Volunteer Project Catalog

Safe+Sound Somerset

Register to find out about our premier 60-hour training program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This comprehensive course covers the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence, creating empowering spaces for survivors, resource familiarity, and practical expectations for supporting survivors. Offered biannually, our hybrid training includes six in-person sessions held at our Somerset, NJ office, complemented by 48 hours of online content. With no cost to participate, this training meets the Attorney General’s requirements for Domestic Violence and Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate roles. Certificates are transferable across New Jersey agencies. The 60-Hour Domestic/Sexual Violence Advocate training gives basic knowledge to: Understand the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence Learn how to create empowering spaces for survivors Become familiar with resources and procedures Develop practical expectations for helping survivors The training is offered twice a year in the fall and spring and typically. Six (6) in-person sessions are hosted in the evenings on weekdays. The schedule for the Fall 2025 training will be released by the end of June 2025. The in-person training sessions take place at our downtown administrative office in Somerville, New Jersey. The specific address will be disclosed to you upon acceptance into the training program. Cohorts are limited to twenty (20) slots available per training. This is a hybrid training with the remaining 48 hours of content being administered via Intuto, our online Learning Management Platform There is no cost associated with taking this course.

Safe+Sound Somerset

Hillsborough’s 7th Annual Hope for Tomorrow Mental Health Fair sponsored by BoroSAFE. BoroSAFE is a community collaborative with an aim to provide access to mental health resources, emotional well-being best practices and suicide prevention resources across the entire Hillsborough Community. Join us for a fun and meaningful event and support Safe+Sound Somerset. As a volunteer, you will: - Set up and decorate a table with information, flyers, and giveaways about Safe+Sound Somerset and its programs and services. - Engage with the public and invite them to learn more about Safe+Sound Somerset and how they can get involved or donate. - Thank the visitors for their time and interest and encourage them to spread the word about Safe+Sound Somerset.

Safe+Sound Somerset

CSVA /NFSSRT Responsibilities: DIRECT SERVICE 1. When scheduled, and activation occurs, respond to victims of sexual assault at local in county hospital. 2. Provide confidential trauma informed emotionalsupport to victims. 3. Provide individualized safety planning and agency information. 4. Provide information about legal options. 5. Advocate for the victim at the hospital DOCUMETATION: 1. Complete Activation forms- Accompaniment Form, Survey 2. Email activation formsto Response Team Manager, via encrypted email Shred original copies within 24 hours of activation. OTHER 1. Must have the ability to arrive to hospital within 1 hour. 2. Attend monthly volunteer meetings; dates/time determined by program leads. 3. Attend ongoing training sessions. 4. Contact Team Leader/Response Team Manager after each activation. REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check: Must have satisfactory result prior to volunteering. 2. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic and Sexual Violence, prior to Volunteering. 3. Additional Individualized training and attending an emergency room tour with program supervisor and FNE Nurse Coordinator of Somerset County, prior to signing up for shifts. 4. Valid driver’s license or state ID 5. Reliable transportation 6. Ability to uphold client confidentiality. 7. Time Commitment: One year commitment required. Volunteers must be. able to provide on-call availability for a minimum two (2) shifts per month, shifts are as follows: 1) Day shifts 7:00 am-6:00 pm 2) Overnight shifts 6:00 pm-7:00 am 3 ) Shift selection is at volunteers’ discretion. 4) Must be comfortable driving at nighttime. 5) Must arrive at the hospital within 1 hour. Commitment to Equity: Safe + Sound Somerset strongly values diversity for the benefit of our team, our work and our collective movement to end violence. Safe + Sound Somerset is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applicants from racially or ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals with disabilities, and survivors to apply. Organizational Commitment I understand the above CSVA/NFSSRT, volunteer description. Furthermore, I commit to uphold the trauma informed Vision, Mission, Core Values, (NASW) Code of Ethics, Statement of Confidentiality and Anti-Racism Commitment of Safe + Sound Somerset in all interactions with clients, staff, volunteers, partners and community members.

