CityServe Links Volunteers with Those in Need

By Zoe Francis, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

The Tri-Valley has a one-stop shop for connecting volunteers with local people in need of a variety of services and support.

CityServe of the Tri-Valley started with the idea of connecting church volunteers with people who need help, but the service has grown to include volunteers from all walks of life who are eager to lend a helping hand.

"CityServe is coordinating resources between the faith-based community and nonprofits, schools, businesses and government agencies to meet human service needs in our Tri-Valley," Gloria Gregory, executive director, explained.

The group was founded five years ago, but only recently organized as a formal nonprofit to better meet the needs of the community.

"We discovered the nonprofits don't always have the funding or resources that they need," Gregory said. "The city of Dublin in particular encouraged us to apply for grant money and establish an office."

The group got a $5,000 grant from Dublin so that the all-volunteer staff has a formal location from which to operate.

"There are three core volunteers who keep the website going and do the monthly newsletter," Gregory said. "We have monthly meetings that evolved into a hub for various groups to come together to talk about human service issues in our Tri-Valley so that we can solve them together and work more closely together."

The website offers an ever-changing list of volunteer opportunities throughout the area. Last year, CityServe clocked more than 20,000 hours of volunteer work.

One goal for CityServe is to better engage local businesses in helping people and families throughout the Tri-Valley. In addition, the group needs a business leader to serve on the board of directors.

"When we can expand to include the business community so our local businesses are more aware of our true local needs, we'll do an even better job of making a difference," she said. "We'd love for them to volunteer and know about the need for donated cars and computers. Maybe some businesses are updating their computers. If they have computers that are still functional, it would be beautiful if we could get those to the schools and kids."

While CityServe focuses on volunteer services and support, the group helps provide financial support to meet critical needs.

"We really started with the goal to provide volunteers, but when you find out about human needs, it does at times come down to money," Gregory noted. "A number of low-income folks have late utility bills. Those kinds of issues come down to real dollars. Not big amounts, but that can help get individuals and families over that hump. Then we can come alongside them and provide the support on budgeting or job skills."

The group has provided five refurbished vehicles to people who were homeless or in need of transportation for work. In all instances, the recipients were able to find employment.

"It moves people from a needy place to a more self-sufficient place," she said. "It moves them to a place where they're contributing instead of needing."

For more information on how you or your business can get involved with CityServe, visit cityservetrivalley.org, e-mail info@cityservetrivalley.org or call 925-452-8276. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to 11501 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 200, Dublin, CA 94568.

Also in this issue...