You can make a difference!

Domestic and sexual violence is especially hard to talk about since no one expects to be hurt by someone they love or who loves them.

Alone, victims and the people who care about them can feel helpless, scared, and angry.

Together, we can make a difference and end domestic and sexual violence in our communities.

Here's how you can help:

Volunteer

Did you know that there are 8,760 hours in a year? The YWCA 24-hour crisis line operates 365 days per year providing immediate support and advocacy for victims just a phone call away. We would not be able to provide this service without our dedicated volunteers who answer calls, provide hospital accompaniment, and conduct shelter screenings.

In addition to providing a much needed service, volunteers report that volunteering makes them feel empowered by helping victims/survivors. Some volunteers come to the YWCA Crisis Line because they or someone they care about had a personal experience with domestic or sexual violence. Others have witnessed the effects second hand and want the violence to end.

Our volunteers are the backbone of YWCA Crisis Service.
Volunteering is a service you can provide from home.

For more information on volunteering, please contact the YWCA at 625-5785. 

Spring 2013 Volunteer Advocate Training Schedule:

6:00 - 10:00 PM on Friday, April 26, 2013

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, 2013

6:00 - 9:00 PM on Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 2

6:00 - 9:00 PM on Tuesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 9 

Volunteers must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have access to a landline phone and a quiet place at home to receive and make calls.
• Have a valid driver's license and car insurance.
• Be willing to commit to two 12-hour shifts per month for at least one year.
• Attend a mandatory 32 hour training (usually over the course of three weekends)

After volunteers have been working on the crisis line for at least 3 months, they may decide to get additional training to provide the following advocacy:

• Shelter advocate
• Police and court accompaniment
• Education and outreach presentations
• Support group facilitators
• Office support
• Transportation volunteer

Volunteers are always supported during their shifts by a staff advocate who is available by pager. During initial hospital calls and shelter screenings, staff advocates are available to assist new advocates.

Volunteers are women and men, students and professionals, retirees and people looking to change careers. Many of the full time staff advocates began their careers as volunteers on the crisis line.

Our Wish List

Some people aren't able to volunteer two shifts per month, but would rather provide material support. Some of the items needed to provide quality services for victims are listed below:

• Diapers in all sizes
• Wipes, powder, & other infant and child care items
• Tissues
• Household cleaning products i.e. dish soap, sponges etc.
• Paper products i.e. paper towels, toilet paper
• Trash bags
• New Toiletries
• Shredder
• Art supplies for support groups and events
• Copier
• Phone calling cards (can't be traced like cell phones can)
• Grocery store gift cards
• Taxi vouchers
• Bus passes
• New underwear and socks for women/children of all sizes
• Donations of services (copying, printing, advertising)
• Gift cards to department stores
• Gas cards
• Donation of pet boarding for shelter clients with pets
• Cash donations
• Non-perishable food items

Today, it costs $65 to provide comprehensive services (shelter, crisis counseling, and materials goods assistance) to one victim/family for one hour.

TAKE ACTION: Make Changes to Stop Domestic and Sexual Violence

Often people feel that if they can't volunteer or make a donation, that they can't be part of the solution. But you can!

Here are some ways that community members can make change:

• If you hear an assault next door, call 911 for help.
• If you see someone in trouble on the street, offer help or get help if you need it.
• Believe and support a friend who needs help and refer them to the YWCA Crisis Service.
• Challenge traditional male and female roles.
• Watch out for children at home and in the community. Intervene if you see a child being mistreated and make an anonymous report to DCYF.
• Refrain from telling or laughing at sexist, racist, or violent jokes.
• Believe and teach that No means No.
• Walk the walk: solve conflicts without violence.
• Read the paper and watch the news to see how your community responds to violence.
• Let your elected officials and community leaders how you want violence handled.
• Attend an awareness event like Take Back the Night, Week Without Violence, or Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

It takes a community to end domestic and sexual violence, BECOME A MEMBER OF THE YWCA and be part of the process.