable bikes, tools and Donate a cell phone and help military families gently used bike parts. cope with deployment. ♦♦ Happy Hollow Foundation Books hhpz.org (408) 794-6404 Happy Hollow recycles old cell phones and pag- ♦♦ Local libraries ers for orangutan conservation. sjpl.org All San Jose libraries accept donations of gently ♦♦ Support Network (YWCA of Silicon Valley) used books and media. supportnetwork.org (408) 295-4011 Your old cell phone could provide victims of do- ♦♦ Project Night Night mestic violence with free cell phones to call 911 projectnightnight.com (415) 310-0360 in an emergency or help raise funds to support Books, new or like-new condition, appropriate this program. for ages 0 to pre-teen. Building Supplies Children’s Toys ♦♦ Ronald McDonald House at Stanford ♦♦ ACT for Mental Health ronaldhouse.net (650) 470-6000 actmentalhealth.org (408) 287-2640 Toys must be new and in original packaging. Needs building supplies, computer and office equipment, and food and kitchen equipment. Clothing ♦♦ Habitat for Humanity habitatebsv.org ♦♦ American Cancer Society Discovery Shops All types of building supplies, including lumber, cancer.org doors, windows and equipment. ♦♦ Dress for Success San Jose ♦♦ Housing for Independent People sanjosedressforsuccess.org (408) 935-8299 hip4housing.org (408) 941-1850 Accepts gently used, nearly new professional They often need appliances, carpet, building attire for women. materials, linens and office supplies. ♦♦ Happy Dragon Thrift Shop Camping Gear emq.org (408) 354-4072 ♦♦ LifeMoves ♦♦ Today’s Youth Matter lifemoves.org (408) 292-4286 tymkids.org (408) 719-9125 Needs shoes, clothing for adults, children and Needs include winter gloves, snow boots and babies. sleeping bags. If you have other outdoor gear to donate, e-mail [email protected] to confirm. 62 | Field Guide to Community Service
♦♦ My New Red Shoes No Excuses mynewredshoes.org (650) 241-3911 Looking for new, school-appropriate shoes in all sizes, preferably solid black or white. Volunteer at a polling place. ♦♦ Princess Project princessproject.org Bring in your neighbor’s trash cans. Accepting jewelry, wraps and new or gently used gowns in excellent condition. Learn a second (or third or fourth) language. ♦♦ Sacred Heart Community Service sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 Volunteer: somewhere, anywhere. Greatest needs include coats, jackets, socks and underwear. Donate food to a local food bank. ♦♦ Salvation Army salvationarmyusa.org ♦♦ Unicorn Thrift Shop Eyeglasses emq.org (408) 997-9188 ♦♦ OneSight ♦♦ Did you know you can recycle wire hangers at onesight.org most dry cleaning stores? Accepts used glasses at LensCrafters, Pearle Vi- sion, Sears Optical or Target Optical. Computers ♦♦ Lions Clubs lionsclubs.org ♦♦ Most computer manufacturers have recycling programs so contact them first. Food ♦♦ GreenMouse Recycling greenmouse.com (408) 464-9999 ♦♦ Cityteam International cityteam.org/san-jose (408) 232-5600 ♦♦ TIA E-cycling Central ecyclingcentral.com ♦♦ LifeMoves Visit www.ecyclingcentral.com to find resources lifemoves.org (408) 292-4286 to recycle electronics waste. ♦♦ Milpitas Food Pantry Event Tickets milpitasfoodpantry.org (408) 946-5564 ♦♦ Sacred Heart ♦♦ Child Advocates sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 bemyadvocate.org ♦♦ Second Harvest Food Bank Can use tickets to special presentations, such as shfb.org (408) 266-8866 concerts, plays or sporting events. ♦♦ StandUp for Kids Silicon Valley standupforkids.org/Silicon Valley DONATE | 63
