Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
Direct Service Track:This is the track which will allow you the most face-to-face interaction with survivors and shelter residents. Some of the volunteer opportunities within this track would require additional training. You would work most closely with Cynthia Trautner, our Direct Service Coordinator. As a direct service volunteer, your work would take place mostly within the shelter setting. We are willing to work with you to determine what your interests are in this field but some of the current volunteer opportunities include:
·Facilitating a support group for women or children
·Answering the hotline [after additional training]
·Childcare
·Cooking a meal once a week at shelter
·Providing transportation to women in shelter
·Any new ideas you may have relating direct services
Community Outreach Track: This track offers a high level of involvement in the organizing and facilitation of community events, and the organizations visibility within the community. You would work closely with our Community Coordinator, Cori Pignatelli. While some of this work may take place within the shelter, some of it may also be done at the community center or at events in the area. Some of the projects that may fall under this track are:
·Outreach events at local schools
·Facilitating a support group for survivors
·Outreach events at Johnson State College
·Co-organizing events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month [October]
·Co-organizing events for Sexual Violence Awareness Month [April]
·Postering around the county for events/support groups/services
·Any new ideas you may have relating to community outreach or education
Court Track– In this track, you would work closely with our Criminal Court Advocate. This position requires at least a six-month commitment due to the amount of training involved. Your work could be done from the shelter, the State Attorney’s Office, and the courtroom. Some of the things you would be participating in include:
·Helping survivors fill out Relief from Abuse Orders
·Sit with survivors in hearings and offer support and information
·Helping survivors and their children go through the court process
·Any new ideas you may have relating to community outreach or education
Fundraising Track– This track would allow you to work closely with our Board of Directors, mostly once a month. We are a recognized non-profit organization (501c3) so all fundraising goes directly to supporting our services. CHNC training is helpful but not necessary.
·Work with board on existing fundraising activities such as Jazz & Jive
·Come up with your own new idea and present it to the staff!
Child Advocacy Track-You will work closely with our Coordinator of Child Advocacy. Though you will also work with parents in shelter, the majority of your focus will be on the children in shelter. You will work in shelter or in the community based on your interests.
·Provide childcare to children in shelter [stipend available]
·Organize and facilitate children’s activities
·Locate community events of interest to children
·Arts & Crafts
·Any new ideas you may have relating to community outreach or education
Administrative Track- This is the most general of the tracks, but is incredibly helpful to shelter staff. While you will have to sign a confidentiality statement, you do not have to go through the volunteer training [though it is very beneficial to all volunteers]. These volunteer opportunities may fall under a more one-off schedule than set times.
