Volunteering at Step Up on Second

Volunteers are an integral part of our program. Volunteers run weekly interest groups for our members, like creative writing and art, as well as help out in our kitchen, assist in day-to-day member services and other important activities. If you are interested in volunteering at Up on Second, please download the application, fill it out and send it to:

Angel Raudales
Step Up on Second
1328 Second Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Thanks for your interest!

  Download Volunteer Application (PDF)

 Download Acrobat Reader

Step Up on Second and Daniel’s Place gratefully recognize the following 2009-2010 Volunteers:

Gloria Ainslie
Bea Ammidown
Ken Anderson
Beth Atkins
Laura Avery
Megan Bell
Eric Berkowitz
Tina Bilezikjian
James Borgardt
Trisha Byrnes
Joseph Cahn
Sandra DeSilva, Ph.D
Michael DiPaolo, Ph.D
Wendy Elgin-Silva
Debra Fine
Roni Fischer
Justine Frank
Cynthia Gibson
Philip Glosserman
Toni Gold
Bruce Gold
Jonathan Greenberg
Alexandra Gugliermino
Douglas Hall
Richard Hallock
Charles & Christine Haskell
Roberta Haskin
Esther Hernandez
Ed Hession
Roberta Howard
Jonathan Hyde
Ivan Illan
Richard Joel
Anne Johnston
Les Jones
Adam Kaufman
Laura Koonin
Blanche Krietzman
Larry Kruger
Dina Lamb
Ed Landay
Josh Levine
Ronald Levy, MD
Sharon Levy
Robert Paul Liberman
Larry Maher
Rebecca Maggard
Pauline Martin
John McGary
John McIntire
Gigi Miller
Jene Moio-Johnson
Anita Morand
Candis Noel
Anant Patel
Rocco Pavone

Rhonda Peacock
Jacob Ramsey
Howard Reback
Rheta Reswick
Bruce Rognlien
Julia Rosenstock
Midge Sanford
Peter Scholze
Paul Schumacher
Alisa Scrafield
The Siegel Group, Inc.
Joyce Small
Migsy Smith
Marcia Stein
Garrick Stoner
Matthew Susman
Lt. Doug Theus
Ray Thomas
Eric Thornberg
Unitarian Universalist
Community Church
Unity West Church
Kenneth Waltzer, MD
James Welke
Charles Werner
Martha White
James Wolen Smith

 

 

April is National Volunteer Month!

Volunteer Spotlight on Phil Glosserman...

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do, Phil:
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been motivated to help other people become more empowered and successful. Professionally speaking, I’m a business and sales coach. I work with companies and professionals develop the strategies, actions, and mindset to grow their businesses. I’m also the author of two business/sales books.

Why do you care about the issues of homelessness and mental illness?
My older brother is affected by severe mental illness. His ongoing struggle has had a profound impact on me and on my family. Four years ago, I was introduced to the work of Step Up on Second. I was immediately attracted to the agency’s mission and the vision and I volunteered to become a board member. I love serving on Step Up’s board of directors. We all share a passion for alleviating homelessness and facilitating the recovery of people affected by mental illness. I also serve as chairperson of the Public Relations Committee whose mission is to raise community awareness and eliminate stigma.

Tell us more about your connection to Step Up on Second:
I am a big believer in Step Up's work. The organization is nationally recognized for its effective and compassionate support and recovery services for individuals affected by severe mental illness. Most of all it's an organization with heart. After joining the board, I wanted to get more involved with the members and see what was happening on the inside. I volunteered to facilitate a writing group. Every week I come down to Step Up and run the group. It's an amazing experience. We have animated discussions about the members' challenges with their illness, recovery, stigma, self-esteem, homelessness, etc. Then I have them write articles about their personal views and experiences. Their articles, stories, and poems are raw and real expressions about mental illness, stigma, recovery, and life. I've seen people with very little writing experience articulate their truth in beautiful, stirring pieces. Some of the pieces completely blow me away! I'm constantly amazed by the writers' artistry, insight, courage, and passion.

Three or four times a year, we publish their articles in a newspaper called Brainstorm. We distribute it to the Santa Monica Library, coffee shops, and local social service agencies. Some of the articles have even been picked up by the Santa Monica Daily Press. We post the articles online at www.stepuponsecond.org/ourmembers/brainstorm.html. We recently published a compilation of articles in a book called
The Heart Speaks.

How do you feel the writing group benefits the members?
Art heals. It helps channel thoughts and emotions and facilitates self-expression, self-understanding, and self-esteem. One member recently said to me, "I can't tell you how much writing this article has helped me process my thoughts and feelings and get clarity around some of my issues.” I was so moved when I heard that. The members constantly express their gratitude and appreciation for the work we do in the writing group and for the quality of the support they receive at Step Up.

In what ways has volunteering benefited you personally?
My involvement with the members and the board has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my life. I am proud to be involved with such a wonderful organization and wonderful people. I've become friends with many of the members and with my colleagues on the board. Every time I volunteer, I feel I am making a difference. I encourage people to volunteer their energy to a cause or organization to which they feel a personal connection. Not only will it help your cause and make the world a better place, it will change your life!

Phil Glosserman is a member of Step Up on Second Board of Directors.