Safe+Sound Somerset

Domestic Violence Advocates are trained volunteers on our Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). Domestic Violence Advocates respond to activations by survivors of domestic violence. Advocates are critical in: - providing crisis response and trauma-informed emotional support in the police department setting, - guiding survivors through safety planning, - offering information about legal options and counseling services, and - advocating for the survivor during the law enforcement and court order process. Domestic Violence Advocates are required to sign up for a minimum of two 12-hour on-call shifts per month, during which they must be available to respond to local Somerset County municipal police departments within 60 minutes of activation. Additionally, Domestic Violence Advocates are required to attend monthly meetings and/or virtual training sessions. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming a Domestic Violence Advocate! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check: Satisfactory result required upon volunteering and every 3 years 2. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 3. Valid driver’s license 4. Ability to uphold client confidentiality 5. One year pledge to meet shift sign-up and training requirements

Safe+Sound Somerset

Safe + Sound Somerset gives additional support to our clients and their families with gift cards to purchase necessary items that they may be struggling to provide as they beginning lives in our safe house or their own new home. Besides providing necessities like clothing, hygiene and household items, and food, gift cards also empower survivors with the autonomy to make their own decisions about these items. For many of these survivors, it is the first time they have access to “money,” and helps them with learning to budget and manage household finances. Individual, businesses and community groups can help by organizing a Gift Card Drive with your friends, co-workers and others. During these challenging times, during which survivors and families have been especially strained, organizing a Gift Card Drive will provide survivors with a brighter future. We are collecting gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, Target and ShopRite, as well as Visa Gift Cards. Our preferred amount is $25, but any amount is greatly appreciated! If you purchase electronic gift cards: please send them to kcantwell@safe-sound.org If you purchase physical gift cards: please mail them to: Safe+Sound Somerset ATTN: Kristin Cantwell PO Box 835 Somerville, NJ 08876 -or- email kcantwell@safe-sound.org to arrange a drop-off. Thank you in advance for helping the clients of Safe+Sound Somerset. Because of your generosity, survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children can look forward to a brighter future!

Safe+Sound Somerset

Hotline Advocates are trained volunteers who provide 24-hour on-call coverage to the Safe+Sound Somerset hotline. Volunteers use excellent communication and organizational skills to remain calm and manage a crisis over the phone. Hotline Advocates are critical in: - screening hotline calls, - providing crisis intervention, support, and safety planning as needed, - referring callers to appropriate community resources, - making intake appointments for counseling, evaluation and legal clinics, - maintaining records of all calls, and - forwarding release forms to the Response Team Coordinator. Hotline Advocates are required to sign up for a minimum of two 24-hour shifts per month, with opportunities available both remotely and in-person at our Safe House. Advocates will be provided with specialized training and guidance for their role by staff. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming a Hotline Advocate! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Completed Volunteer Application, including two references 2. Signed policies agreement 3. Background Check Release 4. Completion of 60-Hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 5. Completion of additional Hotline-specific training

Safe+Sound Somerset

Legal Advocates are trained volunteers who assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at the Somerset County Courthouse. Legal Advocates help survivors navigate the restraining order process. Legal Advocates are critical in: - providing trauma-informed emotional support to survivors in the courthouse setting, - guiding survivors through the restraining order process, - offering information about the court process and legal options to survivors, - sharing information about safety planning and counseling services, - providing education about community resources, as appropriate, and - advocating for the survivor during the legal process. Legal Advocates are required to sign up for a minimum of two Thursday shifts per month from 8:30am-12:00pm, during which they must be available to support survivors at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville, NJ. Additionally, Legal Advocates are required to attend meetings and/or virtual training sessions. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming a Legal Advocate! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check: Satisfactory result required upon volunteering and every 3 years 2. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 3. Valid driver’s license 4. Ability to uphold client confidentiality 5. One year pledge to meet shift sign-up and training requirements

Safe+Sound Somerset

As a Municipal Alliance Representative for Safe+Sound Somerset, you will play a critical role in advocating and representing our mission at the local level. Your primary responsibility will be to attend Township Municipal Alliance meeting, held on the second Monday of each month, to voice the perspectives and talking points provided by Safe+Sound Somerset. This position serves as a vital link between the community’s efforts in substance abuse prevention and Safe+Sound Somerset's initiatives to promote safety and wellbeing within the community. Key Responsibilities: • Attend the Township Municipal Alliance meeting on the second Monday of each month. • Represent Safe+Sound Somerset by presenting prepared talking points and participating in discussions during the meetings. • Take detailed notes during each Municipal Alliance meeting. • Report back and submit meeting notes to the Volunteer Manager at Safe+Sound Somerset in a timely manner. Training and Preparation: Complete 6 hours of training provided by Safe+Sound Somerset, designed to prepare you for your role. This training will cover organizational objectives, key talking points, note-taking, and reporting procedures. Requirements: • Ability to attend monthly meetings in the evening on the second Monday of each month. • Strong communication and note-taking skills. • Commitment to the mission and values of Safe+Sound Somerset. • Stay informed and up-to-date with Safe+Sound Somerset’s policies, programs, and initiatives to accurately represent the organization. • Willingness to undergo 6 hours of training provided by the organization.

