Volunteer

Would you like to make a difference?

Your energy and compassion can make all the difference in the world to a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. As a Vera House volunteer, you can translate your concern for individuals and families in crisis into truly meaningful effort. There are many ways to help - so many ways to touch the countless lives shattered by violence and abuse - to help shine a light on the path towards a safe and healthy future.

Requirements for New Volunteers:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Cannot be in crisis due to domestic or sexual violence, substance abuse or some other critical event. Some of our best volunteers have personal experiences with domestic and/or sexual violence. These experiences allow them to be even more sensitive to the issues of others; however, it is possible for a person's own issues to get in the way of being effective in helping others. We will help applicants to assess where they are in their own personal experience. There may still be work that needs to be done before a person can volunteer. Volunteers may be asked to work in a different area than the one requested, or we may suggest counseling prior to volunteering. This benefits both the volunteers and the people they may serve
• Prospective volunteers must complete an application form and attend an interview prior to being accepted into the training program
• All volunteers must take Core Training, which provides a base, and additional specialized training if a volunteer would like to work on the Crisis Line, Family Court, Shelter or as a Sexual Assault Advocate. Total training time is approximately 20 hours of classroom training followed by a period of mentoring with an experienced volunteer
• Volunteers are required to attend all scheduled training sessions
• Training is the beginning of the process to become a volunteer. Not everyone will choose to or be able to continue as a volunteer, depending on their experience during the training
• All trainings take place at the Vera House administrative offices at 6181 Thompson Road, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 

Volunteer Opportunities

CRISIS CALL VOLUNTEER

• provide weekday coverage of crisis hotline, providing emotional support and information regarding domestic violence & sexual assault
• available to work 10 - 15 daytime hours per month. Shifts are from 8:30 am - 1 pm and 12:30 pm - 5 pm weekdays 
• capable of supporting and actively listening to those in crisis because of sexual assault or domestic violence or abuse
• non-judgmental and compassionate
• provide crisis intervention, explore and validate feelings, safety plan, gather information and make referrals to appropriate community resources

SHELTER VOLUNTEER

• provide general support and assistance to domestic violence victims residing at Vera House shelters
• children’s programs / supervision and transportation
• transport victims to appointments
• assist victims with job and/or housing search
• assist with clerical tasks
• co-facilitate education and support groups
• special projects as needed

FAMILY COURT VOLUNTEER

• shifts are from 8:30 am - 1 pm or 12:30 pm - 4 pm weekdays
• assist individuals affected by domestic violence in assessing their need for intervention by the court system
• provide crisis intervention, explore and validate feelings, safety plan, gather information and make referrals to appropriate community resources
• assist in the preparation of petitions for Orders of Protection and in some cases, Custody Petitions
• provide court accompaniment for clients when possible and/or necessary

SEXUAL ASSAULT VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE

• provide evening, overnight and weekend coverage of crisis hotline
• provide advocacy for victims of sexual assault in area hospitals and police agencies
• must have own transportation and be available to work after hours and weekends
• must uphold the confidentiality of and respect the dignity of clients at all times
• must be non-judgmental and compassionate individuals 

FOSTER PET VOLUNTEER

• provide short-term housing for pets of individuals requiring emergency shelter
• click HERE for more information on our Pet Foster Care Program
• click HERE for an application to become a Pet Foster Care Program volunteer

NON-DIRECT VOLUNTEER

• perform clerical, household or general tasks (i.e. answering telephones, cleaning, picking up donations, etc.)

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER

• assist with Vera House fundraising events and projects, such as the annual White Ribbon Campaign or "Wrapsody" event
   

**HIGH NEED

Interested in learning more about becoming a Vera House Volunteer?

Please click HERE to complete our volunteer application online. Upon receipt of your completed application, one of our Volunteer Coordinators will contact you. If you have trouble submitting the application online, click HERE for a printable version.

Click HERE to contact our Volunteer Coordinator or call our office at 315-425-0818 x249.