Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Delaware County Victim Assistance Center. Below, you will find detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of our volunteers.
To be eligible, volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have access to a vehicle. Once your application is submitted, an agency representative will contact you to schedule a personal interview. This interview is intended to provide more information about the agency and to allow us to learn more about you. Following the interview, you will be notified of your acceptance into the volunteer training program.
Pennsylvania law requires 40 hours of training to ensure the confidentiality of communications between sexual assault counselors and victims. Delaware County Victim Assistance Center offers this required training to allow prospective volunteers to meet the legal standards and to develop skills and abilities that will allow you to contribute to your community in a meaningful way. Twenty hours of training may be completed online, while the remaining twenty must be completed in-person with agency staff. In-person sessions are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Six hours of continued education is required per year (Volunteer Coordinator will provide training opportunities).
Volunteers must also receive clearance from the Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Registry, an FBI Background Check, and a Criminal Background Check.
To volunteer or if you should have questions, please contact Lauren Guenther, Deputy Director (610) 566-4342 or email lguenther@delcovictimassistance.org
Volunteers are our greatest natural resource!
Volunteer Information
Volunteer Job Responsibilities
After completion of training, volunteers are expected to respond to calls through the hotline on weeknights from 4:30pm to 8:30am and 24 hours on the weekend. Volunteers handle crisis calls, provide information about services, and may accompany a victim to the hospital and/or police department. While providing services, the volunteer gives comfort to the victim, may need to explain procedures, or may act as a liaison between other professionals and providers. Volunteers are agency ambassadors. They may be asked to also assist with fundraising or present educational programs to community groups in Delaware County.
Time Commitment
Minimum of 2 shifts per month chosen by the volunteer (Mon-Fri 4:30pm-8:30am; Sat-Sun 8:30am-8:30am). 1 year commitment
Giving Opportunities
As a community-based organization that serves any and all residents of Delaware County, we are especially grateful for contributions from individuals, businesses, and service groups from Delco. While we also greatly appreciate state and federal funding that is set aside for victims of sexual assault and other crimes, we are able to use contributions from the community for special projects and agency needs.
Here are ways you can be part of the work of Delaware County Victim Assistance Center:
- Help fund "We Care" bags! We provide hospital emergency rooms with bags of items for the brave victims of sexual assault who go there for exam and care. Each bag contains brand new items: sweat suit, soft shoes, customized toiletries, sports bra and underwear, along with information about legal rights. Each bag costs just $30.00, thanks to discounts from various vendors. (Please do not send items for the bags – we must include very specific things.)
- Sponsor a fund-raiser, friend-raiser or an awareness event! Limited only by your imagination, one event can raise awareness of crime prevention, raise awareness of our services, raise champions for our mission, and raise funds for client and agency needs. Great for college and high school service clubs! Call 610.566.4342 to discuss your idea.
- Contribute financially – any amount, any time! Visit our Donate page on PayPal, or send a check to PO Box 211, Media, PA 19063. On the memo line of the check, let us know if the contribution is “where needed most” or "We Care Bags."
Remember, it is not your fault
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