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Volunteering with YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services. Violence has become a part of our daily lives and domestic violence is the second most investigated crime in the town of Greenwich today. All women and children should have the right to feel safe in their own homes. We are faced with a problem that has reached enormous proportions.
Our task to help, change, educate, and bring awareness to this serious issue is a large one. We are proud to be part of an extremely committed and dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about their work and willing to go the extra mile to make a difference. We are committed to ending domestic violence and we need all the support we can get.
It takes a special kind of person to do this work. We are grateful you want to share your time, talent, and skills to help make this community a safer place to live.
You will find enclosed:
- Information about our volunteer opportunities
- Information about our services
- Volunteer Application
Please look over the information, get yourself acquainted with our program, and if you are interested in volunteering, fill out the application and return it to us by mail, fax, or e-mail.
The Mandatory Certification Training will take place early 2021. New dates will be announced soon.
The fee for the course is $250.00. Attendance at all training dates and for the entire scheduled time is mandatory. There are no make-up sessions available.
Please return your application along with a current resume to the YWCA Greenwich to Leslie Coplin at l.coplin@ywcagreenwich.org so that we may schedule an in-person interview prior to the training.
On behalf of the YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services staff, we thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Meredith Gold, LMSW
Director, Domestic Abuse Services
YWCA Greenwich
p. 203-302-3846 f. 203-618-9464 e. m.gold@ywcagreenwich.org
www.ywcagreenwich.org
Basic Requirements
1. Initial Training of 24Hours.
2. Commitment of a minimum of 3 hotline shifts OR 6 volunteer hours worked each quarter for a minimum of 1 year.
3. Receive a minimum of 6 re-certification training hours annually, 3 of which must take place through the YWCA Greenwich.
Personal Qualifications
1. Sensitivity and acceptance of self and others.2. Common sense and clear thinking.
3. Dependability and time – able to commit to regular time assisting in one of the areas below.
4. A commitment to confidentiality.
5. Good listening skills and effective communication skills.
6. Basic computer skills.
7. Ability to handle emergency situations.
8. Ability to keep an open mind to differences.
Volunteer Opportunities
1. Court Support – advocacy and support throughout the court process, including restraining order applications.2. Community Outreach – attend health fairs, post flyers, distribute promotional materials, help with mailings and phone calls.
3. Be a buddy – play with children at the Center while their mothers are in counseling.
4. Be a voice – on the other end of our hotline to answer questions, provide information and support.
5. Work in the office – administrative duties, project work, etc.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
Confidential Greenwich Domestic Violence Hotline 203-622-0003
Callers have immediate access to counselors who can provide safety planning, crisis intervention, counseling, information, referrals and/or shelter services. Calls are answered 24 hours a day and seven days a week.Safety Planning
Safety for victims of domestic violence is our number one priority. Safety plans are developed for victims and their children based on their individual needs. A safety plan is a detailed outline that enables a victim to prepare in advance for the possibility of further abuse.Individual Counseling and Support Groups
Individual counseling and groups offer victims tools to enhance their safety, to empower themselves and to live their lives free from abuse.Advocacy
Adult Advocates provide support to victims and/or advocate on their behalf regarding their medical, legal, education and social service needs.Family Violence Victim Advocates assist victims of domestic violence through the court system. Assistance is offered to victims in obtaining protective and/or restraining orders.
Child Advocates provide services to children, whose lives are affected by domestic violence, including educational and recreational activities, individual counseling, support groups, advocacy and referrals. These services are available to sheltered and non-sheltered children.
Emergency Shelter
Temporary emergency shelter is available for victims of domestic violence and their children who are fleeing from physical and emotional abuse. At the shelter, women and their children stay in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.Community Education and Awareness
Informative, educational programs that build an understanding of the scope of abuse and its impact on individuals and communities are available. These programs address the dynamics of domestic violence including power & control, safety planning and barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. They also inform people on how to get answers, get help and get involved. These programs are available for schools, social service providers, civic, religious and professional organizations and the community at large.All services to victims are confidential and free. Services are available in English and Spanish.
Domestic Abuse Services - Volunteer Application
Next Steps
Once you have completed this form please return it, along with a current resume, by mail, email or fax.
We will then reach out to you to set up an in-person interview.
Once again, thank you for your interest in volunteering with YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services. We look forward to meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
Meredith Gold, LMSW Director, Domestic Abuse Services YWCA Greenwich p. 203-302-3846 f. 203-618-9464 e. m.gold@ywcagreenwich.org