Thank you for your interest in volunteering at SafeHouse Center! We have a rich history of providing exemplary services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and are in the forefront of efforts to create a violence-free society. We invite you to join us in this work.
If you would like to work directly with survivors and their children, SafeHouse Center has four programs in which you can do so. All of these programs involve crisis intervention, which includes providing emotional support and advocacy, engaging in safety planning and sharing information about domestic violence and sexual assault.
In addition, volunteers are encouraged to participate in SafeHouse Community Education and Outreach. Information about these opportunities will be provided during training.
Shelter/HelpLine Volunteers interact with the women and children staying in the 50 bed shelter at SafeHouse Center and help answer our 24-hour HelpLine. These volunteers are cross trained to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, education and practical assistance to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault either in the shelter or on the phone. Flexible evening and overnight shifts are available. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum 4 hour per week commitment.
Children and Youth Volunteers engage in recreational activities in our Children’s Playroom and accompany children on field trips. Volunteers help role model healthy, non-violent relationships while providing support and assistance to children staying in shelter. Men are encouraged to apply. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum 2 hour per week commitment; shifts are available from 6p to 8pm Sunday-Friday.
Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Volunteers respond nights and weekends, meeting with survivors to offer support, information and advocacy immediately following a domestic violence assault. Teams of two DVRT volunteers provide this immediate crisis intervention to survivors. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required for this program. On-call shifts run from 5p to 8a on weeknights or 8a-8a weekends. Volunteers are asked to take 3 shifts each month.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Volunteers respond nights and weekends to provide crisis intervention and support to survivors, ages 12 and up, immediately following a sexual assault. Volunteers meet with survivors at the hospital to offer support, information and advocacy. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required. On-call shifts run from 5p to 8a on weeknights or 8a-8a weekends. Volunteers are asked to take 3 shifts each month.
In addition to our direct service volunteer programs, we have a limited number of bechind-the-scenes opportunies:
Volunteers will be assigned to a program to do the valuable behind the scenes work that lets staff focus on survivors. Work will include data entry, typing, filing and projects such as identifying resources for survivors. This is a great way to find out how a non-profit works and how we seek out community support for our work. Skills required: Microsoft Office including excel, organizational skills and the ability to work independently. Orientation will be provided. Volunteers will be asked to schedule a regular 3-4 hour shift each week during business hours (8am – 5pm).
As a volunteer receptionist you will greet visitors, thank donors and do light clerical tasks. Training will be provided. This is a great way for community members to become involved in our work without having to complete the 40 hour crisis intervention training. Orientation will be provided. Receptionists are asked to make an ongoing weekly commitment (three to four hours) during regular business hours (8am – 5pm).
For more information about volunteering for SafeHouse Center, please e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@safehousecenter.org or call 734-973-0242 x 252.
