Volunteer Opportunities – OLD

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us at SafeHouse Center! We have a rich history of providing outstanding services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We work within the local community and help lead efforts to create a violence-free society. We are excited to invite you to join us in this work!

SafeHouse Center has two large umbrella groups of volunteer opportunities: Direct Services and Non-Direct Services. Direct Services consist of four programs that offer volunteers the opportunity to work directly with survivors and their children. All of these programs involve crisis intervention work and volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Non-Direct Services consist of two positions that offer volunteers the opportunities to interact with community members and donors.

Please feel free to look below for descriptions of each volunteer opportunity and information about required trainings.

If you are interested in volunteering with SafeHouse Center, please note that all volunteer positions require a training:

• Direct Service volunteers must complete a 32-hour Direct Service Volunteer Training.
• Front Desk Receptionist volunteers must complete a 4-hour individually scheduled training conducted by a staff member.
• Marketing and Community Outreach volunteers must complete a required training.

Please visit our Direct Service Volunteer Training page for more information on the 32-Hour Direct Service Volunteer Training. Information about the application process and links to volunteer applications can be found on the Volunteer Process and Applications page.

Direct Service Volunteer Programs

Shelter/HelpLine Volunteers

Shelter/HelpLine Volunteers interact with the survivors and their 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.

Volunteer Time Requirements: Volunteers are asked to make a minimum 4 hour per week commitment.

Children and Youth Volunteers

Children and Youth Volunteers engage in recreational activities in our Children’s Playroom. Volunteers help role model healthy, non-violent relationships while providing support and assistance to children staying in shelter.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 2.5 hour per week commitment from 5:45pm to 8:15pm Monday–Friday.

Response Team Volunteers

Response Teams Volunteers respond nights and weekends, to provide immediate crisis intervention to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Volunteers meet with survivors in the hospital and jail setting to offer support, information and advocacy immediately following incidents of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as respond by phone when necessary.  A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required for this program.

Volunteer Time Requirements: On-call shifts run from 5p to 8a on weeknights or 8a-8a weekends. Volunteers are asked to take 3 shifts each month. We also ask that Response Teams volunteers live within 30 minutes of SafeHouse Center, as to ensure prompt responses for survivors. Note: Due to insurance requirements, Response Team Volunteers must be at least 21.

Support Group Volunteer Facilitator

Co-facilitators assist the staff facilitator and help create a supportive environment while providing advocacy and education for survivors who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence. SafeHouse provides both drop-in and closed curriculum based groups.  No previous group facilitation experience is required. Volunteers are required to be available for 2 hours for their assigned support group. Support Groups are based on need and availability.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 2 hours for their assigned support group, Monday – Thursday 5:45pm-7:45pm. Support Groups are based on need, availability and times vary.

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Non-Direct Service Volunteers

SafeHouse Center also offers volunteer opportunities that do not involve working directly with survivors. We call these volunteers non-direct service volunteers. These volunteer jobs are very important for helping our operations run well.

Receptionists: As a volunteer receptionist you will greet visitors, assist with donors and do light clerical tasks. Training will be provided.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 4 hour weekly shifts during business hours M-F 9am-5pm.

Marketing and Community Outreach: Volunteers with our newest program, Marketing and Community Outreach, will attend community events as SafeHouse Center representatives. They will assist in setting up and tearing down at event locations and will manage a fundraising table. They will also assist staff with marketing and communications tasks and community outreach. Marketing and Community Outreach volunteers will be required to attend a specialized training.

Volunteer Time Requirements: Volunteers will volunteer on an as-needed basis.

If you are interested in volunteer work that does not involve crisis intervention with survivors and/or their children, please contact our Volunteer and Intern Program Coordinator at (734) 973-0242 x 252 or e-mail us at volunteer@safehousecenter.org to discuss those opportunities.