Get Involved

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center (DCCAC). 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 DCCAC’s 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 DCCAC Special Project/Event.

Youth Activity Program (YAP) Volunteers

The DCCAC’s 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 YAP 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 YAP Volunteers is to establish a level of comfort and safety for the children and their families during their time at the DCCAC. The YAP Volunteers work with the Victim Services staff to provide support and resources to the families during their visit(s) to the DCCAC. YAP 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.

Clothes Closet Program Volunteers

All too often, a child victim’s clothing is removed for evidence purposes, a child victim is placed into foster care or third party placement with only the clothes on his/her back or a child comes to the DCCAC dressed in inappropriately sized or non-seasonal clothing. The DCCAC Clothes Closet offers emergency clothing to child and adolescent victims of abuse who are seen for services at the DCCAC, at no cost to the child or family. Because the Clothes Closet is one of the DCCAC’s most utilized services, volunteers are needed on a regular basis to maintain the organization of the closet, track inventory of clothing and assemble emergency take-away bags. Clothes Closet Volunteers must be able to volunteer during business hours, Monday through Friday. Some weekend assistance might also be needed during seasonal clothing drives.

Click here to view the Clothes Closet Volunteer Job Description.

Special Project/Event Volunteers

Special Events

Every year, the DCCAC is involved in numerous special events, some planned by the DCCAC staff and some sponsored by other organizations. Volunteers are always needed to assist in the planning and facilitation of these events. The DCCAC welcomes assistance from individuals, groups or organizations that wish to host a fundraising event for the benefit of the Center.

Examples of special events include:

• Fall/Winter/Coat and Spring/Summer Clothing Drives [Seasonal]
• Holiday Assistance Drive [October-December]
• Back to School Supply Drive [July-September]

Community Outreach and Fundraising

The DCCAC 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 the DCCAC. 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, the DCCAC also seeks individuals with special skills to donate their services on a pro bono basis. Some of the DCCAC’s 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 DCCAC Volunteer?

Any individual that wants to volunteer at the DCCAC must complete a Volunteer Application. Click here to download a copy of the Volunteer Application. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax or email to our Victim Services Coordinator at:

300 E Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001
Attn: Volunteer Program
Fax: (202) 638-2718
Email: nborrello@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 the DCCAC. Based on the above information as well as the volunteer staffing needs of the DCCAC at the time of application, an applicant will be notified of their acceptance as a DCCAC 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 the DCCAC.

If you are interested in discussing the ability of the DCCAC to accommodate groups for volunteer service, please contact our Victim Services Coordinator at (202) 638-2575 x 112.

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