Volunteer

I have gained great insight into the strength of human beings by working with victims of domestic abuse. They are truly an inspiration to me.

- a Volunteer

 

A Work of Heart

The opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is at the heart of the volunteer experience. At Family Shelter Service, we recognize that volunteers are a valuable resource and our best ambassadors. Volunteers make the choice to help. Simply, because they care, volunteers have a far-reaching positive impact on our clients and the community.

Current Open Positions

Please click to read the job description:

Direct Service Positions (48-hour training required):

• Shelter Supporter

Non-Direct Service Positions (48-hour training not required):

• Community Advocacy: Staff a fair table
• Special Events Associate
• Special Events Committee Member
• Children’s Program Organizer
• Bathroom Project Coordinator
• Development Volunteer
• Document Translator, Latino Program
• Resale Shop Volunteer
• GROUP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Please contact Amanda Wapiennik, Volunteer Program Coordinator, at Amandaw@familyshelterservice.net or 630.221.8290 EXT 7115,  if you are currently a volunteer and wish to apply for any of the open positions. If you are not a current volunteer please continue reading the information below!

General Opportunities and Positions

We know that individual skills and interests vary and that not everyone can volunteer the same amount of time. Therefore, we offer many opportunities with various time commitments.

Persons interested in working directly with clients need to complete the state-mandated 48-hour training. The training covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the cultural contexts of violence in America to addressing legal issues that victims face. Training explores questions such as: why do people choose to abuse and why don’t victims just leave? For more information on our 48-Hour Training  click here.

 

For those who have completed the training, we have opportunities such as:

• Shelter Supporter
• Hotline Volunteer
• Court Advocate Volunteer
• Children’s Program Volunteer
• Job Club Volunteer
• Prevention Assistance Volunteer
• Speakers Bureau

Other opportunities, for those who would like to get started right away, or cannot take the training program to work with clients, include:

• Special Event Associate
• In-kind Donation Volunteer
• Front Desk Volunteer
• Office Support Volunteer
• Resale Shop Volunteer
• Volunteer Program Assistant
•  Special Events Committee Member Volunteer
• Data Entry and Filing Volunteer

Please click here to read job descriptions for any of the above jobs.

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:

The first step to volunteering at Family Shelter Service is to attend a volunteer information and orientation session. The volunteer information and orientation sessions are held:

6pm the 2^nd Thursday of the month in Downers Grove

6pm the 4^th Tuesday of the month in Wheaton

Please e-mail our Development Coordinator, Amanda Wapiennik, at amandaw@familyshelterservice.net to sign-up for the class by 5 pm the previous day. Directions and addresses will be e-mailed to you. If you are unable to attend the information and orientation sessions please e-mail Volunteer Coordinator for other options.

This class is about 1½ hours long and will give you the information you need to become involved as a volunteer at Family Shelter Service.

• The History of Family Shelter
• Locations and what is done at each location
• Types of jobs for volunteers
• Training for the jobs
• How you can get involved

Volunteer process following the information and orientation session:

- Choose an open position, meet with Volunteer Coordinator and complete the volunteer application packet.

- Participate in training i.e. on-the-job training, and/or the DV 101 2-Hour Class and/or the 48-hour training

- An interview will be conducted by the department you have chosen to work with.

- Begin volunteering.

What you can expect:

Volunteers are valuable resources to the agency, our staff and our clients. It is our goal that volunteers will be:

• trusted and respected as people who make unique contributions;
• able to freely discuss problems, ask questions and make suggestions;
• given sound guidance and direction by staff and senior volunteers;
• provided orientation, training, support, supervision and evaluation.

Violence in the home strikes at the heart of our community – our families. However, with intervention, the cycle of abuse can be broken. Volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic abuse and their children.