Welcome to the Volunteer Blog!

Welcome!

National Volunteer Week begins this year on Sunday, April 16th with the theme of “United We Serve.” The Open Hearts Foundation is excited to join this national effort by announcing the launch of our re-named volunteer program and our new Open Hearts Volunteerism blog. We will finish National Volunteer Week with a local volunteer service day this Saturday, April 22nd at Ballona Creek Renaissance on Earth Day!

The Foundation’s mission requires us to empower our charity partners, and what better way to do that than:

  • sharing heartwarming stories and #Inspiration from experts and volunteers across the world,
  • discovering the volunteer needs of our charity partners,
  • sharing helpful tips and #Resources to volunteer in your community and
  • organizing a #VolunteerExperience so that our community can do what they can to help others!

In alignment with our Open Hearts Philosophy, volunteering with a cause that is important to you will keep your heart open and help you find your unique purpose. We believe that volunteerism is a partner to our grantmaking, and both are core parts of our mission. Volunteers are examples of the Philosophy in action and many volunteers turn their own adversity into an opportunity to help. Our volunteer program is not a separate activity or separate branch of the Foundation. When we truly partner with our charities - providing critical funding through our grants and also empower their work through volunteers and awareness building - their impact will grow.

Same Vision, Different Name

We feel this change also better reflects our belief that volunteering can be for everyone no matter the age or stage of your life! Whether you work full time or are retired, are looking to build skills or share expertise, need to finish those service hours in high school, want to meet new friends, or share your values of service with your children, there is an opportunity that is the perfect match for you.

Some of our Open Hearts family of donors and volunteers were confused, thinking that our Young Hearts brand was only an invitation for kids to volunteer. So, we are shedding the name, but keeping the vision that Jane’s daughter, Katie Flynn, along with her dear friends and Co-Chairs Ella Freyinger and Adee Zach had to create change in their communities through volunteer service.

You are Invited to Join the Open Hearts Movement

The Open Hearts Foundation has greatly expanded our grantmaking and our volunteer opportunities since our founding. We have identified, vetted and invested over $1.5 million dollars in grants to charity partners working in communities across the country. We’ve hosted volunteer experiences with people of all ages joining us to plant trees, help with a food drive, and make cards for foster kids in need and seniors. Our virtual volunteer experiences have included volunteer members from across the world!

You are invited to become inspired during this National Volunteer Week and the weeks to come. What can you do to help others? Follow along as we share bi-monthly volunteer opportunities, profiles of our charity partners, Q&A with volunteer leaders, tips on how to find the right match for your volunteer service, and more. Make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out!

With deepest gratitude,

Trena Pitchford, Executive Director of the Open Hearts Foundation

Trena at openheartsfoundtion dot org