Volunteer at Rancho Cielo
From one-on-one mentorship to onsite gardening, we’re always looking for dependable, caring, and enthusiastic volunteers. Your efforts and generosity ensure that our programs, activities, and most of all, our students, thrive. Please join us!
Why Volunteer at Rancho Cielo?
When you volunteer with Rancho Cielo, you become a part of our community and our students’ rich story. Directly or indirectly, you are essential in supporting our students’ efforts to continue their education, learn new skills, develop self-esteem and confidence, and become responsible members of their communities.
Furthermore, your time and talents are invaluable gifts, and without your support, we could not do the work we do.
Volunteer Spotlight
Joanne Hellwig discovered her “happy spot” at Drummond Culinary’s Friday Night Dinners. It was an evening that blended her newfound love for Rancho Cielo with her search for purpose following retirement. Volunteering at these dinners became an instant match, one that has brought her joy and fulfillment for over 12 years.
“I love that these students are learning a skill that will help them earn a living or be a stepping-stone to where they want to go next,” Joanne says. “What they are learning is something no one can take away from them and they have the power to improve their circumstances and make a better life for themselves.”
Joanne cherishes the students’ journey, especially witnessing the transformation of nervous newcomers into confident servers by the end of their first night. “It’s like watching a flower bloom,” she says, moved by their growth. Encouragement from instructors and diners builds confidence, and the students eagerly await feedback from post-service surveys, often moved by the positive reinforcement they receive.
“[Students] can’t wait to read their surveys at the end of each dinner service,” she says. “The smiles and sometimes tears of joy are heartwarming. I see them encourage and assist each other too. I’ve heard a student say no one has ever spoken so positively about them. I have noticed that simply calling a student by name makes them feel seen.”
For Joanne, the connections run deeper. Weekly conversations allow students to share parts of themselves, bonding over shared interests and honest advice. She believes even small gestures, like remembering a student’s name, help them feel seen and valued.
“The dining room is my happy place,” Joanne reflects.
During personal hardships, including losing her parents, her volunteer role offered solace and focus.
“These students inspire me to look at things through the lens of possibility,” Joanne says. “[Volunteerism] is an investment in our youth and what better way to improve our society as a whole?”
Volunteer Opportunities
Rancho Cielo has a variety of volunteer needs and roles. Individuals and groups are welcome. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience with co-workers, team-building, and a meaningful service opportunity that meets the passions and interests of corporate, faith-based, and civic groups. Note: Volunteers and mentors who work one-on-one with students must have a background check administered.
The current areas where we need support:
- FUNdraising event staff (Commitment: as needed.)
- Friday night dinners with Drummond Culinary Academy (Commitment: as needed.)
- Classroom tutors/mentors (Commitment: 1–2 hours/week, preferably mornings.)
- Leadership garden (Commitment: Monday and Friday mornings.)
- Development and funding research (Commitment: 2–3 hours/week.)
- Pro bono legal support/assistance (Commitment: as needed.)
- Crafters (Commitment: Flexible and seasonal.)
- Green Building Ambassadors (Construction industry professionals, especially with a green focus. Commitment: flexible)
- Program Assistants
- Drummond Culinary Academy: Help us maintain student records, track alumni students, and help keep the program’s administrative tasks running smoothly. (Commitment: flexible.)
- Academy Programs: Help with recruitment and outreach activities to enroll students in our Construction & Sustainable Building and Culinary Academies. (Commitment: busy but seasonal.)
- Volunteer Program: Help with recruitment, community outreach, and record maintenance. (The Commitment is flexible, and some projects may be done remotely.)
- Veggie Box Assembly (August)
- Assemble Boxes: This can be done during or before the event days.
- Assembly Line Lead: Help us by placing boxes onto a pallet and keeping count.
- Assembly Line Volunteer: Help us pack veggies in a box.
- End of Assembly Line Volunteer: Place flyers in the box and close the box at the end of each assembly line.
- Box Replenishment: Replenish boxes for each assembly line during event date/dates.
- Box Breakdown: Please help us break down extra boxes and place them in the recycling bin during the event.
- Veggie box delivery volunteer: Help us deliver veggie boxes. This can be during or after the event date.
Get Involved
Interested in sharing your time and talent? Please get in touch with Sandra Moore, Volunteer Coordinator, at 831-444-3523 or email smoore@ranchocieloyc.org
