Our volunteers are vital to the operation of the Center. The process of becoming a volunteer is outlined below:
The Family Peace Center recognizes that there are valuable learning experiences through the center for those who are under 18. If you are under the age of 18, we ask that you meet with our Executive Director before beginning the volunteer process. For your safety, we ask that any volunteer under the age of 18 be accompanied by the parent, guardian, or other approved adult
The Family Peace Center has many types of volunteer positions. It is our goal to assist you in selecting a volunteer opportunity that meets your time requirement. For most volunteer positions, we request that you be available for at least two, 4-hour shifts per month. Volunteers are welcome to set a regular, weekly volunteer schedule.
The staff of the Family Peace Center desire for every volunteer to have a meaningful experience. We ask that you commit to becoming a volunteer for at least six months so that you can receive training and become an expert in your volunteer area.
Description of Duties
The Volunteer Program of the Family Peace Center utilizes several positions in its operation. We desire to match each volunteer’s interest to their volunteer assignment. After the volunteer interview, each volunteer will work with the Family Peace Center Operations Manager and staff to determine which position will be best suited for their interests. Each volunteer will then be assigned a specific volunteer duty. In order to provide protection and ensure confidentiality of all survivors, there is a mandatory training for any volunteer who will provide direct services at the Family Peace Center. For anyone interested in providing services and coordinating events in the community, other opportunities are available.
Volunteers will work under the supervision of the Family Peace Center Executive Director and Administrative Team. Each volunteer will be trained and assigned to at least one position or a combination of positions. These positions and their duties are listed below:
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth and childcare volunteers will assist Family Peace Center staff and clients by creating and promoting a safe place for children. Volunteers will monitor the children’s playroom area and assist with children’s activities. Various tasks may include monitoring children’s playroom, reading books, assisting in age-appropriate game play, supervising educational videos, supervising arts and crafts, and assisting older children with homework assignments. There are also evening opportunities for childcare during support group and journaling workshop offerings for survivors with children.
Working under the supervision of the Family Peace Center staff, Administrative Volunteers will provide administrative support such as; answering the Family Peace Center business phone line, assisting with distribution of mail, filing support, data entry, assistance with mailing and other projects, other administrative support as assigned.
Working under the supervision of the Family Peace Center Operations Manager, Donation Coordinator will receive donations, organize and record the storage location and submit requests for additional resources when items run low.
Working under the supervision of the Family Peace Center Operations Manager, this volunteer will create content for social media and the newsletter for the Family Peace Center. Special projects may come available for certain campaigns like Domestic Violence Awareness Month and other fundraising events.
The individual will directly assist the Executive Director with foundation and individual private donor research, requests, and communication. They will provide assistance with grant research and writing in the area of domestic violence.
Application Process and Training Requirements
There will then be an interview and training process that includes the following:
- Phone interview
- Background Check through the Illinois State Police and the Department of Child and Family Services
- 40-hour online Illinois Domestic Violence Training
- Mandated Reporter Training (1-hour online)
- Family Peace Center Orientation at the Center
- To ensure consistency, we ask that you be willing to commit to either four 2-hour shifts per month or two 4-hour shifts per month AND be available to serve with us for a minimum of a six-month period.
Please be aware that the direct care volunteer options will require payment of a $275.00 fee to cover costs of materials and facilitators for the training and background check. For those in need of financial assistance, a limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarships are dependent upon the availability of funds. For more information on the scholarship, please contact Sierra Kellen by email at [email protected]
Volunteer Application
