With only 4 full-time and 2 part-time staff members, we rely a great deal on volunteers. FVPC volunteers answer the hotline (24/7/365), accompany clients to court, facilitate our DV primary prevention programs Start Strong & Save The Date programs in local schools, provide crisis counseling services to clients in need, speak at fundraisers, lead support groups, offer interpretation services to non-English speakers, train local professionals, coordinate our cell phone collection program and much more.
Folks give their time to us for many reasons (academic credit, personal connection, service hours, etc.) but whatever the reason, they are usually surprised by how much they receive in turn. Especially when they didn’t actually “give” anything except their time and active listening skills. When I do annual reviews with volunteers, I ask for some of their high points. They sometimes mention things like helping someone with shelter. But they mention the “small things” too: the client who told them that they were happy that they answered their call, that they were there to listen and not judge.
Finding volunteer opportunities is easier than ever. Sites like Volunteer Match or Idealist offer countless opportunities to help your local community in whatever area you are skilled in or have an interest. And of course volunteering is not only good for your community but it can be good for your health and your career too.
But if you are looking for direct service work here in Orange County, look no further than FVPC! Twice a year, we offers our core volunteer training for folks interested in working directly with victims of domestic violence (Hotline Advocates) as well as a training for those who are interested in our community education efforts. The next sessions are fast approaching. Hotline Advocate training starts in mid-February and runs for 6 weeks, two nights per week. Community Educator training for our Start Strong programming is Jan 26 at 5:30 pm. Details about both positions are here. Click here to view our Volunteer Application.
Please let us know if you are interested but unsure how or where. We welcome men and women of any age, sexual orientation or background. Give the office a call at 929-3872. We can get you started!
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