In April, we proudly celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week. This was a special time to recognize the incredible individuals who generously give their time, energy, and heart to their communities. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve every day.

Throughout the week, we shared inspiring stories and celebrated the many ways our volunteers help build a stronger, more connected community.

For the past two years—and again this year on May 17 at The Mountain Winery—the incredible team at Cisco has shown up with open hearts and generous spirits to volunteer at In Concert With Hope. Their kindness, dedication, and compassion embody what Volunteer Appreciation Week is all about.

Through their time, energy, and Cisco’s volunteer matching program, they’ve helped raise vital funds to support our mission. Since 1996, Cisco and its employees have contributed nearly $90,000 to Hope Services!

“Hope Services has filled essential gaps across Northern California’s developmentally disabled and mental health needs communities for over 70 years,” said Kelly Petrich, Director of Global Community Impact at Cisco. “Whether you’re attending the event or sponsoring it, you play a major part in furthering Hope’s mission.”

To every Cisco volunteer: thank you for sharing your heart, your time, and your kindness. You are making a real difference.

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We’re proud to shine a light on a group of clients from our Aptos Inclusive Senior Center who embody the spirit of service.

Every Monday, without fail, these incredible individuals hit the road to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in our community. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment ensure that others receive not just nourishment, but care and connection.

Over at the Garden at Monterey Park Elementary, our volunteers roll up their sleeves every Tuesday and Friday to help grow lettuce, sweet peas, cucumbers, fava beans, zucchini, and sunflowers. While the recent rain has made the garden too muddy for the kids to join, our clients have stepped up and are doing a fantastic job keeping things growing.

At the Aquarium, they greet guests with a smile, help little ones suit up with aprons in the Splash Zone, and guide families on how to safely interact with sea life in the touch pools. They volunteer twice a month, and they absolutely love it!

We also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the amazing staff who work behind the scenes to coordinate and support these volunteer efforts. Your hard work makes this meaningful mission possible.