Volunteering for Victims!

Bring new hope and confidence to victims in your community as a VCARS volunteer!  We currently recruiting volunteers in the communities of Thunder Bay, Pass Lake, Dorion, Red Rock, Nipigon and Lake Helen. Volunteers provide confidential, short term emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals to victims.  Apply by now to be eligible to participate in our spring 2008 training class.

Benefits:

• Help victims of trauma and criminal acts
• Participate in our 40+ hour introductory training course
• Enjoy a flexible volunteer schedule
• Benefit from our continuing education program
• Learn about your community's resources
• Meet fellow caring community members

Volunteer Testimonials:

• "I enjoy helping people when they need it the most."
• "I feel good about myself when I can go out on calls to support victims."
• "I feel that I'm being helpful in the community."
• "I like working in a team that functions so well."
• "I enjoy being part of such a great group."
• "It keeps me on top of community services which I also need to know for my job."
• "I feel that I've gotten as much out of my experience with VCARS as I have given."
• "The training will be lasting, even once I'm no longer involved with VCARS - although I don't know when that will be!"

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Proof of a valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of one year of volunteering.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide non-judgmental, sensitive, emotionally safe service related to victims' needs.
• Must not have been a client or victim of a traumatic event during the past twelve months, or have issues before the courts.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Willing to share a pager and/or resources with a fellow volunteer.
• Willing and able to work in environments that are not allergen free.

• Complete 40+ hours of Ministry mandated initial volunteer training.
• Attend 75% of monthly 2-hour continuing education meetings.
• Commit to three 12-hour (or equivalent) on-call shifts per month to assist VCARS in providing 24/7 service.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteering.
• Provide time required to drop off call forms, share resources, etc.

Direct Service Position Description download in .pdf format

Volunteer Application form

Dispatch Volunteer Position Description

A VCARS Volunteer Perspective

Board of Directors Application form

Types of Boards