Sponsor Spotlight - Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield employees volunteering at the  Winter Boutique

 

As a mission-driven company, Blue Shield of California has dedicated itself serving the community. Through our “Shield Cares” program, we empower employees to become active volunteers where they live and work. The El Dorado Hills office supports several organizations in the Sacramento area, including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Center for Violence Free Relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Twin Lakes Food Bank, Triumph Cancer Foundation and Hands4Hope.

Blue Shield first supported Hands4Hope three years ago as a sponsor of its Haunted House. Blue Shield Director of Finance Charles Sharp joined the organization’s board of directors in 2012, and in February, a dress drive was held in El Dorado Hills. Later this summer, Sharp’s team will work with H4H to provide lunch, toiletries and clothing to the homeless population in the Sacramento area. Blue Shield’s sponsorship also contributed to the H4H youth center.

“I was introduced to Hands4Hope by T. Abraham and Jen Bassett in 2011, and was immediately drawn to their mission of social responsibility and bringing hope and opportunity to young people,” said Sharp. “Hands4Hope is all about making a difference for the next generation.”

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.3 million members, 5,000 employees and $10.8 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California provides health, life, dental, vision, and Medicare insurance and health care service plans in California. Blue Shield of California was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The company has contributed more than $325 million over the past ten years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation, one of BusinessWeek's most generous corporate foundations. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com. 

Introducing Our Youth Development Coordinator and Communications Coordiantor

The Hands4Hope Administration team has added two new employees and we are pleased to say, we are fully staffed!  We recently hired a new Youth Developement Coordiator, Nicole Craine, and Communications Coordinator, Samantha DeLeon, to our staff.  

Nicole oversees the development and implementation of service learning and leadership programs for Hands4Hope in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties. She has more than 16 years experience in the fields of education and youth development, and has worked in direct service, program coordination and administration. Prior to her work with Hands4Hope she worked as a district level administrator with San Juan Unified School District overseeing multiple state and federally funded programs.  Nicole was also an active leader/ trainer in the after-school program field, as well as a member of the California After-School Network Leadership Team. She studied psychology and sociology at Sacramento State University.  

​Nicole resides in El Dorado Hills with her husband Rick and two children Liv (10) and Jack (7), who attend Jackson Elementary School.  Nicole is also a personal chef and caterer. 

Samantha oversees the coordination of all organization communication including the newsletter, social media posts, ​​for fundraisers and projects, as well as other promotional material.  Samantha has more than 10 years experience in communications and marketing.  With a degree in Communications and an eye for design, Samantha will help promote Hands4Hope and the wonderful work our youth are doing to the greater community. Samantha and her family moved up north from Southern California almost ​four years ago. She, her husband and two daughters, Jordan (6) and Anniston (4) reside in El Dorado Hills.  Samantha is also a family and child photographer.

Shan Harkleroad remains as the Office Manager and Mikan G​osuico as our Outreach Coordinator.

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​We are thrilled to have gathered this incredible team, with such an array of talent, to take Hands4Hope to the next level.​

Adult Volunteers Needed!

Dear Volunteers & Supporters,

Have you seen the #HashtagLunchbag commercial by Well's Fargo (one of our main sponsors)?  If not, click on the above video to watch it.  

Did you know we do something VERY similar to that commercial?  Our Sacramento Homeless Outreach is one of our on-going monthly outreaches.  Each month, our youth and up to four adult volunteers make sack lunches and go out to designated streets of Sacramento to bring lunch and much need personal items to the homeless.  A couple volunteer hours and a kind gesture makes a lasting impression to those unfortunate in Sacramento.  

This very outreach has been canceled in past months and could continue to be canceled in upcoming months.  And it's not the only outreach that is in danger of being canceled.  Why?  Lack of adult volunteers.  We have many youth, ready and willing to lend a helping hand and reach out to our community, however, we desperately need the adults to lead them.  

What exactly is an Adult Lead?

The Adult Lead volunteer role varies, but for the most part they are in charge coordinating the necessary items at the outreach, and most importantly overseeing our youth volunteers to make sure they are safe and helpful.  Carpooling is sometimes involved, especially in outreaches outside of El Dorado Hills, like in the Placerville and Sacramento areas.    For most outreaches, like the Sacramento Homeless outreach, there are two experienced adult volunteers co-leading  the event.

Who is this adult lead a good fit for?

Ideally for adult volunteers with middle or high school age youth or adult volunteers who enjoy working with youth.  We welcome adults over 18, college students, retired persons, and everyone in between. A Live Scan clearance (finger printing) is required.

Do I have to commit to volunteering every month?

No, we do ask that you volunteer at least once every other month for a commitment of three to six months.  However, if our pool of adult leads increases, we can spread out the commitment.

Do you train adult leads before they lead their own group?

Yes! We will never send you out to lead any outreach unless you are experienced and confident. Our Outreach Coordinator will give you all of the information and support you need. Some of our seasoned adult leads are available to mentor and guide you as you learn. We also host Adult Lead training sessions at our Youth Center periodically.  The best training is experience so please get started now by signing up to attend an outreach.

For more information on becoming an adult lead volunteer, questions or concerns, please contact Mikan Gosuico at 916.548.4499 or email mikan@hands4hopeyouth.org.

Want to join an outreach and check it out for yourself, click here to view a list of current outreaches.

June Volunteer Spotlight: Claire Snyder

In 7th grade Claire Snyder's friend asked her to join the Hands4Hope Club at Rolling Hills Middle School. She quickly realized exactly what a good choice she had made and served as the Club's Secretary. "My favorite part about being involved with Hands4Hope is how everyone is really connected and is part of something bigger," explains Claire.

Claire has just completed her sophomore year as Oak Ridge High School. She has been involved with Hands4Hope for more than three years. During this time she is pleased to say, "I have learned better leadership and communication skills, and to appreciate everything that I have."  One of her most meaningful experiences with H4H was when she did her first homeless outreach. Claire said that "just seeing the smiles on the people's faces and how a simple act of kindness can really brighten someone's day was a great feeling." 

When not volunteering with Hands4Hope, Claire, like most teens, enjoys spending time with her friends and running. Claire looks forward to continuing to participating in her school H4H Club and volunteering for outreaches, and summer internship. While doing this she hopes to continue to gain valuable and meaningful experience.

 Thank you Claire, for all you do with Hands4Hope!