Volunteer

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to serve as Children’s Program Volunteers at our confidential shelter and at our outreach center. Children’s Program Volunteers play a vital role in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth who have been impacted by domestic abuse.

1) SHELTER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Your primary responsibility will be to support the emotional well-being and development of children and youth (ages 0-17) through engaging activities, educational programs, and individualized support.

2) OUTREACH CENTER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

You will be working as a team member of the Family Resiliency Engagement and Empowerment (FREE) Program. You will be facilitating a group for ages 9-12 on Wednesdays from 4-6pm. The FREE Program is a whole family and community approach to counseling. Weekly, the SPAN counseling team simultaneously offers support groups to all members of the family. There are two child and youth groups (age 5-8 and 9-12), one teens group, and two adult caregiver support groups (Spanish and English). The child and youth groups follow a developmentally and age-appropriate step by step group curriculum, engaging youth in creative interventions and activities that encourage reflection, teach psychoeducation, and practice these skills through integration in and out of the group.

Responsibilities (Both locations):

• Create a safe and welcoming environment for children by establishing trusting relationships, maintaining boundaries, and reliably participating in volunteer shifts.
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities for children and youth, including arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and outdoor play that promote creativity, positive behavior, and social interaction.
• Assist in the development and implementation of educational programs that address the unique needs of children who have experienced domestic abuse and resulting housing instability.
• Assist with art supplies and organization: Help maintain a well-stocked and organized art space by ensuring that art supplies are readily available and properly stored.
• Collaborate with span staff to ensure that art activities align with the children’s needs and therapeutic goals.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, activities, and progress for reporting purposes.
• Attend age-appropriate, socio-emotional training sessions and meetings to enhance your skills and stay informed about best practices in supporting children impacted by overlapping issues of economic housing instability and violence in the home.

The Food Program Volunteer at our confidential shelter location plays a vital role in providing nourishing meals and snacks to individuals and families seeking refuge from domestic violence. By joining our committed team, you will contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors, assisting in their journey towards healing and empowerment. This volunteer position requires a compassionate and empathetic individual who is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by domestic violence as well as a passion for nutrition and cooking.

Responsibilities:

Meal Planning and Preparation:

• Collaborate with the Kitchen Manager to plan nutritious and well-balanced meals and snacks for residents, taking into consideration any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Prepare meals and snacks following proper food handling and safety protocols.
• Ensure that meals are culturally sensitive and cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
• Adhere to any special dietary requirements or religious restrictions requested by residents.

Kitchen Maintenance and Organization:

• Support Kitchen Manager in keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and well-stocked with necessary supplies.
• Regularly check and maintain kitchen equipment and report any malfunction or need for repairs. Monitor food inventory and assist in grocery shopping as needed.

Support and Empowerment:

• Interact with residents in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, fostering a supportive and safe environment.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to residents during mealtimes, offering a listening ear and a friendly presence.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and Kitchen Manager to ensure smooth meal preparation and service.
• Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills related to domestic violence issues and trauma-informed care.

The Volunteer Advocate at our domestic violence shelter plays a crucial role in providing support and assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence. Together with our Shelter staff, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of survivors, offering them a safe and supportive environment where they can seek refuge and begin their journey toward healing and empowerment.

Responsibilities:

• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate crisis intervention and support to survivors of domestic violence, ensuring their safety and emotional well-being.
• Emotional Support: Provide empathetic listening and emotional support to survivors, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns in a non-judgmental and empowering environment.
• Safety Planning: Assist survivors in creating safety plans tailored to their specific situations, ensuring they have the necessary resources and strategies to protect themselves and their children from further harm.
• Information and Referral: Provide accurate and up-to-date information about community resources, such as counseling services, housing options, support groups, and legal assistance, and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Training and Development: Attend regular trainings and educational sessions to enhance knowledge of domestic violence issues, trauma-informed care, and best practices in supporting survivors.
• Shelter Operations: Assist with day-to-day shelter operations, including but not limited to cleaning, organizing supplies, room turnovers, laundry, and maintaining a safe, and dignified comfortable living space for residents.
• Advocacy: Assist advocates with client support, including writing service verification letters, assisting clients with applications, and other tasks needed to support shelter clients.

Fundraising & Special Events Volunteers work with SPAN with various aspects of organizing, staffing, and support at fundraising events, fairs, festivals, and other special events in which SPAN is participating and/or hosting. Volunteers can assist with administrative support, event promotion, event day activities and post event activities.

Professional Volunteers can offer their expertise on a volunteer basis to SPAN clients and staff alike. They can provide yoga, massage, group therapy, legal clinics, etc. SPAN will assess whether the offered skill set is suitable on a case-by-case basis.

Court Advocates: Court Advocates aid clients in understanding civil protection orders and can offer in-person help in Boulder and Broomfield Courts. They provide information on the protection order process and accompany clients to file paperwork and attend hearings. Court advocates provide trauma-informed support and connect clients with other SPAN services and community resources. We’ll be training new Court Advocates again in January 2023