Del Mar Community Connections
- Ashley Simpkins, Executive Director
Care to Connect?
Sometimes a quick chat or a friendly face is all it takes to make a neighbor’s day so much brighter. In Del Mar, some local older adults face a quiet crisis of social isolation. DMCC is addressing that by recruiting volunteers to join the Connect Team. These volunteers, called Connect Partners, are each matched with one person who could use more kindness in their life.
Joining the Connect Team is a wonderful way to offer caring companionship and help our older neighbors stay connected to valuable DMCC services and activities. Whether you prefer catching up by phone or dropping by for an in-person visit, all it takes is a reliable, warm presence and a heart for listening. With a simple commitment of 2-4 hours a month—tailored around your schedule—you can build a meaningful relationship grounded in trust, respect, and laughter.
Connect Partners complete a Live Scan background check, attend a 1.5-hour training, and receive ongoing guidance. You don’t need to worry about home repairs or medical care—just bring your genuine care for older adults. If you’re interested in this volunteer opportunity, please call the DMCC office at (858) 792-7565. Reach out today and help us brighten lives in our community!
Walk Safe – Walk Smart!
Love exploring Del Mar on foot? On October 22, 2026 at 4:30pm, DMCC and the City of Del Mar will host a one-hour seminar at Town Hall (1050 Camino Del Mar) that will help you navigate roadways with total confidence and safety. TREDWise is offered by UCSD’s Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) Center, which is committed to preventing crash-related morbidity and mortality by increasing safe behaviors on the roadways. At this free workshop, CHP Officer Jared Grieshaber will share practical pedestrian safety tips, clear up key traffic rules, and teach effective defensive walking strategies straight from law enforcement and researchers from TREDS. Learn how to stay aware of personal risk factors and make every walk a safer one. Learn more or register online at www.dmcc.cc/programregistration.
Volunteer of the Month – September
DMCC’s Volunteer of the Month for September was Cat Kom. Cat is an Essential Transportation volunteer who has a heart for service and always brings the fun hosting the Grocery Van. Cat was nominated by DMCC Board Member and Transportation Committee volunteer Dan Maneval who said “Cat turns something as simple as going to the grocery store into something fun and exciting. DMCC is fortunate to have someone with so much energy and dedication as part of the team.”
DMCC programs and services depend on our incredible volunteers! To learn more about Cat, or opportunities to contribute by volunteering, visit dmcc.cc/volunteerofthemonth.