Volunteering is very important at San Joaquin Gardens.  Our Staff and Residents volunteer their time faithfully and love working with volunteers from the Community. 

Some of the volunteer activities at San Joaquin Gardens are:
• Working at our Garden Cafe, Garden Mart, Library, and on site Thrift Shop.
• Activities Helper - assist one of our four programs' Activities Coordinator/Assisstant with various tasks including; announcing activities, inviting residents to attend, assisting residents participate in the activity, escort residents on off-grounds trips, decorate or set up for activities/programs. 
• Adopt a Grandparent - visit with and develop a relationship with a resident whom you are compatible.  Share stories, pictures, play card games, read books, go for walks in the gardens, etc. 
• Musician/Special Skill - if you sing, play an istrument, paint, dance, or have any other special skill, you are welcome to entertain or educate us.
• Knitter/Crocheter - we supply the needles, yarn, and patters.  You may knit/crochet at home or come to our monthly knitting socials.  Finished products may be brought to the Volunteer Office at San Joaquin Gardens.  All products are donated to local charities. 
• Pet Visits - if you and your pet love to meet others, you are welcome to visit and develop relationships with our residents.  
• Other interests or ideas - this is by no means a comprehensive list.  If you have an idea or interest, we probably have an outlet for you!

Volunteering is a major focus for many of the residents at San Joaquin Gardens.  In 2004, our Residents reported over 23,000 volunteer hours.  Many of these hours were accomplished while engaging in the above listed volunteer activities. 

For more information about volunteering at San Joaquin Gardens, you may call Andrea Chase at (559) 439-4770 ext. 121 or email at amchase@abhow.com.  To fill out a volunteer application, click on the link below.  Thank you for your interest! 

Volunteering in the "Fun Band" is just another way for residents to participate in the community. As stated in a recent Fresno Bee article regarding the band: "...Strains of music float through the breezeway outside the activities hall at San Joaquin Gardens retirement community. The jangle of banjos. The hollow beat of a lone drum. The buzz of kazoos. Voices raised in chorus.

Inside the hall, 25 seniors practice a program of Western songs they will perform at the community beginning today and then take to retirement communities throughout the city.

They call themselves the Fun Band -- and aptly so.

"Oh, yes, it's great fun," says Sara Pink, 87, in between humming into her bright yellow kazoo. "This was the first thing I did when I came here 3 1/2 years ago, so it got me into things."
Fresno Bee, The (CA) Published January 27, 2005 Section: LIFE Page EA