Service-Learning OpportunitiesAt — Many Mansions

Many Mansions has a variety of options to assist. CSUCI students can work on projects within our Resource Development and Residential Services, helping with administration needs, research, reports, fundraising, writing newsletters, etc. We also have a food assistance opportunity, which only takes place two Wednesdays/month.

1) FALL 2024: FOOD ASSISTANCE: To address food insecurity concerns of many residents, Many Mansions has expanded its food assistance services. It now operates a food pantry out of our Shadow Hills location in Thousand Oaks. The food pantry is run in collaboration with Food Share and includes a a food recovery program (food donated from various local grocery stores) and food and hygiene staples received through a USDA program. It is open to both residents and the general public. Students will learn about pantry operations and management, customer service, volunteer management, relationship building with vendors, necessity of training, and record keeping.

Pantry is open 8 am - 2 pm, at least 2 Wednesdays/month

2) VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT: Record/track volunteer info through submitted through volunteer applications. Contact prospective volunteers utilizing a CRM platform. Schedule & conduct virtual interviews to assess volunteers' interests & skills. Participate in virtual meetings/trainings. Visit different volunteer sites. Participate in different community engagement events. Use of personal computer & internet required.

3) YOUTH CLUB: MM Youth Club is an after-school program for residents in grades K-12. Residents can come to Youth Club to participate in varying activities like homework help, physical activity, STEAM enrichment days, reading practice, and arts & crafts. Service-learners can expect to assist staff with set-up and clean up, assist residents with homework, and direct them to staff if more help is needed; read to/with residents; engage in physical activity, if desired; and participate in STEAM activities alongside residents.

Availability: MM Youth Club runs Monday-Thursday, 2:45-6 pm, during the school year. Volunteer availability varies depending on need. Volunteers are asked to commit to one weekday.

Requirements: Pass a background check, paid for by Many Mansions; mandated reporter training.

4) BOWLS OF HOPE: Bowls of Hope is Many Mansions' annual community event/fundraiser. Service-learning students will learn about the importance of fundraising for nonprofit organizations, as well as participate in fundraising efforts with the support of staff. This may include: creating and organizing spreadsheets for companies/organizations to outreach to; proofreading outreach materials; calling companies/restaurants to solicit donations; participating in pre-event meetings; and ending with attendance at the event. Post-event, the service-learning will help us will follow-up outreach and thank-you letters to organizations.

Availability: Every Spring semester

5) FRONT DESK/ADMINISTRATION:  Service-learning students are trained by our Front Office Manager. Service Learners can expect to greet both residents and the public as they enter the building, answer and direct phone calls, respond to emails, file papers, and assist with varying projects as directed.

Availability: Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday, either from 8:30-11:30 am or 1:15-4:15 pm. Service learning can choose to come 1-2 days per week.

Requirements: To be successful in this role, students need to have a strong understanding of Microsoft 365 systems. In addition, with this role being public facing, students need to be comfortable with the possibility that individuals coming into our offices may struggle with their mental and/or physical health.

Many Mansions is also interested in working directly with faculty from varied disciplines to build service-learning projects that support course outcomes.