Yolanda has been volunteering since 2015.

Yolanda has been a dedicated volunteer at the shelter since 2015. She began her service in the pantry, carefully labeling and dating food items to ensure families received safe and organized meals. In 2022, when another volunteer stepped away, she stepped up without hesitation. She began picking up fresh food donations and delivering them to the Mission, adding even more to her weekly commitment. Today, she says her list of responsibilities continues to grow — and she’s grateful for it.

“I’ve graduated to more chores,” Yolanda laughed. “I told Chef Giuseppe that I was happy to come every Saturday and do another chore of doing dishes.”

Her willingness to serve extends far beyond the kitchen. Whether she’s wrapping Christmas presents for the shelter’s holiday celebration or filling in wherever there’s a need, Yolanda looks for opportunities to help. “It’s been over 10 years now that I’ve been at the shelter. I’ve met so many other volunteers that are just so wonderful. I enjoy my time here.”

What keeps her coming back is the sense of community. “It’s all the staff at the shelter. I’ve met so many people that give their time and effort to make the shelter a success. Plus, serving alongside the host families and community partners is great. It’s a joy to serve with everyone, and it feels like we’re all part of the shelter family.”

For Yolanda, witnessing transformation firsthand is one of the greatest rewards. “One of the best things I get to witness is when families are at the shelter for months, then they graduate and they have jobs and they go on and live productive, beautiful lives. I feel like I’m a part of the support that made them successful.”

RMA San Fernando Valley Director Josie Casarrubias shared how essential volunteers like Yolanda truly are. “Volunteers are one of the main reasons that we can help families. They are so significant and encouraging to us. Oftentimes donors who give financially don’t realize they also have an open door to come in. It would be amazing if donors knew they could also volunteer with us. It truly is a win for everybody.”

Yolanda believes generosity is more than a single act. “I just love to be a part of a community that has people volunteer their time for a greater cause than their personal life,” she said. “When I see the volunteers that come each week, there’s both new and old volunteers. When someone leaves, someone else in the community steps in to help. It’s just amazing.”

“I believe in giving — not just giving time, but money, heart, and what I have available. That’s my mission.”

RMA SFV is deeply blessed by volunteers like Yolanda who give faithfully and joyfully. Those interested in joining the volunteer team can find applications at sfvrescuemission.org under “Ways to Help” or call (818) 960‑0410.