Volunteer

Crisis Hotline

Haven Hills’ 24-hour hotline provides crisis intervention to individuals experiencing domestic violence as well as referrals to important legal or social service resources and education to those seeking information about the issue. The hotline also works in conjunction with the Haven Hills emergency domestic violence shelter to screen victims for residency in the thirty-day emergency safe-house. Volunteers wanting to work on the crisis hotline are asked to commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift per week for 1 year. Shifts are generally during weekday mornings and afternoons. Some evening shifts are possible as well. In addition, crisis line volunteers are required to attend a minimum of six 1-hour mini-trainings throughout the year.

Children’s Programs

Roughly two-thirds of residents in domestic violence shelters are children. Whether they have directly been victims of abuse, or just witnesses to the abuse of their mothers, these young people benefit greatly from a chance to creatively express their experiences and to interact with positive role models. Children’s programming ranges from therapeutic arts and crafts and play group to reading stories or spending individual time and attention with a child in need. Services are offered to children of the residents at Haven Hills’ emergency and the transitional shelters. The children’s programming is staffed almost entirely by volunteers and is one of our most vital needs! Volunteers wanting to work with the children’s programs are asked to commit to a minimum of one 1½ hour shift per week for 1 year. Shifts are evenings or afternoons.

Community Education

In order for Haven Hills to deliver services to the community, the community needs to know about the services that are offered. Many victims of domestic violence do not know there is a phone number to call, a safe-house to go to, free counseling and support. Many community members do not have a clear understanding of what domestic violence is or what they can do to help prevent it. Community Education volunteers staff information booths, give presentations, and increase awareness about Haven Hills through community fairs and educational sessions for student groups, professional organizations, and potential donors. Volunteers interested in working with community education are asked to commit to a minimum of twelve months. There is not a regular schedule for educational events so scheduling is flexible and can include daytime or evenings, week-days or weekends. Presentations can range from less than 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the event. Volunteers are requested to make themselves available for a minimum of two events per month.

Court Advocacy

For victims of domestic violence, navigating the court system can be a confusing and scary process. Court advocacy ranges from assisting people in applying for a Temporary Restraining Order to providing emotional support to a person facing her/his batterer in the courtroom. Volunteers work with the DV Clinic and Neighborhood Legal Services to provide victims of domestic violence with support and assistance through the judicial process. Volunteers interested in working with court advocacy are asked to commit to a minimum of 12 months. Though there is not a regular schedule for court advocacy, court hours are weekday mornings and afternoons. Court appointments can range from less than an hour, to a full day, depending on the situation. In addition, volunteer court advocates are required to attend a minimum of six 1-hour mini-trainings throughout the year.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Is there something else you would like to volunteer for? Haven Hills is always looking for people with special skills or talents that would like to lend a hand. Do you have special computer skills? Do you have an idea for teaching arts and crafts? Are you qualified to lead a workshop on financial planning, resume writing, health education? If you have other ideas or suggestions, please contact us. We’d love to work with you! Volunteers are encouraged to participate in as many of the different programs as they are interested in, provided it is an appropriate placement.