Household items ♦♦ Santa Clara County Sheriff ’s office and many local pharmacies accept unused or expired medi- ♦♦ Hope Services cine. hopeservices.org (408) 284-2850 Hope provides free home pickups of quality Office Supplies clothing and small household items. ♦♦ Project Linus ♦♦ LifeMoves projectlinus.org lifemoves.org (408) 292-4286 Will take empty printer ink cartridges. Needs sheets, blankets and small applicances. ♦♦ RAFT ♦♦ Ronald McDonald House raft.net (408) 451-1420 ronaldhouse.net (650) 470-6000 RAFT accepts office supplies, plastics and more. Needs laundry detergent, scrubber brushes, pil- Check out their extensive wish list online. lows and more. ♦♦ Sacred Heart ♦♦ Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley sacredheartcs.org (408) 278-2160 wcsv.org (408) 929-9453 Needs a variety of items, including ball point Needs all sorts of household items; check wishlist. pens, rubber bands and plastic grocery bags. ♦♦ Did you know you can recycle wire hangers at most dry cleaning stores? Stuffed Animals
Medical ♦♦ Project Night Night ♦ projectnightnight.com (415) 310-0360 ♦ Able People Foundation Collects new or like-new stuffed animals. ablepeoplefoundation.org (408) 263-8000 Accepts used wheelchairs, walkers or similar equipment. Towels, Blankets ♦ ♦♦ American Red Cross ♦ Humane Society of Silicon Valley redcrossblood.org (800) Red-Cross hssv.org (408) 262-2133 Accepts blood and platelet donations; blood type Towels and blankets to keep animals warm are AB is particularly needed. always welcomed. ♦ ♦♦ Locks of Love ♦ LifeMoves locksoflove.org lifemoves.org (408) 292-4286 Accepts hair donations to create hairpieces for Needs sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. children suffering from medical hair loss. ♦♦ Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF) ♦♦ Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital narfrescue.org (408) 224-6273 supportlpch.org (650) 497-8365 Towels and blankets to keep animals warm are Accepts donated cord blood from expectant always welcomed. mothers. 64 | Field Guide to Community Service
American Red Cross 2, 41 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara Index Animal Assisted Happiness 24, County 2, 38 54 Catholic Community Asian Americans for Community Foundation of SCC 48 , , A Involvement 2 38 48 Cell Phones for Soliders 61 Association of Fundraising Pro- Center for Employment Training , AARP 38 fessionals SV 48 2 26 AARP Foundation 38 Assyrians For Education 26 Center for Excellence Abhinaya Dance Co. B in Nonprofits 49 of San Jose 10, 12 Center for the Development Abilities United 2 Bay Area Financial Education of Recycling 60 Able People Foundation 28 Charities Housing 3 , , Child Advocates of Silicon Valley Foundation 41 42 63 Bay Area Friendship Circle 54 , Abrahamic Alliance Bay Area Glass Institute 10 1, 3 32, 62 International 2, 48 Bay Area Women’s Sports Initia- Children’s Discovery Museum , , , , AchieveKids 30 31 tive 31, 35, 39, 44 10 26 32 54 Children’s Musical Theatre Acterra: Action for a Healthy Bicycle Exchange Silicon Valley , Planet 16 16 10 32 Christmas in the Park 10 ACT for Mental Health 2, 61 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the , Addison-Penzak Jewish Bay Area 31 Cinequest 9 10 Community Center 31, 48 Bill Wilson Center 30, 31, 54 City Lights Theater Co. 10, 14 African American Community Billy DeFrank LGBT Commu- Cityteam San Jose 3, 54, 62 , Service Agency 2 48 nity Center 2 City Year San Jose/SV 32 Coastal Watershed Council 16 Almaden Valley Black Chamber of SV 48 , , , , , Coda Alliance 37 38 41 43 Counseling Service 31 B.O.K. Ranch 20 21 23 , Alum Rock Counseling Center Books