Volunteer: Domestic Violence Crisis Line

For 40 years, Sarah’s Inn has been successful in providing community-driven services, and has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive domestic violence agency in its service area. Sarah's Inn, as a comprehensive domestic violence agency, approaches domestic violence as a societal issue that demands a holistic response. We are committed to programming that responds appropriately to the needs of those families already impacted by violence, as well as working proactively to prevent violence for future generations.

Sarah’s Inn has three core program areas. The Intervention Program provides services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely navigate crisis, effectively process trauma and ensure self-sufficiency. The Prevention Program provides school-based educational programming for youth in order to prevent future relationship violence by giving them tools to lead healthy lives and empowering them to make a difference in their community. The Training and Education Program maximizes reach by creating a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates.

Sarah's Inn offers a 24-hour crisis line service to victims and families affected by domestic violence. Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates make a difference in victim's lives, offering emotional support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to callers in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures set forth by Sarah's Inn.

This volunteer position requires a 6-month minimum time commitment, with volunteers taking at least three crisis line shifts each month. Crisis line shifts are completed from your home using an app. Illinois state law mandates that Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates MUST first complete a 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training, which Sarah's Inn offers three times per year. A completed application, and an interview is required before you are accepted as a volunteer. Due to COVID, interviews are done virtually.

Next training start date for crisis line volunteers will begin Saturday, May 18th and ends Saturday, June 8th (7 sessions in total).Once 40 hour trained, volunteers can set their schedule and volunteer from anywhere they have phone access and confidentiality.

Please visit www.sarahsinn.org for more information. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application using the link https //docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea9RffHg59xd9H4YD8bal4rfisZX-ofUcmCSfbOABstcUVrw/viewform. If you have any questions please email our Volunteer & In-Kind Coordinator at volunteering@sarahsinn.org.

This is a volunteer opportunity provided by VolunteerMatch, in partnership with LinkedIn for Good.