HAVEN offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for people of all backgrounds, interests, talents, and time availability. A volunteer core made up of people with diverse belief systems and backgrounds helps HAVEN be a stronger agency. At the same time, prospective volunteers should be aware of HAVEN’S core values and the types of issues we publicly support. 

In order to work with clients, all staff and volunteers are required to complete HAVEN’S 73.5-hour training course. Upon successful completion of training, volunteers will be transitioned into direct service programs based on interest and schedule availability. As a twenty-four-hour program, we have volunteer opportunities to match every schedule!

A staff made up of people with diverse belief systems and backgrounds helps HAVEN be a stronger agency. At the same time, prospective staff and volunteers should be aware of Haven's core values and the types of issues we publicly support.

• Because HAVEN understands violence occurs in intimate relationships regardless of gender, and that recognition of those relationships is an important part of finding safety and healing, we support marriage equality regardless of sexual orientation.

• Because HAVEN knows reproductive coercion is often a part of violent relationships, and control over one's own body is often the first thing a survivor of domestic or sexual abuse needs to establish for healing, we support pro-choice policies and increased access to women's reproductive health services.

• Because HAVEN understands that barriers to reporting and getting help can be different between the transgender and cis-gendered communities, and among men, women, and people who don't identify as either, we support policies that are inclusive of everyone regardless of gender identity.

• Because HAVEN understands survivors in immigrant populations may have additional barriers to reporting, or may view safety differently than the dominant culture does, we support policies that increase safety for immigrant populations regardless of the legal status of individuals.

• HAVEN believes there is an intersection between power/privilege at a societal level and the effectiveness of traditional responses to violence experienced by those without power. Therefore, we support policies and practices that reflect the unique experience of traditionally marginalized populations. In particular, HAVEN seeks to improve community responses for survivors who are people of color, members of the LGBT community, survivors of abuse in later life, and survivors

Next Trainings:

Spring 2025
03/03/25 to 04/08/25

Summer 2025
Dates TBA

Fall 2025
Dates TBA

Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will be informed of what to do next!

If you are interested in attending the training please contact
Janette Garcia, at jgarcia[at]havenstan.org or call 209.524.4331 (Main Line)

Enrollment is not complete until the application has been received and approved.
Training is full at 20 trainees.

Direct Service Volunteers

Direct service volunteers are asked to commit to one (1) year of volunteer work, with weekly or monthly time commitments (varies by program). In addition, volunteers need to attend a quarterly meeting and participate in eight hours of continuing education activities each year.

You must be over 18 to attend training and become a direct service volunteer. Additionally, people with close relationships such as significant others, friends, family members, roommates, etc., may not attend the same training series.

Questions About Volunteering

HOW DO I SIGN UP TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Please send your application as early as possible, as space in the course is limited.  We will close enrollment for this series once 20 applications are received.  Once your application is received you will receive a reminder email/letter confirming your enrollment. 

WHAT IF I CAN'T ATTEND EVERY SESSION OF THE VOLUNTEER TRAINING?
Trainees should plan on attending all classes; however, we realize there are emergencies, illnesses, etc.  Absences may be made up.   If more than 13 hours are missed, however, you will be dropped from training and have to start over in a subsequent training series.  This is a state requirement.

HOW SOON CAN I START VOLUNTEERING?
Placement in the Volunteer Program will be discussed with each interested graduate trainee individually after the training course is completed. Upon acceptance into the Volunteer Program, we ask for a volunteer commitment of at least one year, donating your time to one or more programs.  During your placement interview, you will discuss what you are hoping to do for your volunteer work, the hours that you have available, etc. and we will come up with the best match we can based on those criteria. Each program has its own minimum hours requirement, with some type of activity happening each month.  In addition, you are required to attend a monthly meeting and participate in eight hours of continuing education activities each year.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have more questions about training you can call our Modesto Office at 209.524.4331 or send us an email at jgarcia[at]havenstan.org. 

I AM LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER PRACTICUM PLACEMENT, IS THIS PROVIDED?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this at this time.

WHEN IS YOUR NEXT VOLUNTEER TRAINING?
Please see the Training schedule for information regarding training dates.

WHAT IF I WANT TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE, BUT I DON'T WANT TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH CLIENTS?
No problem! We always have lots of ways to help. You can be involved in fundraising events, drafting marketing letters, website development, graphic design, filing paperwork, writing grants, or even helping with design projects. 

If you really want to get involved, let us know what you are passionate about- and chances are we can find a place for you! 

WHAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE?
Volunteers are used in every program for direct client services.  However, some programs are not able to accept volunteers at this time.