Volunteer

Get Up and participate! There are many ways to get involved. Listed below are a few local Riverside County organizations that welcome volunteers.

  • Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health
    Phone: Volunteer Services Coordinator (951) 955-7270
    The following volunteer opportunities are available at the Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health:

    • Peer Support Specialist Volunteer
    • Parent Partner Volunteers
    • Family Advocate Volunteers
    • Mental Health Board Membership
    • Student/Intern Program
    • Cultural Competency Volunteer
  • Behavioral Health Commission
    The Behavioral Health Commission encompasses volunteers selected by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in partnership with Riverside University Health System – Behavioral 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 Behavioral Health Commission, complete the appropriate application by following the link above.
  • Riverside County Children’s Behavioral Health
    Phone: (951) 358-4520
    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.
  • 2-1-1 Community Connect
    Phone: (951) 697-4700
    This information and referral hotline connects Riverside County residents in times of critical needs with those who can help. Every call is answered by a trained referral specialist who will connect individuals with the appropriate agency providing the services and information they need. Virtual volunteer opportunities with 2-1-1 Community Connect can be found here.
  • Trauma Informed Program (TIP) of Southwest Riverside County
    Phone: (951) 698-2453
    Trauma Intervention Programs Inc. (TIP) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1985. TIP has 14 affiliates serving over 250 cities across the nation. Each affiliate uses specially trained citizen volunteers to respond to traumatic incidents to support victims and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. The Southwest Riverside Chapter is a dedicated group of typical everyday citizens helping everyday citizens in traumatic crises. Their group of helpful, supportive volunteers is here to serve the needs of anyone when requested by any first responder, hospital personnel, paramedic, or coroner’s office to bring emotional first aid to survivors, friends, and family in crisis.
    TIP is looking for caring people willing to be part of a team of citizen volunteers trained to provide emotional and practical support to the victims of traumatic events. No experience is necessary. If you are a survivor of suicide loss ready to help others or a caring person ready to help, register as a volunteer here.
  • 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.