Are you looking for an opportunity to give back and serve your community? Join the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps program for the 25-26 service year and give back to the community through a year of paid service at Grey Bears!
About NDMVA
NDMVA teams work with local partners to increase access to education and other essential social services. By collaborating with local organizations, NDMVA aims to make a lasting impression on the lives of individuals and families in the region. As a member, you will serve at Grey Bears for 10.5 months, August-June, full-time, providing access to nutritious food and doing community outreach under the supervision of an on-site supervisor, and city Site Manager.
Benefits of AmeriCorps
- Health insurance (including mental health coverage)
- Living Stipend (starting at $21,000/10.5 month, pre-tax, disbursed semimonthly)
- Loan Forbearance
- $7,395 Segal Education Award awarded at the completion of service
About Grey Bears
Grey Bears is a Non-Profit Organization in Santa Cruz County dedicated to improving the health and well-being of seniors and the community through food and meal deliveries, volunteerism, resource conservation and recycling.
Position Overview
Grey Bears seeks a dedicated and compassionate AmeriCorps member to serve as a Healthy Food Access & Community Engagement Associate. This role is ideal for someone passionate about food justice, senior well-being, and empowering communities through volunteerism. The member will play a vital role in strengthening access to healthy food for older adults and engaging in meaningful outreach across Santa Cruz County.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Food Access Program Support
- Assist with quality control and preparation of Healthy Food Program bags.
- Support daily onsite food distribution, including welcoming participants and guiding them through the check-in process.
- Help facilitate the transition to a digital check-in system, offering tech support and guidance to seniors and volunteers.
2. Community Outreach & Engagement Support
- Support outreach to senior centers, affordable housing complexes, and other community hubs to promote program participation.
- Support relationships with underserved, Spanish-speaking, and rural community members to reduce barriers and encourage inclusivity.
- Support translation, interpretation, or bilingual communication efforts (Spanish-speaking ability preferred but not required).
3. Food System Partnerships
- Collaborate with local farms, food producers, and markets to support food donations and cultivate ongoing partnerships.
- Assist in thanking and recognizing partners
5. Seasonal & Special Projects
- Support gleaning activities during harvest season, including off-site produce collection and coordination.
- Assist with large-scale holiday meal distributions in November and December, ensuring all seniors feel seen and celebrated during the holiday season.
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
- Commitment to social justice, food equity, and community-centered service.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Comfort working with older adults and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Flexibility, initiative, and a hands-on, collaborative spirit.
- Basic tech literacy
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills are a plus but not required.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and participate in active, physical work (with accommodations as needed).
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $21,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
