Opportunities From: MEND

Description of Duties: Help MEND during our onsite Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with fresh produce and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s food distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling food kits, sorting through donated food items, distributing food bags to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 30 lbs.

Volunteer Impact: Help individuals and families access services to meet their essential needs. Volunteers play a key role in opening the door for additional resources that promote stability and self-reliance. Your assistance helps empower people to take the next steps towards improving their well-being and gaining greater independence.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Assist community members in completing registration form for MEND’s Community Nourishment distribution. Contribute to creating a welcoming and dignified environment. As the first point of contact, ensure a positive and respectful experience for all. Help participants navigate the registration process, answer their questions, and ensure data is recorded accurately. Collect and record essential demographic data, such as household size, contact information, language, etc. Maintain accurate participant records for reporting purposes, including those required for food assistance programs. Record new participant information and update existing records on client tracking database Address participant inquiries about the registration process, eligibility requirements and other services. Protect the privacy and sensitive information of al participant by always following strict confidentially protocol.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Bilingual: English/Spanish strongly preferred; Comfortable working with diverse populations; Friendly, patient and approachable demeanor; Strong communication and active listening skills; Compassion and Empathy; Basic computer skills; Attention to detail; Reliable and punctual.

Dress Code: Business casual attire. Collared shirts, blouses, polo shirts, khakis, dress pants, and chinos. Jeans that are clean in good condition, free of tears, fading, and fraying. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Wear closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet.

Covid -19 and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact. While at MEND masks are optional.

Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week (1 distribution day). Community Nourishment distributions are scheduled Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month 8:30am-12:30pm.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a Volunteer at MEND. Volunteers do not receive compensation for services provided and should have no assurance or reason to expect pay or employment from the volunteer activity. Volunteers are not eligible for any benefits, including unemployment or workers' compensation.

Volunteer Impact: Assist MEND in providing 300-500 participants within surrounding communities with a food kit filled with healthy and quality produce, and other non-perishable foods.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Help feed the community by supporting daily operations to ensure an efficient and organized food distribution process. Responsibilities include cleaning and light housekeeping, palletizing items, assisting with loading and unloading food, and supporting small-scale distribution. Volunteers also help with sorting and packaging donated food items, preparing food kits, and composting materials as needed. This position is vital to maintaining a safe, clean, and productive warehouse environment while helping serve the community. Other general warehouse duties as assigned.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Good communication skills; ability to interact with volunteers and participants. Volunteers must be patient while working with the MEND community. Must be able to move up to 35 pounds. Attention to detail and basic organizational skills. Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to help wherever needed

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical work. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Wear closed-toe/steel-toe shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet. Shorts may be worn under the following conditions: All shorts must fall at the knee, all shorts must be worn at waist level (no ‘sagging’), made of cotton, jean, or ‘Dickies’ type material (no nylon type or running shorts, bicycle type shorts, yoga shorts).

Description of Duties: Help MEND during our onsite Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with fresh produce and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s food distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling food kits, sorting through donated food items, distributing food bags to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 30 lbs.

Position Summary: The Survey Collector volunteer supports MEND’s efforts to gather valuable community feedback that will help inform future program planning and strategic initiatives. The volunteer will assist staff during community outreach and survey collection events, both at MEND and at offsite locations, to ensure smooth coordination and participant engagement.

Key Responsibilities: 

·        Conduct in-person surveys with community members at designated community locations.

·        Help collect, organize, and input community survey data to ensure every voice is counted.

·        Engage with community members in a friendly, approachable way to gather feedback and encourage survey participation. Explain the purpose of the needs assessment to community members.

·        Support the team in organizing data that helps shape future programs and services.

·        Provide general event support, including set-up and clean-up.

·        Represent MEND with positivity and enthusiasm while promoting our mission to strengthen the community.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed:

• Excellent communication and organizational skills; strong written and interpersonal skills

• Exceptional customer service

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency

• Time Management/ability to multitask

• Experience working with individuals with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team

·        Reliable, punctual, and professional

Dress Code: Business casual attire with non-slip shoes. No T-shirts, flip-flops, spaghetti straps, gym shorts, baggy shirts, etc.

Time Commitment: Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:30am-12:30pm

Work Environment: Volunteers may assist at off-site community events within the local area.

Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from these survey locations. The organization is not responsible for transportation costs, vehicle maintenance, or any liability related to the use of a personal vehicle. Milage will not be reimbursed.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: Regardless of vaccination status, masking is optional MEND will continue to provide masks for volunteers.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a volunteer at MEND.

