Volunteer Application (Microsoft Word)
Volunteer Code (Microsoft Word)
You would be available to spend quality time with the women at the shelter. Maybe you have a hobby or a special skill you can share with a resident to make their time at Safehouse pass a little faster. Sometimes just having someone to sit and talk means a great deal to our residents. Also, you may (if you so desire) assist the women by providing the transportation to the store or an errand.
[1] On the day or evening that you are scheduled to work, you should call the office at 749-1515 to find out if there are residents in the shelter and what the shelter status is. Most volunteers commit to 2 hours at a time, but this is up to the individual volunteer. If you have any problems with timing, please let the Night Manager/Volunteer Coordinator know so that she can be aware of your schedule. Again, before going to the shelter, please call and inform the Night Manager that you will be arriving and what time.
[2] Sign in and introduce yourself to the shelter residents.
[3] Check for any special messages.
[1] Completion of training program
[2] Valid Picture ID
[3] Driver’s License/Automobile Insurance (if you will be transporting clients)
Person must be willing to deal with many differences in children’s behavior and to understand that the children are in very stressful situations. The volunteer must be a gentle person without prejudice for race, creed or color. Must above all, enjoy spending time in company of children.
[1] Help plan and implement outings and activities for children of shelter residents. (weekends and summers)
[2] Help plan and implement in-shelter activities and provide therapeutic childcare.
[3] Transport and supervise children during outings and planned activities.
[4] Work with parents who may choose to participate in planned activities. Still serve in supervisory role, but understanding mother’s role.
Vary. Support Group baby-stters (2nd and 4th Tuesdays 5:30-6:30); weekends and summer days; and as needed for baby-sitters
[1] Must posses a valid driver’s license, good driving record, automobile liability insurance.
[2] Successful completion of training program.
[3] Strong desire to work with children of all ages.
Respond to crisis calls from your home and on nights and weekends using empathetic listening skills. When necessary, responding to the (Lee County) police stations and hospital to complete intakes.
[1] Respond to calls and intakes between the hours of 5:00 and 11:00 P.M.
[2] Responding to Lee County Police Stations or Hospital (in Opelika) for intakes. Completing all of the necessary paperwork with the ladies and bringing them into the shelter and showing them around reporting to the Night Manager when you are about to admit a client into shelter.
[1] Requires basic volunteer training, plus 3 additional hours that require prior work with shelter residents.
[2] Automobile, Alabama Driver’s License and liability insurance.
This category includes those who prefer working in the office (filing, answering phones, folding pamphlets, etc.) and may also include Day Counselor Volunteers who sign up to come in on a specific day.
Answering phones (NOT crisis calls), taking messages, directing donations to the proper place, filing, stapling, etc.
[1] Basic Volunteer Training
Going into the community to put up posters, sit at display tables, pass out fliers, etc.
Usually during the month of October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), but some assistance may be needed throughout the year.
[1] Basic Volunteer Training
[2] ** Most C.O. volunteers also work in other volunteer categories. Some, who want to be involved with the agency but do not have the time to work year round just volunteer in the community on an as needed basis.
Assisting the legal advocates in their work. May include: going with women to court, sitting in a court session and giving those who come through on domestic violence cases our literature, etc.
[1] Basic Volunteer Training plus any training the legal advocates deem necessary.