Celebrating National Volunteer Month and National Mental Health Month with Westcliff University

This past April marked National Volunteer Month, a time to honor the countless volunteers who bring positive change to our community. Additionally, May celebrates National Mental Health Month – an opportunity to call attention to the importance of mental well-being and promote community and connection to inspire and lift up others. Westcliff University has always put great emphasis on our philanthropic efforts and encouraging students, staff, faculty, and alumni to unite and serve their local communities through volunteer opportunities.

In 2022 alone, Westcliff University’s social responsibility milestones included more than 130 volunteers dedicating their time and accumulating 634 community volunteer hours. Additionally, 645 items were donated to various organizations, including Innovation High of Orange County, Unlimited Possibilities, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, and Laura’s House. And, as part of its “30 Acts of Kindness” campaign, Westcliff’s staff, faculty, students, and alumni are showing appreciation for one another’s efforts in creating a culture of kindness, compassion, and empathy.

At Second Harvest Food Bank, volunteers participated in farming activities such as planting, harvesting, weeding, and field maintenance at the Harvest Solutions Farm; all in the name of feeding the Orange County community and creating a foundation of health.

Volunteering at Unlimited Possibilities is an excellent opportunity for those interested in working with children with disabilities. An organization with a powerful mission that challenges conventional beliefs and seeks to transform the lives of children and families facing disabilities. The organization refuses to accept limitations imposed by diagnoses and instead focuses on the untapped potential within each individual. Their calling is to advocate for joy, progress, and an improved quality of life. Unlimited Possibilities goes above and beyond, pushing the boundaries of what’s deemed “possible.” Westcliff staff was able to directly take part in this mission by working with children, engaging in different activities such as arts crafts, reading, play-dough creations, obstacle courses and even searching through shaving cream for different objects. These activities are made to creatively stimulate and challenge the kids in new ways all while having tons of fun in the process.

Westcliff takes great pride in actively engaging with its community in volunteerism and social responsibility not only this month but throughout the year. By partnering with local nonprofits, students, faculty, and staff actively work to exemplify the values of compassion, empathy, and making a positive difference in which the University instills in its students. Join us in this celebration of National Volunteer Month and National Mental Health Month and inspire others to engage in activities that promote personal wellbeing and service in their communities!