Volunteer Impact: Help individuals and families access services to meet their essential needs. Volunteers play a key role in opening the door for additional resources that promote stability and self-reliance. Your assistance helps empower people to take the next steps towards improving their well-being and gaining greater independence.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Assist community members in completing registration form for MEND’s Community Nourishment distribution. Contribute to creating a welcoming and dignified environment. As the first point of contact, ensure a positive and respectful experience for all. Help participants navigate the registration process, answer their questions, and ensure data is recorded accurately. Collect and record essential demographic data, such as household size, contact information, language, etc. Maintain accurate participant records for reporting purposes, including those required for food assistance programs. Record new participant information and update existing records on client tracking database Address participant inquiries about the registration process, eligibility requirements and other services. Protect the privacy and sensitive information of al participant by always following strict confidentially protocol.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Bilingual: English/Spanish strongly preferred; Comfortable working with diverse populations; Friendly, patient and approachable demeanor; Strong communication and active listening skills; Compassion and Empathy; Basic computer skills; Attention to detail; Reliable and punctual.

Dress Code: Business casual attire. Collared shirts, blouses, polo shirts, khakis, dress pants, and chinos. Jeans that are clean in good condition, free of tears, fading, and fraying. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Wear closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet.

Covid -19 and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact. While at MEND masks are optional.

Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week (1 distribution day). Community Nourishment distributions are scheduled Wednesdays, Fridays and the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month 8:30am-12:30pm.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a Volunteer at MEND. Volunteers do not receive compensation for services provided and should have no assurance or reason to expect pay or employment from the volunteer activity. Volunteers are not eligible for any benefits, including unemployment or workers' compensation.

Description of Duties: Join us for our First Step Program! Every Thursday, we provide participants experiencing homelessness curated food bags, fresh fruit, clothing items (dependent on availability), and hygiene kits. We need your support in distributing these items to our participants. Your participation will add warmth to our welcoming environment, creating a moment of community care and support.

Specific Responsibilities:  

·       Set up tables and chairs for the distribution

·       Greet and chat with participants during distribution

·       Help organize food items on distribution tables

·       Distribute food items, clothing, and/or hygiene kits

·       Keep the area clean

·       Breakdown tables after program and help throw out any trash

Time Commitment: Thursdays, 8:15 AM to 11:15 AM (3 hours)

Qualification: Qualifications:

o   Ability to bend, reach, and grasp food items

o   Ability to lift 10-15 pounds

o   Kind/Friendly attitude

o   Customer Service Skills or Trauma-informed care knowledge

o   Bilingual Spanish/English is a great plus!

Dress Code: Volunteers should wear comfortable, clean, and professional attire suitable for a community event. Closed-toe shoes are required. Be prepared to stand and move throughout your shift. 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: Regardless of vaccination status, masking is optional MEND will continue to provide masks for volunteers.  

Description of Duties: The Yoga Instructor Volunteer is responsible for leading and engaging moderate yoga classes in a group setting. The Yoga Volunteer will demonstrate and explain how to perform various poses and movements suitable for people of all experience levels, including seniors. The Yoga Instructor Volunteer will observe participants do poses and ensure that they are using correct technique and provide alternatives for participants unable to perform certain movements. 

Impact: The Pathways to Wellness volunteer plays an important role in creating a welcoming and professional environment for all staff, participants and visitors that come to MEND.

Specific Responsibilities: Lead, instruct, and motivate groups of participants in yoga using a yoga mat for seating or balancing poses. Promote the benefits of yoga such as relaxation, tension release in muscles/joints, and boost strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Ensure yoga classes are manageable for all participants.  Ensure classes begin on time and end on time. Ensure an appropriate music playlist is prepared ahead of time. Assist and answer participants yoga-related questions and ensure safety standards are met. 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Yoga teacher training and previous experience in leading a yoga class, bilingual, strong customer service, and professional demeanor demonstrate cultural competence and be sensitive to vulnerable populations leading with empathy and inclusiveness. Must be CPR Certified.

Dress Code: Dress in a way that allows for comfort, flexibility, and functionality.  Wear clean and appropriate clothing that contributes to a professional appearance. Wear non-slip comfortable shoes. 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

Support MEND’s Hope & Care participants access food, community resources and health knowledge to a population that has limited or no access to medical services and food.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Lead or assist in guided walking for 20 plus individuals. Assisting in creating healthy food bags for members at the end of walk. To promote healthy behaviors, prevent diet-related conditions and assist in collecting, monitoring, recording, and reporting on changes in participant improvement. Demonstrate ability to communicate with all members of the team to facilitate pathway options to participants such as workshops, activities, and individualized wellness action. Gather information, provide participant with education and resources to promote healthy lifestyles and advise on wellness related topics such as mental health, nutrition, chronic diseases and exercise. 

