Volunteers founded Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters) over 40 years ago and play a vital role in caring for those affected by domestic violence. Annually, volunteers donate more than 5,000 hours of service.

There are many ways to help. Because of the nature of some activities, we require certain volunteers, who will interact directly with clients, to participate in an educational training program.

General Volunteering

Office Support
Data entry, answer phones, assist with mailings, answering phones, greet guests, sign-in visitors

Handyperson
Help maintain CHS properties, transport donated furniture (must be able to lift 25 lbs)

Board Member
Share your professional skills by helping to guide Center for Hope and Safety in its mission

Organize Donations
Sort through item, food, and clothing donations and organize them in our storage/pantry area

Housing Clean-up

Help sanitize and prepare rooms for clients at shelter and transitional locations

Special Events/Fundraising
Special events committees; event set-up and breakdown, mailings, etc. (i.e. Annual Picnic, Gala, Gold Outing)

Holiday Gift Wrapping
During the holidays and other special events at local stores and malls, Center for Hope and Safety to provide gift wrapping services for their customers – all proceeds go to Center for Hope and Safety

Certified Volunteers

These are volunteers who have direct interaction with clients and are required to attend a 40-hour training program that provides education on all aspects of domestic violence, appropriate counseling skills, the law, policy and procedures, substance abuse, and the effects of domestic violence on children.

Children’s Program
Teacher and recreational aides, childcare group assistance

Mentoring
Establish a one-on-one relationship with a woman or child to be a source of encouragement

Tutoring
Help children, adolescents, teenagers, and mothers with school work

Job Development
Lend your expertise to assist clients with employment skills and job searches

Client Transportation
Drive clients to the grocery store or to medical, dental, and court appointments

Community Enlightenment/ Activism
Represent Center for Hope and Safety at health and career fairs and other community-based functions. Provide basic domestic violence information and distribute brochures, resource information, etc.

Interpreter
Help CHS Legal Team effectively communicate with clients where English is not their first language (Spanish and Polish)

CLICK HERE to see how individuals or groups can help out!