Celebrating Our Volunteers – You Make the Difference
Celebrating Our Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week
In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who give their time, talent, and heart to Hope Services. From corporate partners to longtime community members, our volunteers make our mission possible every single day.
Children and Family Services Volunteer — Chrissie Stevenson
Introduced to Hope Services through SJSU’s ChAD internship program in Fall 2025, Chrissie Stevenson’s connection to our mission ran too deep to walk away from. After completing her internship with Children and Family Services, she knew she wanted to stay — and reached out about volunteer opportunities to do just that.
With a lifelong passion for working with exceptional children and adults and an extensive administrative background, Chrissie has seamlessly stepped into a support role within the CFS office, lending her skills wherever they are needed most. As a newly retired individual, she sees volunteering as a natural and meaningful way to continue a life rooted in service to others.
One of her most memorable experiences came during her internship, when she had the opportunity to join the team on home visits. Witnessing young children working toward their fullest potential, she describes it simply as breathtaking.
When asked what she would say to anyone considering volunteering at Hope, her answer was immediate: “Jump in! Both the mission and the special work done daily by the teams are so impactful.”
Corporate Volunteers — Comerica
A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible team at Comerica! During a recent volunteer event, their employees dedicated their time and expertise to support our participants through Budgeting & Goal Setting and Mock Job Interview workshops — two invaluable skill-building opportunities that make a real difference on the path toward employment and financial independence.
We are deeply grateful for Comerica’s continued commitment to our community. It is partnerships like these that elevate our work and expand what is possible for the people we serve.
Participant Volunteers — La Comida
We had the joy of honoring the dedicated volunteers who make La Comida possible at a special Volunteer Appreciation Tea Party at Channing House in Palo Alto!
Our Hope volunteers give their time every Wednesday and Thursday across two locations — setting up, preparing, and serving meals that have nourished our community for over 50 years. The celebration was a beautiful afternoon filled with warm words from La Comida Board members, live music — with some of our Hope friends joining in with singing and dancing — delicious appetizers, tea, coffee, cupcakes, and raffle prizes for ten lucky guests.
To every volunteer who has shown up week after week: your dedication means everything to us.
HopeTHRIFT Volunteer — Kathryn
Kathryn has spent her life giving back — and at 90 years old, that commitment hasn’t slowed down one bit.
After decades of volunteering in communities near and far, she brought that same dedication to HopeTHRIFT in Watsonville nearly two years ago. There, she helps with everyday tasks like organizing clothing and keeping the store welcoming for shoppers and participants. But perhaps what she values most is the sense of connection she has found — the friendships formed, the conversations shared, and the joy of being part of a team that genuinely supports one another.
While her contributions may seem simple, their impact is anything but. Volunteers like Kathryn help create a clean, welcoming, and supportive environment for both customers and program participants — directly advancing HopeTHRIFT’s mission of funding programs that serve individuals with developmental disabilities.
For Kathryn, the reward is deeply personal.
“It makes you feel like your life is worthwhile,” she shared.
Her children have expressed how proud they are of her lifelong commitment to helping others — and we couldn’t agree more. During Volunteer Appreciation Week and every week, Kathryn’s story is a beautiful reminder that every act of service matters.
To all of our volunteers, thank you! Your generosity of time and spirit is the heartbeat of Hope Services. We are endlessly grateful.