How you can help us

Volunteers play a vital part in our mission to work toward the elimination of domestic violence. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and work closely with DVSC to utilize their unique talents and passion for our mission to support our work in a number of ways.

 

There are several ways you can get involved as a DVSC volunteer:

 

• Direct Service Volunteers

• Support Service Volunteers

• Employee Volunteering

• Internship Program

• Foster Pet Parent Program

 

Direct Service Volunteers

Volunteers have the option to complete our 40 hour Counselor/Advocate training and get involved with directly supporting victims and their children. Trained volunteers can assist with the 24hr hotline, counseling and advocacy, supporting the children’s program or providing childcare, community support groups, or becoming an on-call medical advocate to visit victims of domestic violence in hospital emergency rooms.

 

Support Service Volunteers

Volunteers provide invaluable support of the agency by assisting with fundraising, events and clerical work. Volunteers can support fundraising events by joining organizational committees, soliciting donations, selling tickets and promotion, as well as support on the day of events. Volunteers can attend various outreach events in the local community to help raise awareness about services provided and also assist with a wide range of clerical support, such as assistance with filing and mailings.

 

Employee Volunteering

There are endless opportunities for local businesses and their employees to support the work of DVSC through volunteering, such as organizing office donation drives of NEW items such as blankets, clothes, personal care products, baby supplies and other much needed items, supporting the children’s program with donations of back to school items, holiday gifts, Halloween or Easter candy, getting involved with supporting or sponsoring fundraising events or rolling up their sleeves up to assist with maintenance projects at the shelter.

 

Internship Program

We accept interns from local colleges and Universities interested in gaining an insight into the workings of a domestic violence agency and experience working in the not-for-profit sector. We currently accept interns for direct service work and to support special events and marketing. Internships are available year round.

 

Foster Pet Parent Program

Pets are often the forgotten victims of domestic violence. In 85% of homes where there is domestic violence, an animal is also abused. It can be a hard choice for a victim attempting to leave an abusive situation to leave their beloved animal and many will often postpone leaving for the sake of their pet. Our Foster Care Pet Program matches volunteers with animals they are willing to take care of and keep safe while their owner is in shelter. Volunteers can select what type(s) of animal they are willing to foster and receive information on the foster animal’s current medical condition, vaccination and other important information before deciding whether they can help. Foster Pet Care provides peace of mind for victims and a safe place for their furry friends until they are reunited upon leaving the DVSC shelter.

 

For information on volunteering, fostering an animal or internships at DVSC please contact the Volunteer/Education Coordinator at (570) 823 6799 ext. 238