Aloud 1, 2 College of Adaptive Arts 10 26 , , 25 31 42 Boys and Girls Club of SV 31 Commons, The 10 Alum Rock Educational Boy Scouts of America 31 Community Health Partnership Foundation 28 Breakthrough SV 25, 26 43 Alzheimer’s Activity Breathe California Community School of Music , , Center 38 42, 54 of the Bay Area 42 and Arts 10 27 , Alzheimer’s Association 38 42 Bring Me A Book Companion Animal American Association of Foundation 26 Rescue Effort 21 University Women 47, 48 BUILD 26, 31 CompassPoint Nonprofit , , American Cancer Society 42 54 Butter Paddle Gift Shop 30 Services 49 , Computer History Museum 27 60 61 C American Diabetes Association Content Magazine 9 42 ConXión to Community 27 California Native Garden American Heart Assoc. 41, 42 Corneal Dystrophy Foundation Foundation 15 American Leadership Forum 43 Call2Recycle 60, 61 , Silicon Valley 48 CreaTV San Jose 11 49 Cancer Support Comm. 42 inde x | 65
D Friends of the San Jose Heart of Hope Asian American Rose Garden 16 Hospice Care 39, 44 Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Furry Friends Pet Assisted Heart of the Valley 37, 39 Referral Agency 43 Therapy Services 55 Hidden Villa 17 Destination: Home 3 G Higher Fire Clayspace Djerassi Program 9 and Gallery 9 Doing Good Together 53 , Hispanic Chamber of Commerce , Garden to Table 16 44 Downtown College Prep 27 36 Silicon Valley 49 Downtown Streets Team 3 Girl Scouts 33 Girls for a Change 27, 33 Hispanic Foundation of Silicon DreamPower Valley 49 , Girls on the Run Silicon Valley Horsemanship 21 23 , History San Jose 27 Dress for Success San Jose 3, 61 33 35 Give Together 53, 55 HomeFirst 4 E Hope Services 4, 39, 63 Golden Gate National Parks , , Conservancy 55 Hospice of the Valley 39 44 56 Edutopia 25 Housing for Independent , Golden Gate Raptor ElderWisdomCircle 37 39 Observatory 20 People 61 Elefante Blanco 60 Golden State German Shepherd Housing Industry Foundation 5 Employment & Community Rescue 20 Housing Trust 5 Options 3 Humane Society Silicon Valley Golden State Greyhound , , , Entrepreneurs Foundation 49 Adoption 20 20 21 56 63 Environmental , , , , , Good Karma Bikes 4 16 56 61 I Volunteers 16 25 27 Goodwill of Silicon Valley 4, 60 Eric Drew Foundation 43 Grail Family Services 4, 33 Indian Health Center of Santa Evergreen Elementary Education Grateful Garment Project 1, 4 Clara Valley 44 Foundation 28 , Greenbelt Alliance 17 Industry Initiatives for Science Expandability 3 43 GreenMouse Recycling 62 and Math Education 27 F Guadalupe River Park Innovate Public Schools 28 Conservancy 16, 56 International Rescue Family & Children Services of H Committee 5 Silicon Valley 3, 32, 35, 43 Italian American Family Giving Tree 1, 4, 53, 55 Heritage Foundation 49 , Habitat for Humanity 4, 56, 61 Family Supportive Housing 4 55 Hakone Foundation 17 J Filoli 16 Happy Dragon FIRST 5 44, 32, 43 , , , , Thrift Shop 30 60 61 Jacob’s Buddies League Adaptive First Tee of SV 32 35 55 Happy Hollow Sports Program 53, 56 Foundation for Hispanic Foundation 17, 21, 33, 61 Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue 21 Education 28 Happy Hollow Japanese American Citizens Freecycle Network 60 , , Park & Zoo 40 56 League San Jose 49 Fresh Lifelines for Youth 30 32 Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Joint Venture Silicon Valley 49 Friends of Stevens Clara County 44 Junior Achievement 25, 27, 33 Creek Trail 16 Health Trust 4, 37, 39, 44 Junior League of San Jose 49 66 | Field Guide to Community Service
