Thoughts in Mind

Volunteer with us

Help keep minds active.

You don't need a medical background to make a difference for older adults living with memory loss. There are two ways to help: from your own kitchen table, or in the room with us.

Two ways to help

Choose the path that fits your life

Both matter. Handmade things brighten a resident's room for weeks. An extra pair of hands in a session means one more resident gets one-to-one attention.

Illustration of handmade greeting cards, paper flowers, and markers
From home · No schedule required

Make something for a resident

Residents keep handmade cards and flowers on their nightstands long after a session ends. Anyone can do this, at any age, on any timeline.

Things you could make

  • Greeting and birthday cards with a short handwritten note
  • Paper or pipe-cleaner flowers and small bouquets
  • Large-print song-lyric sheets and word puzzles
  • "Letters to a friend": a few lines about your week or a place you love

Good for

Students, families with kids, scout troops, clubs, and anyone who can't commit to a regular time. Email us and we will go over the details together.

Tell us what you'd like to make
A facilitator leaning in to help residents with an activity at a long table
In our workshops · In person, Tri-Valley

Join a session alongside our facilitators

Sit with residents, hand out materials, sing along, and keep the conversation going. You'll be trained before your first session, and never left on your own.

What you'll do

  • Greet residents by name and help them settle in
  • Pair one-to-one with a resident who needs extra support
  • Help someone hold a marker steady or find a word
  • Set up, pack away, and debrief with the team

Good for

High school and college students, retirees, and anyone comfortable around older adults. Volunteers must be 14 or older. Facilitators must be 16 or older.

Tell us about yourself

The path

From first email to facilitator

Every one of our facilitators started here. In-person volunteers follow these five steps. Making from home needs only the first.

Email us

Tell us which path interests you and a little about yourself, or use the form below.

A short conversation

We'll talk about what you hope to do, your availability, and answer your questions.

Training

Complete two free online courses: Introduction to Caregiving, and Dementia Care and Management.

Shadow, then co-lead

Attend sessions with a facilitator, then take part of a session yourself.

Facilitate

Lead workshops with the team and help train the next volunteer. Facilitators are 16 and older.

Tell us about yourself

A few quick questions

There are no wrong answers. This just helps us match you to the right path.

Prefer to just email?

Write to thoughtsinmind2@gmail.com with "Volunteer" in the subject line. We reply to every message, and we'll walk you through training and everything else from there.

I'd like to (pick one)

We'll read it, reply by email, and take it from there.

Ready to help?

Email thoughtsinmind2@gmail.com with "Volunteer" in the subject. We will set up a short conversation and guide you through training.

Send an inquiry Download brochure (PDF)
thoughtsinmind2@gmail.com(925) 660-2773Facilitators: Yashita Vijay, Sehej Dharni, Noor Dharni