Volunteering in one’s local community is often seen as a chore to young high school students, taking time away from their school work and consuming extra-curriculars.What students don’t understand, however, is the positive impact they make on another person’s life. What may seem like a simple volunteer shift is, in reality, so much more. It gives students the opportunity to connect with people they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to meet, and immerses them into one of the most diverse and important parts of the community.
Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center – Orinda
Located right next to Del Rey Elementary School, the Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit organization in the backyard of some Orinda residents. Although it’s been in Orinda since 1996, it’s not an organization that many students have heard about.
The Xenophon staff works with kids with disabilities from ages 5-18 to help develop and strengthen muscles that they hopefully will be able to use during everyday life. Unbeknownst to most, therapeutic horseback riding uses the multi-dimensional movement of the horse to positively impact physical and emotional behavior of a rider, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.
“I think the student population is drawn to volunteering with us because we work with kids and animals. Working with animals is a great way to ground and destress, so as students come to volunteer, they too experience the benefits of the therapeutic animals,” Xenophon volunteer coordinator Rebbecca Wernickle, said.
Xenophon is a highly valued community resource. With sessions every week and long waitlist, Xenophon can use the helping hand of a volunteer. Those who do offer their time not only are able to volunteer outdoors in Xenophon’s beautiful location, but also get to work hands-on with the kids as they improve their emotional and physical abilities.
“I have gained many skills throughout the past three and a half years that I have volunteered at Xenophon. I have learned many life skills that I use every day, such as patience, attentiveness, and determination” senior Pateel Horoupian said.
Valley Oak Respite Center – Danville
There are charities throughout the local community that care for older generations as well. Valley Oak Respite Center, located in Danville, is host to therapeutic activities, transportation, and the personal care of someone diagnosed with dementia. Volunteers spend time not only setting up and helping to facilitate activities, but also interacting and simply connecting with the people there.
“Valley Oak’s impact on me is beyond description. I say everyday – I get more than I give. I genuinely look forward to spending my day enjoying their company and am blessed to get to know their dedicated, loving families as well. …Valley Oak is a place of warmth, kindness, joy and laughter,” Erin, the director of Valley Oak Respite, said.
The daily schedule at Valley Oak is filled with games, such as bingo, that relate to current events, along with snack breaks and live music by local artists. Every activity is designed to keep both the residents and the volunteers engaged.
Community Reading Buddies – Oakland & Online
Not all high school students have the time or the means to commute to philanthropic opportunities right after school. Community Reading Buddies, whose headquarters are located in Oakland, offer students the opportunity to volunteer both in person and on Zoom.
Junior Taylor Stevens is a Mentor for Community Reading Buddies. “I think high school students should volunteer there because it can fit really easily into different schedules and working with kids is one of the most rewarding experiences ever,” Stevens said.
With their main goal being to offer assistance to kids in low-income communities to reach the reading standard with free tutoring, Reading Buddies assists students of all different ages and backgrounds. The sessions run twice a week for a set number of hours. Those who tutor in-person earn extra hours.
“I have decided to volunteer at Reading Buddies again and again because I really enjoy working with younger kids, and it feels really good that I am able to help kids from the Oakland area learn how to read,” Stevens said.
Mentors for Reading Buddies also work with an interactive program called Book Nook, which guides both mentor and student through books on a designated reading level. Periodically, the students are tested by Book Nook on what they have read while the mentors offer encouragement and support.
With schedules filled to the brim with school, homework, and extracurriculars, volunteering often gets pushed to the back burner by high school students. That being said, Lamorinda’s volunteering opportunities extend far beyond those listed above; volunteers are always needed at philanthropies such as Monument Crisis Center, White Pony Express, and Loaves and Fishes. All charities in the community are worthy of a student’s time and energy, and have a large positive impact on those who live in it.
