HELPING OTHERS HELPS US ALL.

According to Independent Sector and the United Nations Volunteers, volunteering helps to create a stable and cohesive society, adds value to the services that government provides, creates social capital, increases social harmony among diverse individuals who volunteer together, and promotes the individual volunteer's good health and emotional well-being.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

If you belong to a faith-based organization (church, Sunday school class, temple, etc.), civic group, or would like to gather a small group of concerned friends and neighbors together, we'd like for you to consider the following endeavors (please call 519-1912 for more information):

Gather Together
Host a small gathering at your home or public place that can include a luncheon or dinner, or just a few hors d'oeuvres. Invite a member of BDVP to share the program's passion and vision and how individuals can help make a difference in the effort to end domestic violence.

Be a Champion
When serving men, women and children in crisis, there are many needs. BDVP has an ongoing wish list of items that need to be replenished often. Your group could champion a particular need and host drives to raise funds to purchase these items, or a community event where you ask people to donate gently used items. BDVP wish list includes: bed and bath linens, pots and pans, dishes, children's art supplies, board games, puzzles, personal hygiene items, computers, business attire.

Adopt a Project
Though BDVP is a program offering comprehensive services to residents and non-residents, our shelter is always at or above capacity. If your group has a passion for one of the following shelter projects, it would make a world of difference to the survivors and their children who find safety in our residence. These projects could include fundraising efforts to buy supplies needed to complete project, and/or having materials donated:

Bedrooms: Repaint all 12 bedrooms

Non-Resident Rooms: Repaint and Decorate common areas such as laundry rooms, living rooms, private meeting room, and children's play room

Celebrations: Cook-outs, Holiday Parties, Kidsfests, Catered Dinners, etc. to help lift the spirits of our families

Our current volunteer opportunities are listed here.

SHUTTLE ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER
One of the greatest needs for survivors once they come to shelter, is having adequate transportation for medical and legal appointments, work, shopping, and child care.  We currently need volunteers to drive BDVP vans from the shelter to select locations in the community, during our week day evening shifts from 5-8pm, and anytime during the weekends from 8:30am-7:00pm. Please email Diane at diane.fleet@bdvp.org or call Diane at 519-1915.

CRISIS LINE VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES
Aid domestic violence victims by answering the crisis line, providing necessary referrals, and supporting and mentoring residential clients.

CHILDREN'S VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES
Make a difference in the life of a child by tutoring, leading group activities, or providing one-on-one time with resident children at the shelter.

LEGAL VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES
Assist victims of abuse by accompanying them to court hearings, collecting information, and monitoring relevant court proceedings.

PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS - Pro-bono services are extremely valuable to women as they work to end abusive relationships and begin the healing process. We are in need of attorneys, dentists, doctors, ophthalmologists, veterinarians, mechanics, hair stylists and other professionals to donate their time and expertise.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS
Special Events help provide the funds and awareness our program needs to be accessible to families in need. Volunteers can assist with administration, planning and implementation of fundraising and other events.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES VOLUNTEERS
If you're interested in helping, but a little intimidated about getting started, administrative activities are a great way to begin. Filing, mail preparations, data entry, phone calls and other needs frees other volunteers and staff to perform the myriad duties involved in the day to day operation of the shelter.

** Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete a volunteer application, agree to reference and background checks, sign a pledge of confidentiality, be interviewed, and complete required training and orientation in appropriate area of service.