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Becoming a volunteer at Someplace Safe is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse and crime. As a volunteer, you can contribute your time, skills, and compassion in a way that fits your talents and schedule.
Someplace Safe offers equal employment and volunteer opportunities without regard to race (hair style), color, creed, economic status, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, parenthood, national origin, immigration status, place of residence, political affiliation, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, social status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, membership of and activity in local human rights commissions, or physical ability in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs,
Volunteer Program Overview
A variety of volunteer opportunities exist throughout the agency:
ADVOCACY OFFICE VOLUNTEER
Advocacy Office volunteers provide support and assistance to the Advocates and help Advocacy Offices run smoothly. Volunteers are extremely beneficial in helping with these tasks so that staff can concentrate on working with victims and survivors.
Direct Client Crime Victim Advocacy (Requires 80 Hours of Training)
- Crisis Line
- Court advocacy with survivors
- Answer phones and respond to survivors
- Lead empowerment group
- Follow up calls
- Provide direct client services
- Assist with protection orders
Court Advocacy (Specific Court Watch duties may require 80 hours of training)
- Attend hearings (criminal)
- Look up court cases
- Sit with survivors during court/trials
- Advocate at OFP/HRO hearings
- Follow up with victims
- Create and maintain offender database
Office Support
- Answer phones
- Accept, sort and maintain donations
- Print and mail form letters
- Create mailing list
- Data entry
- Compile statistics
- Filing
- Distribute posters, pamphlets and materials
- Photocopying
- Office Cleaning
Information Specialist
- Write articles/blogs
- Presentations
- Information tabling
- Post information on social media pages
- Research information
Event Coordinator
- Gauge community interest in new fundraising or awareness event
- Assist with current/long standing signature fundraisers and awareness events
- Determine event needs and execute tasks
- Recruit volunteers, organize committees, etc
- Obtain sponsorships and donations
- Maintain contact with venues, vendors, volunteers, staff, etc.
Facility Maintenance
- Building and grounds maintenance
- Building and grounds repairs
- Equipment/furniture set up
- Other duties and special projects as needed
Donations
- Donation processing and sorting
- Donation pick up
- Donation record keeping and organization
Student Interns
- Earn college credit while serving your community at an advocacy office
For more information, please contact Volunteers@someplacesafe.info or your local Someplace Safe location.
Crisis Line Volunteer
Support victims and survivors who are experiencing crisis situations and are in immediate needs of assistance, resources, and options. Crisis line volunteers typically are needed after business hours during the week, on weekends, holidays, and other times as needed/arranged.
A minimum of 80 hours of training is required for crisis line volunteers. If you’re eager to begin your training right away, you can visit the Office for Victims of Crime’s Training and Technical Assistance Center. There, you can participate in the Victims Assistance Training (VAT) Online program. VAT Online is a comprehensive web-based training program designed to equip victim service providers and allied professionals with essential skills and knowledge to better support crime victims.
The program encompasses four sections: Basics, Core Competencies and Skills, Crimes, and Specific Considerations for Providing Victim Services. Completing this training will help you enhance your ability to assist victims effectively.
Victim Assistance Training Online | Resources | OVC TTAC
For more information, please contact Volunteers@someplacesafe.info or reach out to 218-739-3486.
Parenting Time Center Volunteer
The Parenting Time Center serves as a safe, neutral location for children and parents/caregivers to spend time together, establish relationships, or strengthen bonds. There are Parenting Time Center locations in Fergus Falls, Glenwood, Morris, Ortonville, and Perham. Depending on your interest, time, and location, there are many different volunteer ways.
Center Services
- Visitation Assistant: Be a second adult present during monitored parenting time. Volunteers are present, but the parenting time is between the parent and the child. The volunteer is not actively involved.
- Exchange Assistant: Volunteers facilitate the exchange by meeting with each parent and assisting the child in successfully meeting and departing from one parent to the other during the parenting time exchange.
Administrative Support
- Office Records Assistant: Assist staff in maintaining statistics and information for grant reporting, assist with data entry, and make copies.
- Phone Support: Answer calls, refer calls to appropriate individuals, and take messages.
- Go-for: Run errands between office locations as needed.
- Volunteer Coordinator: Facilitate quarterly volunteer training and keep volunteer applications and files up to date, providing scheduling and support services for volunteer staff.
Maintenance Support
- Maintenance Assistant: Provide handyperson assistance as needed, including painting and light repairs.
- Cleaning Assistant: Assist in cleaning and organizing the centers and toy rooms.
Donations and Support
- Direct Fundraiser: Solicit items and resources from local individuals and businesses as assigned.
- Truck Availability: Provide a pick-up truck to assist in moving items.
For more information, please contact ptc@someplacesafe.info or your local Someplace Safe location.
Thrift Store Volunteer
By shopping, donating and volunteering at Someplace Safe thrift stores, you help SAVE LIVES by supporting Someplace safe services and programming! Not only that, the stores provide survivors with the needed furniture, clothing and household items to restart their lives through the agency’s voucher program. A variety of volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interest are available at each one of Someplace Safe’s Thrift Stores in Alexandria, Fergus Falls, or Morris.
- Donation processing and sorting
- Pricing
- Shelving items
- Customer service
- General cleaning
- Donation pick up (by appointment only)
- Building maintenance/repairs
- Other duties and special projects as needed
For more information, please contact Volunteers@someplacesafe.info or your local thrift store.
Become a New Volunteer
Volunteering at Someplace Safe provides an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and making a difference. You will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you are well-equipped for your role. Moreover, you will join a community of dedicated individuals who share the common goal of ending violence and supporting survivors.
Qualifications & Commitment
- Volunteers must be age 16
- Time commitments vary depending on the location and tasks involved
Applications and Forms
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Complete the Background Study Form
- Print and complete the Volunteer Handbook
- Additional forms may be completed at the first in-person meeting with your local Advocate
Training
- Complete Volunteer Orientation. Contact Someplace Safe to set a convenient Orientation date and time.
- Program-specific training may be required. Please ask our staff if you need any additional training.
NOTE: Volunteers, please complete the Volunteer Handbook before their first meeting to assist us in finding the best fit for them.
For more information, please contact Volunteers@someplacesafe.info or your local Someplace Safe location.
Volunteering Directly with Survivors
Because of our sensitivity to client safety and confidentiality, volunteering in direct positions with survivors, children, and families or representing Someplace Safe in the community requires the following:
Qualifications & Commitment
- Volunteers must be age 18+
- Commitment of approximately two hours/month for at least six months (1-year commitment is encouraged)
Applications and Forms
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Complete the Background Study Form
- Print and complete the Volunteer Handbook
- Additional forms may be completed at the first in-person meeting with your local Advocate
Training
- Complete Volunteer Orientation. Contact Someplace Safe to set up a convenient Orientation date and time.
- Completion of volunteer training (1-year commitment is encouraged)
- Additional program-specific training may also required
For more information, please contact Volunteers@someplacesafe.info or your local Someplace Safe location.