Making a difference
From July 2016 to June 2017, 1,459 domestic-violence-related hotline calls were made to Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP) by residents of Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. In that same time, the organization provided overnight shelter to 440 women and children.
Without the 5,323 hours worked by volunteers, those services could have not been provided, said Alexandra Brooks, a prevention education coordinator for DVSSP.
“We’re grateful for our volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them,” she said. “This agency, like many nonprofits, started with just volunteers. They are a part of the team.”
Polly Muser, a volunteer at DVSSP who works with victims of domestic violence, was honored for her work.
DVSSP volunteer Eileen Kennon, who has been with the organization since 2006, was a Volunteer of the Month.
Scott Goetz, a volunteer who teaches self-defense, was thanked by the group for his efforts.
The organization is accepting applications through March 9 for the upcoming volunteer training class, which occurs twice a year.
“We’re not looking for the traditional volunteer who has an hour or two. It requires much more of a commitment,” said Kelley McGuier, DVSSP volunteer/outreach coordinator.
In order to work directly with clients, volunteers complete at least 45 hours of training, a requirement of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Instruction includes history of the organization, an overview of domestic violence, including why a victim may stay in a situation, and the effects on children. Volunteers also learn about the operation of the safehouses in Washington and Fayette counties, and legal terms.
Volunteers can work as adult and child advocates in the safehouses, answer the hotline, walk clients through the protection-from-abuse process in the county courthouses as legal advocates, as outreach educators or as trainers.
“Once a volunteer is trained, they can do pretty much anything staff can do,” said Brooks.
Volunteers sign an agreement to work a minimum of two hours a week, but that requirement can be fulfilled in many ways, such as working eight hours a month.
There are about 50 trained volunteers with the organization, and, of those, about 35 who are active. Washington, Greene and Fayette county residents are needed to volunteer.
While working with victims of violence can be stressful, the organization provides support. And volunteers say the reward is worth it.
“We do stress self-care. We have therapists on staff for clients, staff and volunteers. And after training, there are continuing education requirements and we continue to explore different topics. We always look at ways to keep ourselves healthy,” said McGuier. “We get a lot of very positive feedback from volunteers. Once they’ve been here for a little while, they find that it’s very rewarding.”
“Even in the small things, they are making a difference,” added Brooks. “You feel like you’re empowering (clients) by teaching them something new.”
McGuier said anyone who is interested but has concerns should contact the organization. Information, and even tours, are available.
“We’re a team,” she said. “We absolutely could not do this without volunteers.”
For information, call 724-223-5477 or email EduTrain@peacefromdv.org. To learn more about DVSSP, visit www.peacefromdv.org.