EL DORADO HILLS — Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is inviting community members who want to make a difference in the lives of young people while also helping vulnerable members of the community to attend an upcoming Adult Volunteer Training Workshop.
The free in-person training will take place Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Station 85 in El Dorado Hills. The workshop is designed for individuals interested in volunteering with Hands4Hope and supporting youth as they develop leadership skills through meaningful service-learning projects and outreach opportunities. Most volunteer opportunities take place throughout the region from Folsom to Placerville, with some programs also serving areas of Sacramento.
Participants will learn how Hands4Hope’s youth-led model works and how adult volunteers play an important role in mentoring, supporting and guiding young people as they plan and carry out service projects that benefit their communities.
“Volunteering for Hands4Hope has provided me with a sense of purpose following retirement. I enjoy the network of amazing adult volunteers, the impressive Hands4Hope staff and leadership are a joy to work with, and I am inspired by the youth who show up enthusiastically to meet each challenge with compassion, energy, curiosity and commitment to make a positive difference through service to their community,” said Tracy Messineo, a current volunteer.
Hands4Hope emphasizes the importance of building a diverse volunteer community. Adult volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds including retirees from various careers, homemakers, young adults such as Hands4Hope alumni and college students, parents who wish to volunteer alongside their children, empty nesters and community members seeking meaningful ways to give back while supporting youth and addressing unmet needs among vulnerable populations.
“As an adult volunteer or mentor, you get the chance to meet new people that also love to serve the community,” said Nissa Martin, a current volunteer and Hands4Hope parent. “The best part about being involved is watching the youth grow as individual leaders, as well as working as a team. You get to see them learn to trust their peers and adult mentors. When our youth (and adult mentors) trust each other, they are willing to take risks, which leads to personal growth. Hands4Hope truly teaches our youth how to make a difference.”
During the workshop, participants will gain practical tools and insights designed to help them feel confident supporting youth-led projects and creating positive and inclusive environments. Training topics include understanding the role and expectations of an adult lead, supporting youth-adult partnerships and the principles known as the “5 Cs” of positive youth development, following outreach protocols and safety procedures, fostering inclusive environments based on respect and belonging, and helping youth groups build strong relationships and teamwork.
The Adult Volunteer Training Workshop offers community members the opportunity to explore a meaningful volunteer role, build leadership skills and connect with others who share a passion for empowering young people to serve their communities.
Community members interested in learning more about volunteering with Hands4Hope are encouraged to register online in advance through the organization’s website at hands4hopeyouth.org. Those with questions may call (916) 294-7426 or emailinfo@hands4hopeyouth.org.
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit youth-driven organization whose mission is to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The organization provides hands-on education and community outreach opportunities for students in grades six through 12 through school-based and after-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. More information is available at hands4hopeyouth.org.
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