Ways to Volunteer With HAVEN on a Regular Basis
Please note that the volunteer opportunities below require the completion of the "HAVEN: Core Skills and Values" Training. See volunteer requirements for more details.
If you would like to help HAVEN but do not have the time in your schedule to make a weekly commitment, please visit our Volunteer Groups and Community Outreach page.
Administrative
Child Mentor
Crisis & Support Line
Life Skills Mentor
Prevention Education: Community Engagement
Prevention Education: Survivors Speakers Bereau
Reception
Residential
Social Action: First Responder
Get Information on Becoming a Volunteer
Administrative
Are you a well-organized individual that enjoys the variety that providing administrative support can offer? You could be preparing mailings, stuffing envelopes, or entering information into computer systems that is so important to our quality and data tracking. The next day you might be photo copying documents for training or resources for clients. You are the behind the scenes impetus that keeps our services flowing seamlessly.
Child Mentor
Do you like to play games, tell stories, dig into craft projects? Do you naturally connect with children of all ages and enjoy creating laughter? This opportunity allows you to be a positive role model for children that have experienced abuse, loss and shame. You will facilitate activities that allow children to focus on play, respite and just plain fun!. This position requires you come in on a regular schedule for two - four hours several times a month, during the day, evening or on the weekend.
Crisis & Support Line
Are you compassionate, non-judgmental and calm in a crisis? Do you excel at listening and empathizing without trying to solve someone else’s problem? Our 24 hour crisis line receives calls from those experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Volunteers provide support, validation, information and resources to callers. This position requires 4 hour weekly availability between 9 am – 9 pm (Monday – Saturday).
Life Skills Mentor
Do you have professional or personal experience that you would like to share with victims to help rebuild their lives? You might serve as mentor, coach or educator in areas such as career building, budgeting or self-care. Do you enjoy working independently to assist clients with boosting confidence and building skills to empower their ability to break through many barriers on their path to increased self-sufficiency?
Prevention Education: Community Engagement
Are you passionate about preventing domestic violence and/or sexual assault? Do you like speaking with groups of students or adults? Volunteers can help increase community awareness about the agency and the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault by presenting information directly to groups or at display tables. Events range in size from small community events to large county fairs and celebrations.
Prevention Education: Survivors Speakers Bureau
Through sharing testimonies of hope and healing, the Survivor Speakers Bureau (SSB) works to increase awareness, build empathy, and engage community in conversations about sexual assault and domestic violence. This is an opportunity to use your story of survival, hope, and healing to help change perceptions about sexual assault and domestic violence. Please note that we do ask volunteers to engage in another program in addition to the Survivor Speakers Bureau, because the speaking opportunities are somewhat sporadic.
Reception
Are you friendly, outgoing and possess a welcoming personality? Reception volunteers help create the first impression for clients, visitors and community partners upon arrival at HAVEN. You would excel at making everyone feel welcome and comfortable while assisting them with the check in process, navigating the physical building and creating a positive experience.
Residential
Are you friendly and possess a welcoming and calming personality? Do you enjoy working with a wide variety and ages of people? Do you thrive in a busy work environment? Volunteers will provide assistance and care to the adults and children residing in HAVEN’s shelter. Volunteers are needed at varied hours for this 24 hour service. This position requires 8-16 hours a month at flexible times.
Social Action: First Responder
Are you compassionate, non-judgmental and calm in a crisis? Would rain, sleet or the dark of night keep you from responding to a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence immediately following an assault? You would provide essential services, including emotional support, creating a safety plan and discussing possible next steps. This position requires you to be on-call 48 hours per month. You must live in or near Oakland County and have a car and a driver’s license. Due to client preference and comfort, we prefer individuals who identify as female.