Volunteers

Helpmate understands that it takes the whole community to respond to the needs of victims and their children, and to create a world free of violence and fear. When they hold hands with each other and with Helpmate, our Volunteers weave a strong web of support and care around those who have experienced family violence, sending the clear message that domestic abuse is not acceptable in our community.

Helpmate Volunteers bring a variety of talents and skills to their work in eliminating domestic violence, and the success of Helpmate's mission depends on those different talents and skills. Volunteer opportunities meet a range of volunteer needs, and Helpmate provides ongoing training and support to its Volunteer staff.  Volunteer trainings for indirect and direct service work are offered three times each year.  They are usually held during the months of March, July, and November.

There are countless ways you can volunteer through Helpmate- as many ways as there are talents and people to share them! Following are brief descriptions of regularly staffed Volunteer Opportunities through Helpmate. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, or in designing a specialized volunteer opportunity, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (828)254-2968 x12 to learn about training schedules. Download the Volunteer Application Packet here.

Hotline Advocates assist victims of domestic violence and their children by answering calls to Helpmate's 24-hour hotline. Advocates can staff the hotline from their own home/cell phones, and often serve as the first, critical link to Helpmate services- and to living without abuse.

Children's Volunteers provide child care during regular support group meetings for adult clients. By offering their time and care, Children's Volunteers show the youngest victims of domestic violence that everyone deserves to be nurtured and loved.

Assistant Court Advocates provide support to those who are pursuing criminal action against their abusers or civil remedies to domestic violence. Court Advocates improve the success rate of clients as they move through what can be a confusing and intimidating court system.

Reception/Administrative Volunteers are the day-to-day face of Helpmate, performing light clerical work and providing reception and donation assistance.

Building and Grounds Helpers ensure that Helpmate's facility is a safe, attractive space for women and children. By nurturing Helpmate's environment, Building and Grounds Helpers create a home for healing.

Special Events Volunteers support Helpmate by working with the Development Director to carry out Helpmate's fundraising events. Special Events Volunteers are not just Helpmate's fundraisers- they are our friendraisers!

Language Interpreters assist the Helpmate staff in assessing the needs of those clients that cannot speak English. By helping with interpretation, these volunteers make it possible for many of our clients to use and benefit from Helpmate's services.

Community Educators assist the Outreach Coordinator by providing domestic violence education to various at-risk and professional groups within Buncombe County. Volunteer educators make it possible to reach more victims and create more awareness about domestic abuse.