Volunteer Programs

Club S.M.I.L.E.

Club S.M.I.L.E. (Saturday Mornings in Lynwood's Environment) is a volunteer program for the youth to get involved in their community, meet new people, and have fun while cleaning up the environment.

The Neighborhood Services staff selects locations that are in need of cleaning and beautifying. Prior to the volunteers' arrival to the cleanup sites, city staff picks up heavy items, and checks the area for hazardous materials. Neighborhood Services staff also holds a "Safety Review" with all volunteers regarding the proper use of tools and the need to wear safety gear such as gloves and dust masks.

 The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is an important asset to the Club S.M.I.L.E. program, and provide security in the areas where volunteers are performing their cleanup tasks. The Sheriff's Department also extends their generosity by sending members of their Explorers program to provide additional assistance with many of our cleanups.

 If you would like to become a member please call 310.603.0220 ext. 506.

Lynwood C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team)

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for services. Factors such as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moments notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.

The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 ½ hour sessions, one evening a week over a 7 week period. The training consists of the following:

• Disaster Preparedness

• Disaster Fire Suppression

• Disaster Medical Operations Part I

• Disaster Medical Operations Part II

• Light Search and Rescue Operations

• Disaster Psychology and Team Organization

• Course Review and Disaster Simulation

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; learn how to open airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves as spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

Adopt-a-Spot Program

Committed volunteers may choose to "Adopt-a-Spot" in an area surrounding their homes or businesses such as parks, alleys or vacant land. Volunteers interested in this program take the responsibility to keep their neighborhood free of graffiti, trash and debris.

For further information on the Adopt-a-Spot Program please call 310.603.0220 ext. 506.