Committed individual only  Fridays 8am-12pm 

Bilingual Preferred

Description of Duties: The Yoga Instructor Volunteer is responsible for leading and engaging moderate yoga classes in a group setting. The Yoga Volunteer will demonstrate and explain how to perform various poses and movements suitable for people of all experience levels, including seniors. The Yoga Instructor Volunteer will observe participants do poses and ensure that they are using correct technique and provide alternatives for participants unable to perform certain movements. 

Impact: The Pathways to Wellness volunteer plays an important role in creating a welcoming and professional environment for all staff, participants and visitors that come to MEND.

Specific Responsibilities: Lead, instruct, and motivate groups of participants in yoga using a yoga mat for seating or balancing poses. Promote the benefits of yoga such as relaxation, tension release in muscles/joints, and boost strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Ensure yoga classes are manageable for all participants.  Ensure classes begin on time and end on time. Ensure an appropriate music playlist is prepared ahead of time. Assist and answer participants yoga-related questions and ensure safety standards are met. 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Yoga teacher training and previous experience in leading a yoga class, bilingual, strong customer service, and professional demeanor demonstrate cultural competence and be sensitive to vulnerable populations leading with empathy and inclusiveness. Must be CPR Certified.

Dress Code: Dress in a way that allows for comfort, flexibility, and functionality.  Wear clean and appropriate clothing that contributes to a professional appearance. Wear non-slip comfortable shoes. 

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

Description of Duties: Help MEND during our monthly onsite Diaper and Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with essential baby products, fresh produce, and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling essential baby resources for distribution, sorting through donated food items, distributing food to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Support families by providing them with essential baby products as well as resources to ensure families have the necessities for their children. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist with handing out diapers and wipes to qualifying families. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical work. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Must wear secure closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.

** Street parking ONLY no onsite parking **

Description of Duties: Help MEND during our onsite Food Distributions where we serve hundreds of families with fresh produce and food in hopes of eliminating food insecurity. Assist MEND’s food distribution by setting up assembly line, assembling food kits, sorting through donated food items, distributing food bags to the community, and light cleanup after distribution.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary.  

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

Volunteer Impact: Help individuals and families access services to meet their essential needs. Volunteers play a key role in opening the door for additional resources that promote stability and self-reliance. Your assistance helps empower people to take the next steps towards improving their well-being and gaining greater independence.

Description of Duties & Responsibilities: Assist community members in completing registration form for MEND’s Community Nourishment distribution. Contribute to creating a welcoming and dignified environment. As the first point of contact, ensure a positive and respectful experience for all. Help participants navigate the registration process, answer their questions, and ensure data is recorded accurately. Collect and record essential demographic data, such as household size, contact information, language, etc. Maintain accurate participant records for reporting purposes, including those required for food assistance programs. Record new participant information and update existing records on client tracking database Address participant inquiries about the registration process, eligibility requirements and other services. Protect the privacy and sensitive information of al participant by always following strict confidentially protocol.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Bilingual: English/Spanish strongly preferred; Comfortable working with diverse populations; Friendly, patient and approachable demeanor; Strong communication and active listening skills; Compassion and Empathy; Basic computer skills; Attention to detail; Reliable and punctual.

Dress Code: Business casual attire. Collared shirts, blouses, polo shirts, khakis, dress pants, and chinos. Jeans that are clean in good condition, free of tears, fading, and fraying. Opt for items that allow for a full range of movement and are not overly restrictive. Wear closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet.

Covid -19 and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases isolation and close contact. While at MEND masks are optional.

Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week (1 distribution day). Community Nourishment distributions are scheduled Wednesdays, Fridays and the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month 8:30am-12:30pm.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a Volunteer at MEND. Volunteers do not receive compensation for services provided and should have no assurance or reason to expect pay or employment from the volunteer activity. Volunteers are not eligible for any benefits, including unemployment or workers' compensation.

Description of Duties: Volunteers will play an important role in supporting MEND’s Forever Fabulous Feast, a joyful holiday celebration for seniors ages 55 and older. They will help ensure the event runs smoothly from start to finish by assisting with setup, guest service, and cleanup. Volunteers will help foster a welcoming and festive environment where every guest feels appreciated and cared for.

