Holy Cross Ministries seeks volunteers

Friday, Jul. 03, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Holy Cross Ministries in Utah has continued to help those most in need in the community.

Now, though, HCM is in need of volunteers to assist with four of their programs: counseling, health outreach, immigration and education.

“While our office is currently closed to the public, we are continuing to provide services through virtual platforms (phone calls, emails and video conferences),” said Lauren Fields, the organization’s communications specialist.

The most frequently used services include mental health counseling sessions, immigration consultations, educational activities for preschoolers, virtual home visits for parents of children from newborn to age 3, assistance with CHIP/Medicaid applications and other social services, and helping clients get connected to needed community resources.

“Many of the individuals and families we serve have lost their employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and need aid from food pantries and rent assistance programs. We help facilitate these kinds of connections,” Fields said.

Some of HCM’s clients are experiencing increased stress and anxiety during this time, and “are seeking support through the mental health counseling our licensed clinical social workers provide,” she said. “We are also currently helping many clients access free COVID-19 testing.”

The volunteer activities can be carried out remotely.

“A central part of our work and mission is helping immigrants access the resources they need to fully participate in the community and gain self-sufficiency,” Fields said, so HCM is looking particularly for volunteers who are fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

“We also have opportunities available for those who don’t speak these languages,” she said.

Volunteers will be required to complete a background check and a short online training. Both are free.

“We welcome all volunteers willing to contribute their time and talents for the benefit of the underserved in our community during this challenging time,” Fields said.

For information about volunteering, contact Lauren Fields at lfields@hcmutah.org or 385-257-2413.