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51�Թ��� is lucky to be supported by our dedicated volunteers who choose to give their time and talents to advance our mission. This year, we invited several volunteers to share their experiences in their own words — what brought them to 51�Թ���, what they learned, and how their time here shaped their understanding of behavioral health and community care.

Across different programs and roles, Anu Malhotra, Kelly Nguyen, and LJ Vasquez each offer a unique perspective on what it means to support clients, collaborate with staff, and give back. Their reflections highlight not only the impact they made, but also the impact 51�Թ��� made on them.

The following Q&A brings together their insights, showcasing the heart of our volunteer community and the shared commitment that drives our work forward.

 

1. What first brought you to 51�Թ���?

Anu Malhotra: As a Psychology and Public Health double major, I wanted hands‑on experience working with patients in a clinical setting. Santa Clara University’s Public Health department recommended 51�Թ��� as a great place to start volunteering. When I explored the website, I immediately saw multiple placements where I could grow as a future clinician, and I was excited to join the team.

Kelly Nguyen: I’ve always been interested in the intersection of healthcare and data and recently obtained a degree in Public Health. I wanted to understand how a large‑scale mental health provider manages complex care while maintaining high clinical standards. After researching 51�Թ���, I felt connected to the mission and reached out. Taylor Wang (Intern Training Coordinator) introduced me to the Quality Improvement (QI) internship, and I knew it would give me a meaningful, big‑picture view of the organization.

I was curious and nervous because QI is such a specialized field. I expected technical work that might feel disconnected from mental health care. Instead, I learned that every data point represents a lived experience, and QI plays a vital role in advocacy, safety, and better outcomes. What I thought might be “dry paperwork” became deeply meaningful.

LJ Vasquez: I came to 51�Թ��� through Job Corps (they helped me apply for an internship). It was my first structured administrative role, and I didn’t know what to expect. Once I joined the agency, I immediately felt part of a community. Everyone was engaging, helpful, and supportive, and the people were the reason I wanted to stay with 51�Թ��� in a more permanent capacity. As an intern, I volunteered for multiple internal initiatives and went on to become a full-time staff member in the Quality Improvement department.

2. How does 51�Թ���’s mission resonate with you?

Kelly Nguyen: The mission resonates with me through the lens of accountability and excellence. Providing “compassionate care” means ensuring systems are efficient, outcomes are measurable, and services are safe. My time in QI showed me that 51�Թ��� is always striving to improve the care it delivers.

LJ Vasquez: I love that 51�Թ��� cares. From the services they provide to the way they interact with clients, partners, and coworkers, 51�Թ��� truly cares about people.

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3. What did your responsibilities include as a volunteer, and which department(s) were you volunteering for?

Anu Malhotra: I volunteered at FSP Crisis Residential from July to mid‑August, three times a week, before transitioning to Litteral House and SART’s Crisis Residential as a peer intern. My responsibilities included helping run groups, assisting with meals, accompanying clients to appointments, completing hourly tracking, contributing to shift reports, and supporting clients through conversation and presence.

A typical 9–5 day involved supporting clinicians and staff, helping run morning and evening groups, assisting with lunch, accompanying clients to appointments, completing hourly tracking, contributing to shift reports, and offering peer support through conversation.

Kelly Nguyen: As a Quality Improvement intern, I supported the department in monitoring service delivery and compliance.

LJ Vasquez: As an intern, I volunteered internally for an auction and participated in the annual Silicon Valley Pride parade as a 51�Թ��� representative. I also volunteered at a fundraising event by helping with setup, check‑in, auction running, and clean up.

At both volunteer events, two different people told me they were glad I showed up. At the parade, someone said they liked my energy and that it made the day better. At the fundraising event, I was appreciated for stepping in wherever needed. Those moments meant a lot to me and I learned that a smile or a warm greeting can make a big difference in helping people feel welcome.

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4. What skills or strengths did you find yourself using most often in this work?

Anu Malhotra: I developed patience, cultural humility, empathy, and confidence working with diverse populations. I strengthened my communication skills and became more comfortable with clinical observation, noticing subtle behavior patterns that clients might not verbalize.

Kelly Nguyen: Analytical thinking and adaptability were essential. I learned to look at the big picture — analyzing service demand, predicting future needs, and identifying where resources should be invested to keep programs stable and impactful.

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5. How would you describe the culture or community among volunteers and staff?

Anu Malhotra: The staff was incredibly welcoming. Clinicians, case managers, and the peer navigator made me feel like part of the team from day one. They valued my contributions and created a supportive environment focused on improving clients’ lives.

Kelly Nguyen: Even as an intern, I felt fully integrated. There is a top‑down openness where everyone is encouraged to share stories and learn from one another. The culture balances strategic thinking with genuine empathy.

You’ll find people ready to guide you and help you succeed in your role and beyond. It’s a welcoming space where your work feels valuable and directly connected to the mission.

LJ Vasquez: 51�Թ��� fosters a culture of support. I know that if someone needs help, I can step in — and they would do the same for me. We lean on each other because we care.