Volunteers

Our Volunteer Program aims to support the mission of The Women’s Safe House through community involvement and increased awareness of domestic abuse. Volunteers are an integral part our culture at The House --- our founding mothers operated the shelter for many years as volunteers until professional staff was hired.

The Women's Safe House’s Volunteer Program is certified by the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Children’s Program Volunteer

Children's Program volunteers will work to create a positive and healing environment for the children at The Women’s Safe House. While in our program, children are encouraged to express their feelings and work through their concerns and fears. Volunteers help to provide a supportive and non-threatening environment allowing the opportunity for children to feel safe and accepted. Volunteers are expected to lead the children in age appropriate activities, games, and crafts, provide educational tutoring/homework assistance, and/or serve as mentors.

The ideal volunteer would be willing to commit to a regular, long-term schedule --- for example once per week for 6 months (or twice per week if you are feeling inspired). Also important is patience and passion for children!

We may have openings on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, and on some Saturdays from 9:30 – 11:30 AM.

Facilities & Donation Organizing Volunteer

Volunteers willing to get their hands dirty should consider supporting our facilities and donation areas. Activities may include: cleaning, repair jobs, painting, sorting and organizing donations of clothes, food, and supplies, and yard work.

We may have need for support in these areas on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons.

Crisis Hotline Volunteer

Volunteers will be responsible for answering incoming calls to the shelter, connecting business calls to appropriate staff, and providing crisis intervention and emotional support to crisis callers. Volunteers will work with victims of domestic violence to support their legal rights, assist with safety planning, and offer access to other community referrals as needed. These volunteers will complete electronic in-take forms and work with shelter staff to determine eligibility for acceptance into our program.

Volunteers must have a level head and the ability to think on their feet. Strong communication skills are a must. Customer service or other hotline experience is helpful for this role, but training will be provided for all volunteers regardless of experience.

Since training is intensive, the ideal volunteer would be willing to commit to a regular, long-term schedule.

Support is most needed in the mornings and afternoons Mondays - Fridays.

Staff Contact

Potential volunteers should connect with Carla Falasco, Senior Manager of Volunteerism & Communications, at volunteer@twsh.org or 314.772.4535 to inquire about volunteer needs. If positions are available, all volunteers are required to fill out an application, background check form, and a waiver to get the process started. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN SUPPORTING FAMILIES ESCAPING VIOLENCE!