VOLUNTEERS

Jeff Amen’s personal lifelong mission as a physician aligns so well with Community Action Marin’s that it’s not surprising to count him among our dedicated volunteers. Jeff is a retired physician who owned and operated the largest and most successful Podiatric Medicine practice in Marin County. He never turned anyone away from the medical care they needed and deserved, regardless of their ability to pay. His patients included not only low-income individuals, but also the homeless community. We are thrilled to have him managing our Volunteer Services Program.

“I love my role because I am able to work in partnership with young people, together we accomplish great things.” Samantha Ramirez joined the Board of Directors this past year. As a first-generation college graduate, Samantha utilizes her education and passion to work with young people to facilitate programs that ensure better outcomes for their future. Born in the U.S. and the daughter of immigrants from Central America, she acutely understands the challenges of living and thriving in Marin which connects with our vision and mission.

Every year, COMMUNITY MEMBERS

BRIAN JOHNSON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER

After a long career as a financial services professional, Brian Johnson feels that he has found the perfect volunteer opportunity. Serving many executivelevel roles in his active professional life, including Chief Financial Officer, Brian is providing his skills and talent to help coach Community Action Marin clients. As a volunteer Financial Coach, Brian assists lower-income individuals and families, helping them achieve their financial goals of increasing income, reducing debt, building savings, and improving their credit scores.

STEP UP to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether helping to keep our farm vibrant, supporting our outreach to community members, or assisting with food distribution, it’s because of INDIVIDUALS WHO CARE that people continue to receive highquality assistance.

OLD GALLINAS CHILDREN’S CENTER PRODUCTION FARM gardening and cultivation

ONGOING FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR FAMILIES throughout the pandemic

FINANCIAL AND CAREER COACHING that helps clients get ahead

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM during the tax season

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT throughout the year

BECOME A VOLUNTEER and help impact the community through these important efforts and more Visit camarin.org/volunteer to get started

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Economic Opportunity Programs

Helped People To Achieve Their Goals

AND

Move Towards

STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. More people saved money and reduced debt. Workforce efforts strengthened self-esteem and improved access to employment.

Financial Stability Through Sparkpoint

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Tax season got easier for over 100 households. Staff and volunteers helped with tax preparation as services went remote, ensuring that people claimed relevant credits and deductions to reduce their tax burdens.

“Giving back to the community by helping people complete their taxes is important to me, especially during a time of so much uncertainty,” said Esmeralda Garcia, a VITA Tax Preparer Volunteer. “It was my job to get people what they deserved back on their taxes. I saw so many very happy people!”

Accelerating

PATHWAYS TO THRIVE

A grant through the California Workforce Accelerator Fund helped sixteen women experiencing homelessness (or precariously housed) eliminate barriers and gain access to comprehensive services in support of their well-being. Participants worked with a success team comprised of staff from each agency area to create wellness, stability, and education or career plans. The women received small business advising, career counseling, cash assistance, mental health support, and financial coaching.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE:

OVER 200 community members connected to services

76% OF CLIENTS made at least 30% PROGRESS in one or more financial indicators: income, savings, credit, and debt - a 28% increase from last year $128,000 got returned to the community through our free tax preparation services

80% OF PARTICIPANTS reported a stronger support network

26 PEOPLE grew their assets, including a car or home purchase

16 HOMELESS or precariously housed women worked as a cohort to increase self-confidence, financial stability, and build pathways to employment