Welcome to the new quarterly Primavera Volunteer and In-Kind Newsletter!

The Philanthropy department is delighted to start the new Volunteer and In-Kind Newsletter to bring more visibility to the amazing volunteers and in-kind donors who support all that we do at Primavera. This newsletter is a tool to strengthen and help inform this wonderful group about upcoming events, more ways to help, and to offer insights on to what each volunteer is doing within our programs. 

It's also a way for you to get to know Volunteer and Philanthropy Services Specialist, Sophia Smith-Gatto. Contact Sophia at ssmith.gatto@primavera.org.

Can't wait to further connect and strengthen our work and communication moving forward! We look forward to hearing from you.

Mike Grudincshi

Mike’s Journey from Idea to Impact

For years, volunteering sat on the back burner for Mike—a warm-hearted dad of five who always felt the pull to serve but rarely had the free time to act on it. Then, a couple of years ago, a simple “yes” at his church, Christ the King, started a ripple effect he never saw coming.

It began with serving breakfasts and dinners once a month at the Primavera Men’s Shelter. “Once I was there,” Mike recalls, “I saw the need firsthand and just had to ask about other ways to help.” That curiosity led him to Primavera’s Volunteer program, a training session, and soon after, he found his new home base: the Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Program, known as HIP.

Two years later, he’s part of the furniture—in the best way.

Mike will tell you he’s not doing anything extraordinary. To him, volunteering face-to-face with participants is simply the most meaningful way to contribute.

“While every contribution matters, being there in person gives you a crucial perspective on the issues people are navigating," he said. "Like most volunteers, I’m just happy to serve and hope to make a small, positive impact.”

But if you ask the staff, they’ll tell you a different story—one filled with deep appreciation, admiration, and gratitude.

What Primavera Staff have to Say About Mike:

Alexis Orozco shares, “Mike is very on top of things and reliable. Mike is full of knowledge and continues to ask questions to make sure he is up to date with the programs. I'm glad he joined HIP as a volunteer.”

Molly Moates adds, “During the time I have worked with Mike, both at the Men's Shelter and at HIP, he demonstrates positivity, flexibility and sensitivity to participants, staff and peers alike. I regard him as a part of Primavera. I hope he serves for many years to come.”

Danell Jesup highlights his consistency and compassion:
“Mike is such a consistent and compassionate volunteer. He is super knowledgeable about Primavera services and other resources in town, and he treats our PTs with respect and dignity. He is helpful in getting new volunteers up to speed, and he shares HIP/PT needs with his church and gets us much needed donated items.”

Jeanette Quijada doesn’t hold back:
“Mike is AWESOME! He's been such a great volunteer. He knows how to effectively interact with the participants. He’s very knowledgeable and takes initiative when needed. He also ‘secretly’ donates as well. I think he is just all around an awesome person with a great heart, and we truly appreciate having him here in HIP.”

What Mike Wants Prospective Volunteers to Know

“Your service provides essential human dignity. Here, we deal in fundamentals. Regardless of the mental, substance, or other complex issues a participant might be facing, they desperately need food, housing, clothing, reading glasses, and mail services. Primavera helps provide that foundation. You see the immediate, tangible impact of making sure someone has a safe place to sleep or a hot meal. It’s simple, necessary work that helps keep a vulnerable population connected to society.”

The Heart of a Helper

Behind the warm smile and humble attitude is someone who deeply believes in human connection, dignity, and the quiet power of showing up. Mike didn’t just find a volunteer opportunity—he found a community, a purpose, and a team that values him as much as the people he serves.

Thank you, Mike, for all you do.

Over the past several months, we have had quite a few new volunteers join us at the Primavera Foundation. I want to take a moment to recognize them and offer them a huge thank you from all the Primavera staff! You are greatly appreciated, and we are able to help as many people as we can because of your generosity with your time and skills. 

Volunteering within your neighborhood or community is a wonderful way to make a real difference close to home. You can start by setting up a donation box in your housing community center, or local business to collect nonperishable food and hygiene products for the Primavera Foundation. Hosting a small neighborhood gathering—such as a “donation drop-off day” or potluck—can bring people together while raising awareness about local needs. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to join in by hosting their own mini collection drives or by organizing a “donation party,” where guests bring supplies instead of gifts. You can also spread the word by posting flyers, sharing on social media, or asking local schools and churches to participate. Even small acts, like checking in with elderly neighbors who might want to contribute but can’t deliver items themselves, help strengthen community bonds and ensure that everyone can play a role in supporting those in need.

Over the past several months, we have been able to provide outstanding support to our participants throughout all our programs thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. Here are a couple statistics for volunteer hours through all our various volunteer programs: 

Men's Shelter Volunteers and Meal Teams: 532 hours

Casa Paloma Volunteers and Meal Teams: 398.75 hours

STAR Village Volunteers and Meal Teams: 171.5 hours

HIP Drop-In Center: 688.5 hours

Primavera Works Sack Lunch Donations: 170 hours

Philanthropy: 104.25 hours

Thank you to everyone who has donated their precious time. We are grateful to you all.