"The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are." ~Johnnetta B. Cole

Sacramento Children's Home was founded by a group of concerned citizens who saw a need to protect and care for the most vulnerable children in our community. Today, their spirit lives on through our cherished volunteers. We rely on our volunteers for their gifts and talents, their commitment to the children, and most importantly their passion, to continue to provide critical services every day to the children and families that we serve.

We hope that you will find a volunteer opportunity that suites you perfectly.

A volunteer for the SCH Residential Program works directly in one of our residential living cottages. Volunteers spend time with the children playing board games, reading stories, leading arts and crafts projects, or simply giving individual time and attention to a child who needs it. Residential Program volunteers are positive role models for the children and youth in our program, and help to fill a void many of our residents feel.

Residential Program volunteers must be 21 years old, have a clean criminal background and pass the application process with our Volunteer Coordinator. All volunteers are required to come once a week for a minimum of two hours per week. A one year commitment is requested.

Staff at the Sacramento Children's go out of their way every day to make each of our residents feel special. At time this just isn't enough. Our residents know that it is a staff person's job to be there, and each staff almost always is required to supervise several children at a time.

No one person to call your own - no adult devoted to just you. This is how many of the children in the Residential Program feel. The "Special Friend" program was developed as a way for very devoted volunteers to connect with one child, a child that longing for a stable, positive adult relationship. Just one person who truly cares about that they want, need and feel.

Special Friends are typically paired with our younger residents, 7 to 12 years old. Volunteers that are interested in becoming a "Special Friend" are cleared through the Volunteer Coordinator, and are asked to spend 2 to 3 months (8 to 12 visits) in the cottage to observe and interact with all our residents. As a natural relationship develops with one child, you will be paired as a "Special Friend". Special Friends are required to spend at least one hour per week with their resident. At first, visits will be on the grounds of SCH. Later, you will be able to take your friend out for activities like a visit to the zoo, a baseball game or movie. Special Friends serve as a valuable role model and play a significant part in rebuilding self-esteem, trust, and a sense of personal self-worth in children damaged by abuse.

Administrative volunteers assist various departments within the SCH administration. Filing, writing thank you notes, and assisting with data entry are some of the types of jobs volunteers support SCH with. Volunteers must be 21 years old and complete the application process. A 6 month commitment is requested.

CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS: Rock a baby at nap time, read a story to a toddler or help with an educational art project. Childcare volunteers interact with the children, and provide them with a safe, nurturing and loving environment. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and submit to fingerprinting and a background check.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS VOLUNTEERS: Provide information to the community about the Sacramento Crisis Nursery Program by distributing brochures, posters and flyers at a variety of community events.

FRIENDS OF THE CRISIS NURSERIES: Ensure community support for the agency through fundraising events and a community educational program. For more information, visit the Friends of the Crisis Nursery.

ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEERS: Support the office staff with a variety of administrative tasks.

GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: Provide your members a hands-on activity to help at the nursery.

"MY BAGS": Do you like to sew? The Crisis Nursery gives a personal "My Bag" to each child when he/she leaves the Nursery. Each drawstring bag, approximately 24 x 18 inches, holds a child's blanket, a new book, a teddy bear and personal hygiene items.

From celebrity sporting events to small parties, volunteers are the key to successful SCH events! Whether assisting with event set-up, registration, selling raffle tickets, crowd control or clean-up, event volunteers are a critical need for each event we hold - whether our signature SCH events, or events that we partner with!

All event volunteers represent the Sacramento Children's Home to the event organizer and attendees. We ask for personable people who can speak about our agency with confidence and knowledge. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Is your company, club, or organization looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Look no further! The Sacramento Children's Home utilizes community groups to assist with various types of projects, including grounds-keeping, beautification projects, and hosting one-time events for our residents.

You can make a child's wish come true. The Sacramento Children’s Home Holiday Giving Program provides a stocking, present, and gift card for food to more than 2,400 local children and families. Volunteers help in a variety of ways during this time of the year. Your company or organization can host a giving tree location where gifts and gift cards would be collected; individuals can fulfill a wish star; help manage the gift distribution site.

For more information about any of our volunteer programs, or to discuss an idea for a volunteer project, please contact Judy Schefer, Volunteer Coordinator, at 916-452-3981.