JustREAD 27 Midpeninsula Regional Open OUTREACH 5, 39 , JW House 41 44 Space District 17 P K Midtown Family Services 5 Milpitas Food Pantry 62 Pacific Autism Center Kaleid 9 Montalvo Arts Center 11 for Education 28 Morgan Autism Center 28, 29, Kiwanis International 50 , Pandemonium Aviaries 22 KQED/KTEH/KQET 49 33 45 Parents Helping Parents 33 Mothers’ Milk Bank 41, 45, 60 L , , , Pars Equality Center 50 My New Red Shoes 5 33 57 Partners in Reading 25 59, 62 Las Madres Neighborhood Peace of Mind Dog Rescue 22 Playgroups Inc. 33 N Peninsula HealthCare , Connection 45 Latinas Contra Cancer 41 44 , Leadership San Jose 50 Naatak House 11 12 Peninsula Open Space Trust 18 Leave a Trail 21, 23 National Alliance on Peninsula Symphony 11 Leukemia & Lymphoma Mental Illness 45 Peninsula Women’s Chorus 11 National Brain Tumor Pet Awareness and Society 44 , LifeMoves 5, 57, 61, 62, 63 Society 45 46 Welfare Society 22 Life Vest Inside 53 National Center for Equine Fa- Playworks 33, 35 cilitated Therapy 21, 23 Positive Coaching Lions Clubs 50, 62 , , LiveSV.com 9 National Charity League 50 57 Alliance 34 35 Native Animal Rescue 21 Preservation Action Council of Loaves & Fishes , Family Kitchen 5, 39, 57 Nature Conservancy 17 San Jose 47 50 Next Door Solutions to Princess Project 57, 62 Locks of Love 63 , Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Domestic Violence 1 5 Project Cornerstone Nike Animal Rescue 25, 28, 30, 34 Police Foundation 50 , Lucile Packard Children’s Foundation 21 63 Project HIRED 6 Nine Lives Foundation 22 Project Linus 34, 57, 63 Hospital 63 , Lupus Foundation 45 NORCAL Golden Retriever Project Night Night 61 63 Lyceum of Santa Clara Valley 28 Rescue 20 Project Purr 22 M O R , , , One Brick 47 Rabbit Haven 20 22 58 MACLA 11 12 , March of Dimes 45 OneSight 62 RAFT 58 63 Martha’s Kitchen 5, 57 One Step Closer Therapeutic Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Master Gardeners of Santa Clara Riding 22, 23 Silicon Valley 50 County 15, 17 Open Space Authority Reading Partners 28 Santa Clara Valley 17 Rebuilding Together 6, 8, 39 Mexican American Community , Services Agency 5 Opera Cultura 11 12 Recovery Cafe 1, 6 Mickaboo Companion Bird Opera San Jose 11 Red Panda Network 20 Rescue 17, 21 Operation: Care and Comfort 57 Resource Area For Our City Forest 15, 18 Teaching 25, 28 index | 67
Ride a Wave 34, 35 San Jose Stage Company 12 Silicon Valley Independent Rocketship Education 29 San Jose Taiko 12, 13 Living Center 7 Ronald McDonald House at San Jose Youth Symphony 13, 34 Silicon Valley Land Stanford 33, 34, 45, 61, 63 Santa Clara County Conservatory 18 Rosa Elena Childcare Center 34 Farm Bureau 18 Silicon Valley Leadership Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Santa Clara Valley Group 52 11, 12 Audubon Society 23 Silicon Valley Pet Project 20, 23 RotaCare Bay Area Inc. 45 Santa Clara Valley Silicon Valley Rotaract Club of SV 50 Blind Center 45 Toxics Coalition 19 Rotary Club of San Jose 50 Santa Maria Urban Ministry 6 Sourcewise Community Resource , S Saratoga Area Senior Coordinat- Solutions 7 40 ing Council 37, 40 South Bay Guitar Society 13 , Sacred Heart Community Ser- Save Our Shores 18 23 South Bay Purebred Rescue 23 vice 1, 6, 58, 60, 62, 63 Save Our Trails 18 Special Olympics 7, 46 ScholarMatch.org 25 SPUR San Jose 15, 19 Safe Haven Animal , Sanctuary 23 School Health Clinics of Santa StandUp for Kids 1, 7 34, 62 Salvation Army 6, 60, 62 Clara County 46 Stanford Blood Center 41 San Jose Animal School of Arts & Culture at S.T.A.R. Programs Inc. 7 , MHP 13 Steinway Society 13 Advocates 23 58 , San Jose SCORE 39, 51 Step Up Silicon Valley 7 52 Second Harvest Food Bank 1, 6, St. Francis Animal Protection Community Gardens 18 , , , San Jose Downtown 40 53 58 62 Society 22 Association 51 Senior Adults Legal Assistance St. Vincent de Paul 6 40 Summer Search Silicon Valley 35 San Jose Elks Lodge 51 , , , San Jose Exchange Club 6 Senior Housing Solutions 40 Sunday Friends 1 7 58 60 SeniorNet 40 Support Network for San Jose Institute of , Contemporary Art 9, 12 Sierra Club 18 Battered Women 60 61 San Jose Jazz 12 Silicon Valley Arts Coalition 13 Support Team Animal Rescue 23 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Sustainable Community San Jose Museum of Art 12 , , San Jose Museum of 18 46 Gardens 19 59 Textiles & Quilts 12 Silicon Valley Blues Society 13 Sustainable Silicon Valley 19 San Jose Parks Foundation 18 Silicon Valley SV Creates 12 Children’s Fund 29, 34 SV FACES 47 San Jose Police , Foundation 47, 51 Silicon Valley Community Symphony Silicon Valley 9 13 San Jose Project 15 Foundation 51 T San Jose Public Silicon Valley Council Library Foundation 29 of Nonprofits 51 13th Street Cat Rescue 20, 24 San Jose Search and Rescue 6 Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers 51 Tabard Theatre Co., The 13 San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber Silicon Valley De-Bug 52 Teatro Visión 12, 13 Silicon Valley Education of Commerce 51 , , Tech Museum San Jose Sports Authority 51 Foundation 25 28 29 of Innovation 14, 29, 35 Silicon Valley FACES 34, 35, 52 68 | Field Guide to Community Service
TechShop 9 V Y TeenForce 7, 30, 35 Valle Monte League Inc. 46, 52 YearUp 30, 36 Teen Success Inc. 35 , 15, , THINK Together 29, 35 Valle Verde 8 19 YMCA of Silicon Valley 35 36 Third Street Veggielution 15 Young at Heart Project 40 Veggielution Community Farm Young Audiences of Northern Community Center 35 , , Throwplace.com 60 15, 19 46 59 California 14 Via Services 8 Young Nonprofit Professionals TIA E-cycling Central 62 , , , Today’s Youth Matter 36, 61 Village Harvest 1 8 15 59 Network 52 Town Cats 24 Vision Literacy 29 Youth Science Institute Vivace Youth Chorus 14, 36 19, 29, 36 TransAccess 46 , TurningWheels for Kids 35, 36 VLAB 47 52 Yu-Ai Kai 37, 40 VMC Foundation 46 YWCA of Silicon Valley 1, 36, U Volunteer Match 52 60, 61 Unconditional Love W Z Animal Rescue 24 Unicorn Thrift Shop 30, 60, 62 West Valley Community Svcs. 8 ZERO1 14 U.S. Power Squadrons 52 Westwind 4-H Riding for the United Way Bay Area 7, 52 Handicapped 23, 24 Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley UnitedWeReach 29 , , , Unity Care Group 7 20 24 59 63 Uplift Family Services Works/San Jose 14 8, 30, 35, 36 World Runners 46
The Field Guide 2.0
The Field Guide 2.0 was published by Compass Collective in 2016. This edition is updated, refreshed and ready to help local leaders get connected to their community. There are more than 400 nonprofits represented — all doing amazing work to make our community great. A special thank you to our sponsors — Lexus Stevens Creek and Waypoint Wealth Partners — who believe in the power of giving back. Their generosity allows us to provide the Field Guide for free; if you would like additional copies, please e-mail [email protected]. The award-winning Field Guide illustrates the work of hundreds of nonprofits in our community, but it is not meant as an exhaustive list. If you are interested in having a organization included in next year’s edition, please e-mail [email protected]. This Field Guide was created using Adobe® InDesign® and printed by CyberPress in Santa Clara on 100% recycled paper and carbon neutral ink. © Compass Collective 2016 Compass Collective • compasscollective.org
Field Guide to Community Service 2.0 Sponsors