Volunteer Opportunities | SafeHouse Center – Domestic Violence ...

Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM UPDATES

*New Updates July 2024*

• Now accepting applications by Wednesday September 4th for Fall CORE Training.
• Volunteer Programs looking for volunteers are Direct Service – Response Team, Shelter Facility Care, Helpline, and Children’s Program. Non-Direct Service – Community Awareness Program.
• Volunteers must attend all CORE and Program Training dates. Read more information about the volunteer opportunities below, and click the “Become a volunteer now!” button to learn about the application process.
• If the training dates do not match your schedule, please complete this volunteer call back list to be added to the waitlist. *Next training is in February 2025*
• SafeHouse Center requires COVID vaccines for staff and volunteers, and all volunteer opportunities will be in-person, following all community health guidelines.
• Virtual information sessions about our volunteer programs are held on the first Monday of each month. We ask that you attend one of these sessions before applying for a volunteer program. Please check this page for upcoming dates and times.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us at SafeHouse Center! We have a rich history of providing outstanding services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We work within the local community and help lead efforts to create a violence-free society. We are excited to invite you to join us in this work!

SafeHouse Center has two large umbrella groups of volunteer opportunities: Direct Services and Non-Direct Services.

Direct Service programs offer volunteers the opportunity to work directly with survivors and their children. All of these programs involve crisis intervention work.

Application requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must pass an interview with a SafeHouse Center staff member
• Must complete both the Core Training and Specialized Program Training.

Select an opportunity below for more information:

• Shelter Volunteers
• Helpline Volunteers
• Children & Youth
• Response Team
• Support Group Facilitators

Non-Direct Service programs do not work directly with survivors, but offer volunteers the opportunity to interact with community members and donors. Select an opportunity below for more information. There are adult and teen volunteer opportunities available.

• Front Desk Receptionist Application requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must pass an interview with a SafeHouse Center staff member
  • Must complete both the Core Training and Specialized Program Training.
• Community Awareness Application requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must pass an interview with a SafeHouse Center staff member
  • Must complete both the Core Training and Specialized Program Training.
• Teen Voice: High School Youth Educator Application requirements: Must be a Washtenaw County high school student age 13 – 18 and must complete training as necessary. 

Become a volunteer now!

Still have questions about volunteering? Contact us!

Direct Service Volunteer Programs

Shelter Volunteers

Shelter volunteers work in our 48 bed shelter program where they provide basic needs to residents and work with staff to ensure a clean, organized, and fully stocked shelter. This position does require lifting, bending, and being on your feet.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 4 hour weekly shift available between the hours of 9am-10pm, Sunday through Saturday.

Helpline Volunteers

HelpLine Volunteers answer calls onsite of our 24- hour helpline. Volunteers provide crisis intervention, active listening, support, education, and resources to callers. Helpline volunteers will assist with residential living tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and enforcing program guidelines and policies. Morning, afternoon, evening and overnight shifts are available.

Volunteer Time Requirements: One 4-hour weekly shift available during the morning, afternoon, evenings and overnights.

Children’s Program Volunteers

Children’s program volunteers engage in recreational activities in our Children’s playroom. Volunteers help role model healthy, supportive relationships while providing support and assistance to the children utilizing the Children’s Program services.

Volunteer Time Requirements: One 3-hour shift weekly for at least 6 months. Shifts are 5:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday through Friday.

Response Team Volunteers

Response Teams Volunteers respond nights and weekends, to provide immediate crisis intervention to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Volunteers meet with survivors in the hospital and jail setting to offer support, information and advocacy immediately following incidents of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as respond by phone when necessary.  A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required for this program.

Volunteer Time Requirements: On-call shifts run from 5p to 8a on weeknights or 8a-8a weekends. Volunteers are asked to take 3 shifts each month. We also ask that Response Teams volunteers live within 1 hour of SafeHouse Center, as to ensure prompt responses for survivors. Note: Due to insurance requirements, Response Team Volunteers must be at least 21 and must pass a motor vehicle background check.

Support Group Volunteer Facilitator

Co-facilitators assist the staff facilitator and help create a supportive environment while providing advocacy and education for survivors who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. SafeHouse provides both drop-in and closed curriculum based groups. No previous group facilitation experience is required. Volunteers are required to be available for 2 hours each week for their assigned support group. Support Groups are based on need and availability.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 2-hour weekly assigned support group, Monday – Thursday 5:45pm-7:45pm. Support Groups are based on need, availability and times vary.

Become a volunteer now!

Still have questions about volunteering? Contact us!

Non-Direct Service Volunteers

Front Desk Receptionists

As a volunteer receptionist you will greet visitors, assist with donors and do light clerical tasks. Training will be provided.

Volunteer Time Requirements: 4 hour weekly shifts during business hours M-F 9am-5pm.

Community Awareness

Volunteers with our newest program, Community Awareness, will attend community events as SafeHouse Center representatives. Volunteers will be asked to help operate information tables and/or help support staff in set-up, operations, and clean-up at events and fundraisers in our community.

Volunteer Time Requirements: There is no set hour commitment for this volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will be contacted when events are available. The average time commitment for an assignment will be between 2 and 4 hours. We ask volunteers to sign up for two-three shifts a month.

Teen Voice: High School Youth Educator

The Teen Voice program will resume in September 2024. Please email volunteer@safehousecenter.org to be placed on the call back list and to gather more information about this program.

More information about this program.

Become a volunteer now!

Still have questions about volunteering? Contact us!