Monica Berlin named November 2025 Volunteer of the Month by Del Mar Community Connections

Del Mar Community Connections’ November Volunteer of the Month Monica Berlin is someone who so obviously enjoys her volunteer work that the enthusiasm radiates off her. Part of Del Mar Community Connection’s (DMCC) volunteer team since summer of 2024, Berlin wasted no time making herself necessary. She joined DMCC’s Essential Transportation team, driving seniors to medical appointments and hosting grocery van outings. She has helped pioneer DMCC’s Connect Team pilot, helping seniors in her immediate neighborhood with more personalized in-home tasks, according to a news release.

And she helps the Tuesday Lunch Connections (TLC) team in a variety of ways – supplementing the ever-increasing van pickups, making deliveries, serving the guests, whatever is needed. Berlin was nominated for Volunteer of the Month by TLC Team Captain Phyllis Mirsky who said in the news release, “It is such a pleasure to work with Monica who is always ready to pitch in and do whatever needs doing.”

Berlin is a lifelong Californian, hailing originally from Ojai. After beginning her career as a surgical technologist, she worked in plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. She now works as a patient activist, consulting in medical malpractice cases. In 2014, she and wife Amy settled in Del Mar. They love to spend time with son Harrison, who is based in Los Angeles. They also make time for brothers Orin and John, sister-in-law Samantha. They also have an adorable feline child, Mushy, the news release stated.

Volunteering is important to Berlin because “I’ve always found immense pleasure in giving to others.” She says she learns a lot from spending the quality individual time with the nondriving seniors she helps as part of DMCC’s Essential Transportation team: “Some of them don’t get out of the house very often, and the simple joy of driving down the street is never taken for granted.”

Fran Barker, a DMCC participant who frequently benefits from Berlin’s involvement, reached out to the DMCC office many times to praise and thank Berlin, the news release stated: “She looks for unique ways to do special activities, like when she drove us in the van for the 4th of July parade. Monica creates fun and laughter that is so much a part of her service.”

DMCC needs volunteers for everything it does. The news release states “We need more people like Monica, who drives her own car, occasionally drives our van, chips in with our TLC team, makes deliveries, and more.”

Berlin said in the news release: “I think what I enjoy most about DMCC are all the incredible people I’ve been able to meet. I love learning about these great seniors’ lives and I like the opportunity to put a smile on their faces.” To learn more about Berlin or volunteering for DMCC, visit www.dmcc.cc/volunteerofthemonth.