Volunteer Opportunities

Sarah's Inn relies on a team of passionate and trained volunteers to assist with a variety of roles in serving the needs of the organization and our clients. There are two levels of volunteer service at Sarah's Inn: Community Volunteer Opportunities and Volunteer Advocate Opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in potentially serving as a volunteer with Sarah's Inn! We have a standard application procedure for all volunteers. If you are interested in beginning the process to become a volunteer please complete the volunteer application and forward the reference form to two individuals (former or present supervisors preferred) for completion. Once your application and references are received you will be contacted for a brief volunteer interview.

All volunteers performing direct service to clients and/or who provide domestic violence education to the community must complete the Domestic Violence Advocacy Training. These trainings are held three times per year and span an entire month with a total classroom time of 40-50 hours. Our next available training begins on Tuesday, May 29th – classes are every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6-9pm through June 27th. Registration forms for the summer training are due by May 22, 2012. You may complete your registration form at your interview. In order to complete your interview by May 22nd all of your application materials must be submitted by May 17th. If you have already completed the training program with another agency please include a copy of your certificate with your application.

Community Volunteer Opportunities: These opportunities require little or no formal training and are a great way to be involved on a short term basis.

Child Care Workers: Volunteers help watch younger children while their mothers attend group sessions promoting a safe and family-friendly environment.
Pantry Organizer: Assist in sorting and organizing pantry donations so that they can be easily accessed by staff and clients in need.
Special Event Volunteers: Throughout the year there are many other opportunities for volunteers to help with special events such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the annual Sarah’s Inn Holiday Gift Project, and many fundraising and outreach events. For updates about these events please go to "In The News."

Volunteer Advocate Opportunities: These opportunities involve direct service work with victims of domestic violence and require certification through our 40 Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training.

Crisis Line Operators: Trained volunteers answer the crisis line on weeknights and weekends helping women and families who are victims of domestic violence gather valuable information including shelters, hospitals, police departments, and sources of community support.
Program Assistants: Trained volunteers help to support and develop programming for clients and may even lead group sessions when appropriate.
Interns: Students from local colleges and universities serve as program interns learning more about Sarah’s Inn and assisting with program development as part of their formal education.
Administrative Assistants: Trained volunteers assist at the front desk answering phones and greeting clients.

For more specific information or an application to volunteer, please contact: Stephanie Holmstrom, Volunteer coordinator at (708) 386-3305 x1022 or stephanieh@sarahsinn.org