After stumbling across a job opportunity on the city’s website for a Community Services Coordinator for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Division, City Representative Araz Valijan knew that it would be the perfect job for her. “After moving here in 2005, I fell in love with the community and the people,” states Araz, “this December marks my two-year anniversary as the Community Services Coordinator!”
Araz started volunteering in 2001 for a retirement community in Alhambra, while attending California State University Los Angeles. She was the Activities Coordinator for a year. After receiving her degree in Psychology, she was offered a full time position as the Director of Volunteer Services for the retirement community. She spent the next four years as the Director where she was responsible for recruiting, retaining and training volunteers for the community. In 2005, she relocated to Santa Clarita and has been living here since.
Araz enjoys spending time with her husband Arthur, family, friends and her one and a half year old Shih Tzu, Ginger. Araz is also a big movie buff. “Although I don’t have any favorite movies in particular, I prefer comedies that give me a good belly laugh and thrillers that give me a good scare!”
Araz is also involved with major events such as the Cowboy Festival, the AMGEN Tour of California, the city’s marathon, and Make a Difference Day, to name a few. “These events need volunteers in order to thrive,” states Araz. She is the current “Volunteen” Coordinator for the city and helps recruit volunteers for the programs. “Coordinating the teen programs for the city gives me great pleasure since I’m able to visit the local schools, meet with and eventually connect with our local teens. I believe it is vital for them to recognize the importance of volunteering at an early age,” says Araz, “as they (children) are our future.”
Currently, Araz is playing a big role in the City’s Santa’s Helpers program. Santa’s Helpers is an event that began over ten years ago which involves gathering teen volunteers to assist Santa in responding to letters that children have written to him. “Santa believes that all children should have a letter written back to him, but he sometimes gets overwhelmed and needs help!” says Araz. And help she does. “It is my duty to help Santa respond to all the children.”
Thank you, Araz, for your dedication to our community and for keeping the spirit of the holidays alive!