Get up and participate!
There are many ways to get involved. Listed below are a few local Riverside County organizations that welcome volunteers.
Riverside County Mental Health Department
The following volunteer opportunities are available at the Riverside County Mental Health Department:
- Peer Support Specialist Volunteer
- Parent Partner Volunteers
- Family Advocate Volunteers
- Mental Health Board Membership
- Student/Intern Program
- Cultural Competency Volunteer
For more information, please contact:
Gabriel Rodriguez
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Phone: 951-955-7118
Riverside Mental Health Board Membership
The Riverside County Mental Health Board encompasses volunteers selected by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in partnership with the Riverside County Department of Mental Health and works to facilitate citizen and professional involvement in the planning process for county-provided mental health services.
To become a member of the Mental Health Board click on the following link and complete the appropriate application.
http://rcdmh.org/opencms/english/MHB/
Riverside County Children’s Behavioral Health
The Riverside County Children’s Behavioral Health Organization has several volunteer opportunities and programs. Some include a back to school backpack drive, a thanksgiving basket meal, and a snowman banner toy drive. There is also a youth volunteer program where youth have the opportunity to volunteer with various projects and are also at the outreach events in the community. Additionally, parents can be involved in parent classes and support groups. For more information, call 951-358-4520.
HELPline
HELPline is a 24 hour hotline available to assist people dealing with a mental health crisis such as suicide. When someone calls the hotline they are connected to a caring volunteer who provides crisis and suicide intervention while referring the person to outside help.
HELPline is looking for volunteers with compassionate personalities who remain calm in crisis. They seek individuals who are non-judgmental as well as have an ability to maintain confidentiality.
In order to become a volunteer one must go through a 58 hour training course and be willing to commit 180 hours of service.
For more information please contact:
951-329-4738
Visit www.connectriverside.org for an online application and more information.
211 Connect
"Connecting people in need with those who can help"
This hotline connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of Riverside County as the only free, confidential, dialing code service in Riverside County.
The Volunteer opportunities through connectriverside.org strictly serve as a referral program, connecting individuals with a desire to volunteer with agencies, but does not guarantee placement.
You can call 951-328-8280 to speak to a volunteer coordinator.
Or check out their website for a list of up to date opportunities.
NAMI
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness which is a grassroots organization which strives to improve the lives of individuals and their families who deal with mental illness. NAMI was established in 1979 as has grown into a reputable and respected organization that continually makes strides in improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.
The three cornerstones of NAMI’s mission are; awareness, education and advocacy. They seek to educate the country about mental illness in order to reduce stigma so that treatment for mental illness can become a national priority, considering that 1 in 4 families is affected by mental illness but only half of these individuals receives treatment.
To become a part of this important process one can volunteer their time and services at NAMI.
Volunteer with NAMI by attending monthly educational meetings and participate in NAMI walk.
Become a NAMI member. Act as a voice of NAMI by joining their grassroots organization. As a member you are eligible to vote in all NAMI elections, receive important newsletters and a subscription to The Advocate, NAMI’s quarterly magazine.
For more information visit NAMI’s membership website.
Jefferson Transitional Programs
The Jefferson Transitional Programs works to educate and empower individuals who carry a mental health diagnosis through the use of peer support, creative arts, vocational support, peer-driven wellness, and anti-stigma outreach. If you are interested in involvement with this program, please visit http://www.jtpfriends.org/.
