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Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of The SAFE Project. Our volunteers participate in a wide variety of roles to assist clients escaping violence. The SAFE Project volunteers are highly trained and work directly with clients or behind the scenes, whichever they choose. In short, there are opportunities for everyone!
Volunteer Team Positions
24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE TEAM
Be the first voice of hope. Hotline volunteers answer calls from survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, as well as community members seeking information. By taking a shift, you ensure 24/7 coverage for our community and provide vital support to our staff.
Key Skills: Active listening, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
24-HOUR CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM
Go where the need is greatest. In addition to hotline support, this team responds in person to emergency requests from local hospitals and Law Enforcement to support survivors during forensic exams or police interviews. This team requires ongoing training and supervision by Directors and other staff members.
Safety Note: Volunteers are never asked to enter dangerous situations; your safety is always our priority.
Requirements: High level of emotional resilience and reliable transportation for immediate response. Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
Outreach Office Advocacy Support Team
Provide a steady hand to those navigating the path to healing. Volunteers work alongside office staff to provide direct advocacy, emotional support, and referrals to community resources. You will assist DV/SA survivors and those experiencing homelessness or crisis.
Key Skills: Strong knowledge of community resources (training provided) and a non-judgmental approach.
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
Shelter Support Team
Help our residents feel at home. This multifaceted role includes assisting with shelter intakes, providing transportation for residents, helping with food deliveries or inventory, and monitoring the property in the evenings when advocates are unavailable. This team also has opportunities for Minor Repair Work, Client Engagement Activities (reading, crafts, skill-building, etc.), and helping youth with homework or other tasks.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy a variety of tasks and want to provide direct, practical care.
Key Skills: Strong knowledge of community resources (training provided) and a non-judgmental approach.
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
OUTREACH OFFICE ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Help us stay organized so we can stay focused on the mission. This team assists staff with the vital “behind-the-scenes” work that keeps the agency running, including data entry, filing, preparing client folders, and general office tasks.
Ideal for: Volunteers who prefer a professional office environment with indirect client contact.
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
FUNDRAISING/EVENT PLANNING TEAM
Be an ambassador for change. This team takes events from inception to completion. Helping to secure donations from local businesses, coordinating logistics, and raising the funds that make our services possible. It can include outreach events, health fairs, tabling, etc.
Ideal for: Outgoing individuals, “planners,” and those with strong community connections
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
CLIENT ENGAGMENT TEAM
Foster connection and community. This team focuses on enhancing the survivor experience through life-skills workshops, support group assistance, or organizing “empowerment activities” (such as yoga, art therapy, or holiday celebrations). May be Shelter or Outreach Program based.
Goal: To help survivors rebuild their confidence and sense of community in a safe, social setting.
Requirements: Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
TRANSPORTATION TEAM
Remove the barriers to safety and self-sufficiency. Many clients lack reliable ways to get to essential appointments or work. As a transportation volunteer, you provide rides for court dates, employment, medical appointments, and necessary errands.
Requirements: Use of your own reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Completion of core advocacy training; ongoing supervision provided.
Getting Started
Contact our outreach office at (541) 888-1048 or via email at respy@stopabusecoos.org to learn more about volunteering and the next volunteer training.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of the Teams listed or in another capacity, please fill out the attached Volunteer Application (PDF) | Volunteer Application (MS WORD)
Training
The SAFE Project now offers volunteer training ONLINE alongside job shadowing opportunities! All volunteers are required to complete the online 40 Hour Advocacy training. Training courses and job shadowing cover issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, legal options, cultural issues and oppression, listening skills and answering the crisis line, and community resources and referrals. Volunteers also have the opportunity to shadow employees in order to gain insight into volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us to set up online training.