Volunteer Opportunities requiring completion of Volunteer Training

(offered bi-monthly)

Children's Program: Volunteers provide childcare and organize activities for the children of Hope House clients who are either in shelter or in the outreach program. Volunteers may also participate in the Shelter's Children's Reading Program through Reading Reaches Kids' Minds and Kids' Hearts.

BridgeSPAN: Volunteers in the BridgeSPAN program may participate in a variety of forms. Many choose to participate in on-call rotations, providing advocacy support to patients who are identified at one of the BridgeSPAN participating hospitals in Eastern Jackson County.These hospitals include Centerpoint Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Luke's East Lee's Summit and Truman Medical Center Lakewood.

Volunteers sign up monthly for dates/times that work best with their schedules. As a volunteer in the BridgeSPAN program, you will assist clients in the healthcare setting by providing support and resources on community and domestic violence resources. A safety plan is also developed with each client. Volunteers can also choose to assist with trainings, assist with clerical work or assist with marketing the program by completing rounds at area hospitals. Volunteers who are interested in the program must complete additional BridgeSPAN training.

Court Advocacy: Court advocates act as liaisons between the criminal justice system and the victims of domestic violence. They will also educate the victim on the cycle of violence and on the options and the resources available to her. Volunteers may choose to work in any of the following area courts: Blue Springs, Grandview, Independence, Lee's Summit and Raytown.

Shelter/Hotline: Shelter volunteers assist in women's advocacy, assist with intakes, assist clients in replacing toiletries that have run out, and answer the Hope House Hotline. Shelter/Hotline volunteers set their own schedule and are not on an on-call schedule. Volunteers may occassionally be asked by Hope House shelter staff to come in to fill an open shift.

Volunteer Opportunities requiring on-the-job training

*Clerical: The clerical volunteer assists Hope House's administrative staff with daily duties, such as answering the phones, making copies, preparing mailings, typing, entering data and other general office tasks. This volunteer opportunity does not require direct interaction with clients.

*Facilities: Facility volunteers assist with the maintenance of our complex. Activities include helping with yard work, cleaning, moving heavy items, and other upkeep duties. This volunteer may choose to sort donations in our clothing closet and gift store (which is especially needed during the holiday season). This is a constant need and does not require direct interaction with clients.

*Special Events: Special Events volunteers assist with special events and fundraising activities. This is a sporadic need and does not require direct interaction with clients.

Volunteer Opportunities for Groups

Donation Drives: An organization may choose to sponsor a donation drive for Hope House.  Items that are always needed include: paper products, large-size diapers, twin bed sheets, bath towels, ethnic hair care products and cosmetics for women of color.  You may also call Gretchen at 816.257.9342 or email her at ghicks@hopehouse.net an up-to-date list of urgent needs.

*Special Events: An organization may choose to organize a small fundraiser for Hope House. Some groups in the past have sold crafts or baked goods and donated the proceeds to Hope House. An organization may also choose to help during a Hope House special event, such as Hope and All That Jazz.

*Facility Maintenance: A group may choose to spend the day at Hope House helping us to improve our facilities. Activities in the past have included: working in the yard, painting, shoveling snow, building a playground for shelter children, building a meditation garden (complete with a waterfall and fish), planting shrubs and moving offices. Many companies promote volunteer work done on company time, so be sure to check with your employer. Call us for ideas on how you can help.

*Gift Shop/Donation Assistance/Clothing Closet: Hope House constantly receives generous donations from the community and volunteers are needed to help us sort donations of clothes, toiletries and toys in our gift shop. This is a great activity for small groups.

*Holiday Parties: Volunteer groups are needed to plan and implement holiday parties in the Shelter throughout the year. Parties should include activities for all ages, such as arts & craft projects, games or outdoor activities.

*Holiday Programs: Hope House has many opportunities for those who would like to help around December. Possible activities range from decorating the Shelter and buildings, helping with donations, setting up the holiday store, helping clients and their children in the gift shop, helping with holiday dinners and sorting donations.

* While all volunteer opportunities are appropriate for adults, the positions preceded by an asterisk (*) are also appropriate for teen volunteers.

If you have any other ideas that we haven't listed, we'd love to hear them.  We are open to any suggestions that would enhance the lives of our clients.

If you would like someone from Hope House to speak to your organization about domestic violence and Hope House services or if you would like more information on volunteer activities for groups, please call our Volunteer Manager, Gretchen, at 816.257.9342 or e-mail her at ghicks@hopehouse.net.