Get Involved

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center. Volunteers play a crucial role in enabling the Center to provide services to child victims of abuse in Washington, D.C. and in planning and coordinating some of the Safe Shores' public events. We accept applications to our Volunteer Program on a rolling basis, as we recognize how crucial the involvement of community-minded citizens is in our efforts to end child abuse. Below are our existing volunteer opportunities:

• Volunteer with our Youth Activity Program,
• Volunteer with our Clothes Closet Program, and/or
• Volunteer your special talents/skills for a Safe Shores Special Project/Event.

Youth Activity Program Volunteers

Safe Shores' Youth Activity Program encompasses all activities that children participate in at the playroom of our Center while awaiting a forensic interview, therapy session or court appearance. Our Youth Activity Program Volunteers welcome children and their parents/caretakers to the Center, engage the children in various play activities and prepare snacks and meals for the children. The overall responsibility of the Youth Activity Program Volunteers is to establish a level of comfort and safety for the children and their families during their time at Safe Shores. The Youth Activity Program Volunteers work with the Victim Services staff to provide support and resources to the families during their visit(s) to Safe Shores. Youth Activity Program Volunteers must be able to volunteer their time for 3-5 hour shifts during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Click here to view the Youth Activity Program Volunteer Job Description.

Special Project/Event Volunteers

Community Outreach and Fundraising

Safe Shores relies on financial support from foundations, corporations, community organizations and individuals in the DC Metropolitan area. Volunteers with fundraising experience are needed to seek in-kind donations, draft proposals, and contact local corporate and community leaders for support of Safe Shores. We also need volunteers to help us reach out into the community and inform others about the work of the Center.

Professional Pro Bono Work

Besides the programs listed above, Safe Shores also seeks individuals with special skills to donate their services on a pro bono basis. Some of Safe Shores' particular needs include (but are not limited to): computer consultant assistance; newsletter preparation assistance; photographer for special events and publications; fundraising/event planning and coordination; handy-man services; and legal services.

Click here to view the Special Projects Volunteer Job Description.

How Do I Become a Safe Shores Volunteer?

Any individual that wants to volunteer with Safe Shores must complete a volunteer application. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax or email to Jessica Galimore, Senior Victim Services Associate at:

300 E Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001
Attn: Volunteer Program
Fax: (202) 638-2718
Email: jgalimore@safeshores.org

Upon receipt of a Volunteer Application, the Victim Services Coordinator will personally contact appropriate individuals to schedule a routine Volunteer Screening Meeting. In addition to the above steps, all applicants must sign a release for personal background checks to be performed by Safe Shores. Based on the above information as well as the volunteer staffing needs of Safe Shores at the time of application, an applicant will be notified of their acceptance as a Safe Shores Volunteer. All accepted volunteers must go through a Volunteer Training session prior to beginning their volunteer work at the Center.

Volunteer age requirements are listed on the specific Volunteer Job Descriptions. Volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and volunteers between the ages of 16 and 18 must provide a signed permission slip from their parent or guardian allowing them to volunteer at Safe Shores.

©2006 Safe Shores All Rights Reserved.