Impact: Support MEND’s annual Forever Fabulous Feast, a special holiday celebration honoring 100 senior community members ages 55 and older. This event provides a joyful experience with breakfast, entertainment, gifts, and food bags. Volunteers will play a key role in ensuring that guests feel welcomed, cared for, and celebrated.

Specific Responsibilities: Volunteers will assist with setting up tables, decorations, and serving areas before the event and help clean up afterward. They will welcome and register senior guests, take breakfast orders, and serve plates, coffee, and tea. Volunteers will also help distribute gifts and food bags and support MEND staff with any tasks needed throughout the event.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers should have a friendly, patient, and compassionate attitude when interacting with seniors. They must be comfortable standing, walking, and carrying up to 20 lbs as part of their duties. The ability to follow directions, work cooperatively as part of a team, and maintain a positive attitude is essential. Volunteers must also have reliable transportation and arrive on time.

Dress Code: Holiday spirit is encouraged—volunteers may wear festive but appropriate attire. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety, and clothing should be comfortable and suitable for serving food and participating in setup and cleanup activities.

Time Commitment: This is a one-time volunteer opportunity taking place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., which includes setup and cleanup time.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases (isolation) and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a Volunteer at MEND. Volunteers do not receive compensation for services provided and should have no assurance or reason to expect pay or employment from the volunteer activity. Volunteers are not eligible for any benefits, including unemployment or workers' compensation. 

Description of Duties: Help us serve up holiday cheer by playing an important role at MEND’s Seat at the Table event. Connect, smile, and share warm moments at this holiday celebration honoring 100 of our unhoused neighbors with a holiday breakfast. Each volunteer will ensure the event runs smoothly from beginning to end by assisting with setup, guest service, making new holiday memories with our guests, and clean up.

Impact: By joining us at A Seat at the Table, a special holiday celebration for our unhoused neighbors, volunteers will create a morning that is much more than breakfast. They will be a part of a new holiday memory that provides a restaurant style breakfast experience, entertainment, gifts,  joyful moments, and food bags. Volunteers will ensure our guests feel welcomed, cared for, and snow special!

Specific Responsibilities: Volunteers will assist with setting up tables, decorations, and serving areas before the event. They will assist with all other preparation work as directed by MEND staff. Then they will welcome and register guests, take their breakfast orders, and deliver food, coffee, juice to the guests’ tables. Volunteers will also help distribute gifts and food bags to guests. They will also support MEND staff with any other tasks needed throughout the event. Once the event ends, volunteers will help clean up.

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers should have a friendly, patient, and compassionate attitude when interacting with our unhoused neighbors. They must be comfortable standing, walking, and carrying up to 20 lbs as part of their duties. The ability to follow directions, work cooperatively as part of a team, and maintain a positive attitude is essential. Volunteers must also have reliable transportation and arrive on time.

Dress Code: Holiday attire is encouraged! Volunteers may wear festive but appropriate attire.  Closed-toe shoes are required for safety, and clothing should be comfortable and suitable for serving food and participating in setup and cleanup activities.

Time Commitment: This is a one-time volunteer opportunity taking place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., which includes setup and cleanup time.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking: MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases (isolation) and close contact.  While at MEND masks are optional.

The above volunteer description serves to provide a summary of duties and responsibilities as a Volunteer at MEND. Volunteers do not receive compensation for services provided and should have no assurance or reason to expect pay or employment from the volunteer activity. Volunteers are not eligible for any benefits, including unemployment or workers' compensation. 

Description of Duties: Help MEND during the Hope Wellness Care event to serve hundreds of families who can select fresh fruits and vegetables. Assist MEND’s Buen Provecho – Farmers Market including set up of produce, bread, and packaged goods for distribution to participants, or line control. Sort donated food items and support in building food kits. Needs will be determined on the day of the event.

Volunteer Impact: Support MEND’s effort to assist families facing food insecurity by organizing food donations, sorting and preparing for distribution. Assist with set up and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Specific Responsibilities: You will be assisting MEND in providing a supply of quality, healthy produce, and other foods to the community in addition to general mental health and wellness resources. Assist with intake of participants receiving food during our modified food distribution and check-in/ check-out process by weighing bags of food. Help with the set-up, clean-up, and breakdown of your station as necessary. Assist in handing out of food/produce to client. Assist in sorting, preparing, and organizing food donations. Communicate any important message to the participant as necessary. 

Skills/Experience/Resources/Certifications Needed: Volunteers must be comfortable with physical activity and lifting. Ability to move up to 35 lbs.

** Street parking ONLY no onsite parking **