Top, from left to right: Susan, Fernanda, Lynda. Bottom: Roop and Phil.

Volunteers are the Heart of our Network

As a 100% volunteer-run organization, the Welcoming Network (WN) relies on each one of us to help out where we can offer our particular skills or simply in the ways that resonate most with us. This month, we’re featuring just a few of our wonderful members. If anything sparks your curiosity and you’d like to get involved in new ways, write to santacruzwelcome@gmail.com.

Lynda Leigh, a retired teacher, has been volunteering here for five years. 

“I began as a sponsor for a Nicaraguan woman, and I sought help and counsel from the WN,” she says. “Then I volunteered to order and distribute food from the Second Harvest Food Bank (monthly, from Resurrection Church in Aptos), and to help find housing for our new neighbors.”

This volunteering blends well into Lynda’s other community work: She’s been a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate for youth in the foster care and/or juvenile probation systems) for 10+ years and a delivery angel for the Teen Kitchen Project for the past 12 years.

“I’m a better person for being involved with the WN,” she says. “This group is always ready to give support and encouragement—to partner with many others to provide basic needs and services in a loving, kind way.”

Roop Ghangas appreciates the flexibility inherent in volunteering with our group. She began volunteering about 2.5 years ago during a temporary break from corporate life when, with no children, she had more time to participate on committees and other groups. 

“But now, back in a full-time job and with a baby boy in my life, there are more demands on my time,” she says. “I still participate with some ad hoc activities that I can mostly facilitate from my computer in the evenings.” Roop helps in various capacities for events—such as the recent Pro Bono Asylum Clinic held in partnership with the Santa Cruz Removal Defense Collaborative. 

“I’m grateful to participate in a way that fits alongside my other responsibilities,” she says. “I hope that inspires others to participate like this. There are many ‘small’ roles that make a big impact to the group.” 

Susan Witmer has been a part of the WN for around four years. Her regular monthly commitments include picking up food from the Rice Plus project in Carmel and the Second Harvest distribution at Resurrection Church—as well as serving on several teams and helping with other activities. 

“Though I’m retired, I think the beauty of the WN is that one is able to do as little or as much as fits in with one's life,” she says. 

Susan has a passion to help those without the same privilege and opportunities. She’s been delighted to find so many loving and giving volunteers and neighbors. The relationships developed through serving with like-minded people and meeting wonderful neighbors from places around the world are rewarding and fulfilling for Susan.     

Fernanda Medina works full time but makes time to volunteer with the WN because she believes deeply in the importance of community support. “Helping others navigate life here gives me a strong sense of purpose and a way to put my skills to meaningful use,” she explains. “Even when it’s hard, the impact makes every moment meaningful.”

A four-year member who is bilingual in Spanish and English, she has served as a team leader for several families from Mexico and Colombia. That has involved coordinating with the team to support their needs—everything from helping them find housing, healthcare, financial aid, legal support and education to emotional support and even helping with other matters like organizing their weddings.

One of Fernanda’s favorite things about volunteering here is the genuine care, kindness and integrity of everyone involved. “The level of commitment is truly inspiring,” she says.

Since 2019, Phil McManus has served as a team leader, Greeters Team coordinator, archive manager and on the Program and Policy Committee.

“Our theory starting out was that if we gave people the opportunity to do something helpful in response to the immigration crisis, many would do so,” he explains. “It’s been heart-warming and rewarding to see that come to fruition.”

Phil is retired and involved in other volunteer activities, but the WN is his biggest volunteer commitment. He believes that helping others is integral to who we are as human beings and therefore to our well-being and to finding meaning in our lives. 

“Accompanying immigrants is an example of a free space in our lives in the sense that it’s not governed by obligation and it’s an opportunity to live into the freedom of loving and being loved in personal and collective relationships,” he explains. 

Many thanks to all the volunteers who make the WN’s work possible—welcoming and supporting asylum seekers and other refugees to live and thrive in our Santa Cruz community!

14 August 2025 | Written by Jenny Carless