Welcome to GraceIsTheKey!

Thank you for choosing to serve with GraceIsTheKey. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this organization. What began as community outreach has grown into a structured nonprofit effort that serves real families with real needs. We lead with compassion. We operate with order.

Volunteer service is essential — and so is structure.

MISSION

GraceIsTheKey exists to serve individuals and families through organized outreach, resource distribution, and structured support programs.

CORE VALUES

Integrity - Compassion - Stewardship - Accountability - Respect - Safety

Contact Information

Emergency Contact

VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT & LIABILITY WAIVER

I understand that I am volunteering my time freely and without expectation of compensation and I acknowledge and agree:

1. I am not an employee, contractor, or agent of GraceIsTheKey.

2. I understand that volunteer service does not create an employment relationship.

3. I will not receive wages, benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, or unemployment insurance.

4. I understand volunteer activities may involve physical tasks including lifting, transporting goods, and interacting with the public.

5. I assume full responsibility for any risk of injury, illness, loss, or damage that may occur while volunteering.

6. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless GraceIsTheKey, its founders, officers, directors, volunteers, and partners from liability arising from my participation.

7. I agree to follow all safety instructions and leadership direction.

8. I certify that I am physically capable of participating in volunteer activities.

9. Minors may not volunteer without prior written approval from leadership and signed parental consent.

Code of Conduct & Standards of Behavior

As a volunteer, I agree to:

1. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect

2. Follow leadership instructions

3. Maintain confidentiality

4. Use donated goods only as directed

5. Avoid favoritism or preferential treatment

6. Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior

7. Refrain from substance use while serving

8. Report safety concerns immediately

   Prohibited conduct includes:

9. Theft or diversion of goods

10. Violence or threats

11. Accepting payment for volunteer service

12. Misrepresentation of services

Termination of Volunteer Services

I understand that Volunteer service is at the discretion of the organization and GraceIsTheKey may discontinue volunteer service at any time if:

1. Policies are violated

2. Safety concerns arise

3. Conduct is inappropriate

4. Organizational needs change

Anti-Harassment & Respect Policy

GraceIsTheKey maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination. Volunteers may report concerns to leadership. Retaliation is prohibited.

Workplace Violence Prevention

Threats or violent behavior will not be tolerated. Volunteers must report safety concerns immediately.

Health & Safety Policies

I understand that I must follow Health and Safety policy by:

1. Follow all safety instructions

2. Use team lifting for heavy items

3. Avoid unsafe conditions

4. Report hazards immediately

5. Follow basic food safety practices

6. Use gloves when appropriate

7. Follow county requirements where applicable

8. Keep emergency contacts up-to-date

9. Report any injuries immediately. I understand I am not covered by workers’ compensation insurance unless otherwise required by law.

Conflict of Interest

I understand that as a Volunteer, I must not:

1. Divert donated goods for personal use.

2. Favor friends or family in distribution.

3. Accept payment for volunteer service.

4. Use nonprofit resources for personal benefit.

5. Potential conflicts must be disclosed.

Confidentiality

GraceIsTheKey is committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of the individuals and families we serve.

As a volunteer, I understand that I may learn or observe personal, sensitive, or private information during my service and internal information must not be shared outside authorized channels. I understand that confidentiality protects the people we serve and the integrity of GraceIsTheKey.

Privacy of Those We Serve - I will not share personal information about clients, families, children, volunteers, or staff outside of GraceIsTheKey (Including but not limited to: Names, Personal stories, Financial situations, Health information, Family circumstances, or any other identifying details.

No Social Media Disclosure - I will not post photos, names, or information about individuals served by GraceIsTheKey without prior authorization.

Internal Matters - I will not discuss internal operations, financial matters, or leadership decisions outside appropriate channels.

Respect & Discretion - I understand that even casual conversation can harm someone’s dignity. I agree to speak with care, discretion, and integrity.

Mandatory Reporting - If I suspect abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions involving a minor or vulnerable individual, I will immediately notify leadership.

Child Safety & Duty to Report Acknowledgement

GraceIsTheKey is committed to protecting children, youth, and vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals is a priority of GraceIsTheKey.

"Duty to Report"- I agree to immediately report of my concerns to designated leadership at GraceIsTheKey if I know of, observe, or reasonably suspect:

1. Child abuse or neglect

2. Sexual abuse or exploitation

3. Physical abuse

4. Emotional abuse

5. Unsafe or inappropriate conduct

6. Neglect of a vulnerable adult

No Independent Investigation - I understand that My role is to report concerns, not to investigate them and I shall not:

1. Conduct my own investigation.

2. Confront the accused.

3. Interview the child beyond basic clarification.

4. Promise confidentiality to a minor.

Good Faith Protection - I understand that reporting in good faith protects children and vulnerable individuals and is supported by GraceIsTheKey policy.

I understand that leadership will determine whether a formal report must be made to Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), or law enforcement in accordance with California law. If I am legally classified as a Mandated Reporter under California law, I understand that I may be personally required to report directly to the appropriate agency.

I affirm that I have not been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor offense involving violence, abuse, neglect, misconduct, or any crime that would make me unsuitable to work with children. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you. Each situation is reviewed individually. Certain volunteer roles may require a background check.

Background Checks

I  understand that I may be asked to perform a background check if:

1. Work with minors - Volunteers must never be alone with a minor without prior approval of Leadership.

2. Enter private homes - Volunteers must not enter private residences alone. At least two approved individuals must be present for in home-based deliveries or pickups.

3. Handle funds

4. Serve in Leadership Roles

 Driver Eligibility & License Verification Acknowledgment

I understand that if I operate a GraceIstheKey vehicle or my personal vehicle while performing volunteer services on behalf of GraceIstheKey, I must:

1. Hold a current and valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate state authority.

2. Maintain the license in good standing without suspension or restriction that would prevent lawful operation of a vehicle.

3. Maintain current auto insurance as required by law.

4. Provide a copy of my valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

5. I agree to immediately notify organizational leadership if my driver’s license becomes suspended, restricted, expired, or otherwise invalid while I am serving as a volunteer driver.

6. I understand that failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension or termination of my volunteer driving privileges.

Media & Photo Release

I grant GraceIsTheKey permission to photograph, record, and use my image, likeness, voice, and statements for promotional, educational, website, and social media purposes without compensation. I understand that these materials may be used publicly in print or digital formats.

Policy Modifications

GraceIsTheKey reserves the right to modify volunteer policies at any time.

VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge that I have read and understand these policies. I also understand that my service is voluntary and unpaid.