Outreach Program
Outreach Opportunities
Hands4Hope’s Outreach Opportunities are hands-on activities for youth of all ages that directly address human and community needs, and empower youth to make a positive difference. At these opportunities, youth experience rich learning environments while exploring the power they have to make a difference, gaining an understanding of social issues, taking initiative, developing leadership skills, and interacting meaningfully with populations that they may not encounter during their day-to-day life.
Age & Commitment
Outreach Opportunities offer youth the opportunity to participate as much or as little as they like, according to their own interests and schedule.
Some opportunities, such as MAPS Peer Mentors and Sister Nora’s Place, do require more commitment due to the relationship-building nature of the opportunity.
The age/grade requirements of Outreach Opportunities varies. Most opportunities are for middle and high school age youth. Some opportunities are open to youth of all ages starting in Kindergarten. Typically, those in elementary school, and sometimes middle school, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/adult.
Youth are required to pay the Hands4Hope annual registration fee to participate in most Outreach opportunities. Scholarships are available. Adult participants must be registered with Hands4Hope, but there is no annual fee for adults.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
GVCC Common Ground
(2nd and 4th Saturday of month 7-11am)
Green Valley Community Church's "Common Ground" is one of the largest food distribution points in El Dorado County. The church serves 300+ people every Saturday, offering breakfast, clothing, and groceries. Volunteers help prepare and serve breakfast, help in the food pantry, and assist in the clothes closet. This event is open to all ages – 6th grade and below must volunteer with an adult.
On Hiatus: EDH Senior Center Crafts and Games
(2nd Monday of the month 3-4pm)
Volunteers spend time with seniors with various levels of dementia, at Ramona "Moni" Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills. They lead a small group of seniors in arts and crafts, games, and simple physical activities. Open to students 8th grade and up.
Mercy CREEKVIEW Senior Dinner and food donation
(3rd Wednesday of the month 3:30-5:30pm)
Creekview Manor is an affordable housing complex for seniors, run by Mercy Housing. At this monthly event, volunteers prepare and serve dinner, while also getting to know seniors in their community. We are always looking for performers to entertain at these dinners with card/magic tricks, musical acts, or whatever you think seniors might enjoy! Volunteers 5th-6th grade must volunteer with an adult, 7th graders and older may volunteer independently.
Mercy White Rock Village after-school club
(thursdays 3-5 pm)
Mercy Housing White Rock Village provides after-school programs for its youth residents. Volunteers will lead games and activities, help with homework, pass out snacks, do light cleaning, and provide extra supervision.
Volunteers must be high school students.
Sister Nora’s Place
(4th Friday of the month 4-7pm)
Sister Nora’s Place provides long-term shelter and case management for women with a history of homelessness, trauma, and serious mental and physical illness. Volunteers carpool to this event and bring a prepared or ready-to-cook dinner for the female residents. Once dinner is ready, everyone sits down for a family style dinner. Volunteers are encouraged to engage the residents in conversation and help bring a bright spot to their day. Please contact Hands4Hope if interested in this event. Volunteers must be female high school students.
upper room dining hall
(4th Saturday of the month)
At the Upper Room Dining Hall, Hands4Hope youth help to serve meals to 200 people who are food insecure in our community. Volunteers not only distribute to-go dinners, but also offer conversation, a smile, and unconditional love and acceptance. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to sign up for this event.
other opportuntiies
hands4hope committee-based opportunities
Hands4Hope After-School Committees plan drives and events that generate their own volunteer opportunities.
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Empty Bowls Dinner (no annual registration fee required for this event)
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Kids Zone Area (no annual registration fee required for this event)
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Winter Boutique
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School Supply Drive
periodic partner opportunities
Hands4Hope youth also participate in fundraiser events and other opportunities that occur on an annual or periodic basis. Examples include:
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Honor Our Troops Spaghetti Fundraiser
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser events
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Powerhouse Ministries Community Thanksgiving, Christmas events, and other opportunities
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Images of Hope events
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3Strands Global events
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… and many more!
If your organization would like to become an Outreach Agency Partner, please click here to learn more and apply.
Blanket Making Party (November)
Hands4Hope’s Outreach Program also offers an annual Blanket Making Party, typically held in November, at Camerado Springs Middle School in Cameron Park. This event is open to all ages and provides handmade blankets to be distributed through the Hands4Hope Winter Boutique.