Safe+Sound Somerset

Office Assistants provide general front office coverage in our main administrative building and assist with special administrative projects. Volunteers in this role will: - provide front office coverage, - organize & maintain files, - respond to general inquiries, - maintain a clean working space, and - perform other tasks as assigned. This opportunity has partial remote eligibility with a flexible schedule, and training support provided. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming an Office Assistant for Safe+Sound Somerset! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check: Satisfactory result required upon volunteering and every 3 years 2. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault. 3. Valid driver’s license 4. Ability to uphold client confidentiality 5. Reference Check

Safe+Sound Somerset

Purpose: • To provide general front office coverage and assist with special administrative projects. • To provide childcare and assist with special programming for children of Safe+Sound Somerset clients. Key Responsibilities: • Provide front office coverage and maintain a clean working space. • Organize and maintain files, respond to general inquiries. • Provide childcare while parent/guardian is in counseling; assist children with homework/school projects. • Ensure the safety of children while engaging in play activities. • Perform other tasks as assigned. Location: Safe+Sound Somerset main administrative building, outreach office, Safe House, Transitional Facilities. Supervision: Reports to children’s case manager or counselor. Qualifications: • Experience working with children, ability to initiate creative activities and communicate clearly with children. • Valid driver’s license and ability to uphold client confidentiality. Requirements for Volunteering: 1. Completed Volunteer Application, including two references. 2. Signed policies agreement and liability waiver. 3. Satisfactory background check result upon volunteering and every 3 years. 4. Motor Vehicle Report Release. 5. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault. 6. Additional interview/completion of childcare training. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming an Office Assistant and Children’s Program Assistant for Safe+Sound Somerset!

Safe+Sound Somerset

Safe House Support Aides are trained volunteers who provide a variety of assistance needed to support the operations of our Safe House. Aides are critical in: - identifying maintenance needs, - assessing, taking inventory and purchasing required items such as food supplies, - performing weekly room checks with staff, - sorting and storing donations, - meet with survivors regarding requests for clothing, linens and toiletries, - providing staff coverage during mandated breaks, and - maintaining and organizing files. Safe House Support Aides will volunteer on a flexible schedule, during which they must be available to support survivors at the Safe House location. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming a Safe House Support Aide! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check: Satisfactory result required upon volunteering and every 3 years 2. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 3. Valid driver’s license 4. Ability to uphold client confidentiality 5. Reference Check

Safe+Sound Somerset

Social Ambassadors are volunteers who are passionate about our cause and willing to share our story and messages with their family, friends, and others. This dedicated team of volunteers makes a difference in their community by sharing information about Safe+Sound Somerset’s mission, our services, and our education and fundraising campaigns. How To Participate: Through quick and easy actions, Social Ambassadors serve as our voice and amplify our reach to new clients, community partners, volunteers, and donors. Social media is where people connect, associate with each other, and share content, just like we do offline. You can help by: - following us on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) at the account @safesoundsomerset , - making a Call to Action on your own pages by asking your friends/family/followers to join you in attending an event, hosting an educational training for their workplace or community group, supporting a fundraising campaign, and following our pages, and - looking for our content regularly (we almost always post at least once a day!) and then Share our posts and Comment on the content. A Comment can be as simple as “This is important information” or “Great job, Safe+Sound!” – which is the type of engagement that raises are profile in the algorithms and gets us in front of more people. Remember, we tend to trust information that comes from people with whom we have a relationship more than a random recommendation from an unknown source. Your willingness to share information on our behalf is a huge endorsement within your circle of influence! Sign up for this project today and make your commitment to be a Social Ambassador for Safe+Sound Somerset!

Safe+Sound Somerset

This volunteer opportunity involves creating engaging and relevant content related to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault prevention for the Safe+Sound Somerset TikTok social media account. The volunteer will meet regularly with the Vice President of Development & Communications to discuss ideas, patterns, and trends on this platform. They will also be responsible for responding to inquiries that come through the TikTok account in a manner that is professional, trauma-informed, and in alignment with our organizational values. This is a fully remote opportunity with self-reporting of volunteer hours performed on a flexible schedule. Sign up for this project today to learn more about becoming a TikTok Content Creator for Safe+Sound Somerset! REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING 1. Background Check 2. Reference Check 3. Initial interview with VP of Development & Communications 4. Completion of mandatory 60-hour training in Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault