Volunteer : CASA Advocacy & Community Impact

Position Information

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
Aesop

The mission of the Volunteer Program is to enhance and extend the County of Sonoma's ability to provide services through training, relationship development, and by connecting people with opportunities to serve the community.

Established in 1984, the County of Sonoma Volunteer Program places hundreds of people each year throughout County departments. Countless volunteers invest energy, skills, and talent to make Sonoma County a better place to live.

Volunteering is one of the greatest forms of civic engagement. America was built by volunteers and it continues to thrive because of our community's volunteer spirit.

Learn more by visiting the County of Sonoma's Volunteer Program.

Sonoma County is very fortunate to have other agencies in our community that strengthen community service efforts in Sonoma County. Please visit some of these other websites for additional information about volunteerism in Sonoma County:

• The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County
• Volunteer Solutions
• Volunteer Match - Search for local opportunities

Below are the current volunteer opportunities available at this time. Please check back as these may change frequently. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the County of Sonoma!

Become a Child Advocate. Give the Gift of Time and Friendship This Holiday Season!

Eight‑year‑old Robin loves to draw. Kittens, rainbows, flowers – the brighter the colors, the better the picture. But mostly she draws pictures of her family because all Robin wants is to go back home. Robin’s parents are struggling with addiction. After a few painful years of watching her parents spiral downward and lose the ability to care for her, Robin is spending the holidays in foster care.

But Robin has a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a CASA volunteer advocating for her best interests while her parents get the help they need so she can safely return home. A CASA volunteer takes the time to get to know the child. To learn what’s possible and what the child needs to heal and thrive.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by a judicial officer to provide advocacy for a child who is under the jurisdiction of the courts due to abuse or neglect. The CASA serves as the “eyes and ears” of the judge for children in foster care. Volunteers spend time with children, monitor needed services, and provide child‑focused recommendations to the court based on the best interest of the children they serve.

We invite our community to give the gift of time and friendship to a child in foster care. Juvenile court officials have identified an additional 85 youth who need advocates and CASA is appealing to Sonoma County residents to volunteer.

If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work. A CASA is a powerful voice in a child’s life. Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, states that there are approximately 187 volunteers, and hopes to recruit another 35 with the next training.

The Winter Volunteer Training is scheduled to take place online during the following dates and times:
Thursday, January 13th from 10:00‑1:30 pm, and continues on Tuesday, January 18th through Thursday, January 20th from 9:00‑1:00 pm. For more information and to sign up for the CASA training, contact Heloisa Heinen at 707‑565‑6375 or info.

Working together, we can end abuse and neglect so that every foster child has a chance to thrive!

To find out more about CASA of Sonoma County visit us online omacasa.org or call us at 707‑565‑6375.

The Sonoma County Probation Department is seeking Hair Stylists or Barbers to volunteer to cut hair for youth detained at the Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. The volunteers must provide their own tools and be willing to commit to 2‑6 hours per month between the hours of 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We would ideally like to have a consistent, agreed‑upon monthly schedule.

• 21+ years of age
• Licensed cosmetologist or barber
• Flexible, patient, and interested in engaging in conversation…