Indirect Service Volunteers work with SPAN with various aspects of organizing, staffing & support at fundraising events, fairs, festivals, and other special events in which SPAN is participating and/or hosting. Volunteers can assist with administrative support, event promotion, event day activities, and post event activities.

IN-DIRECT SERVICE VOLUNTEER REQUIRMENTS

All in-direct service volunteer positions have the following requirements:

• Age requirements:
  • At least 18 years old
  • At least 16 years old with parent/guardian permission
  • 12~15 years old with supervision *volunteer opportunities are limited for this age range*
• Attend a 2 hour training
• No minimum commitment required

How long does it take to become an indirect service volunteer?

It is important to consider, that the process of becoming an in-direct service takes about 2-3 weeks from start to finish.

The steps are as follows:

1. Submit an interest form
2. Attend an Volunteer Program Information Session (registration link given in interest form follow up)
3. Interview: you will be notified on the day-of, whether you are accepted into the volunteer program
4. Schedule a 1.5 hour training with the Volunteer Coordinator
5. You will be added to our outreach list when different events, or projects come up throughout the year

Indirect Service Volunteers work with SPAN with various aspects of organizing, staffing & support at fundraising events, fairs, festivals, and other special events in which SPAN is participating and/or hosting. Volunteers can assist with administrative support, event promotion, event day activities, and post event activities.

Examples of indirect service volunteering opportunities include:

• The Chocolate Fling; our biggest annual fundraiser of the year every May!
  • Join the Chocolate Fling Committee to help us plan this event! Committee members meet once a month from January ~ May to support with coordinating auction items, calling businesses, writing cards, etc.
  • Or you can join on the day-of to support with set up, registration, event activities, and clean up.
• Community Event Tabling: support our outreach by representing SPAN at community events! We will have booths at resource fairs, community gatherings, and festivals throughout the year.
• Renovation & Organization Projects: on occasion we will have projects available to help revamp our buildings, or organize donations that we received from the community.
• Weeding (May~October): we need support with weeding our new Xeriscape lawn at our Outreach office!

Youth Volunteering can refer to an individual or a group of people who are between 12~17 years old and interested in volunteering. Volunteer opportunities may be limited due to the nature of the work, but feel free to reach out and we will see what we can do!

For youth group volunteering projects, please reach out to Seb Fairbanks, the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at sebf@safehousealliance.org to discuss what opportunities are available.

For individual youth volunteering, please consider taking a look at our Peers Building Justice (PBJ) Youth Program linked below.

We welcome volunteer who need to complete community service hours for court.

Please call (303) 449-8623 or fill out the volunteer interest form to inquire.

Direct Service Volunteering refers to working directly with clients, or working near clients. At SPAN we have the following direct-service volunteer positions available on a fluctuating basis;

• Children’s Program Volunteer at Shelter
• Children’s Program Volunteer with the Family Resiliency Program
• Court Advocate Volunteer
• Front Desk Volunteer at the Outreach Office
• Food Program Volunteer at Shelter
• Shelter Advocate Volunteer
• Crisis Line Volunteer at Shelter

(scroll down to see availability, and position description)

DIRECT SERVICE VOLUNTEER REQUIRMENTS

All direct service volunteer positions have the following requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Not have been a client with us for at least 1 year
• At least a 6 month commitment
• Be able to volunteer on a regular basis; one 4-hour shift per week
• Pass two background checks:
  • Fingerprinting
  • BIU TRAILS
•  Attend our 25 hour para-professional anti-violence training
  • This training series is complied of 7 different workshops that occur over the course of three weeks.
  • This training series takes place in person, in Boulder.
  • Additional information about the training, such as the schedule, and training content, will be shared after an interest form is sent.

How long does it take to become a direct service volunteer?

It is important to consider that the process of becoming a direct service volunteer can take anywhere from 2~3 months. (Note: this time is not included in the required 6 month commitment.)

The steps are as follows:

1. Submit an interest form
2. Attend an Volunteer Program Information Session (registration link given in interest form follow up)
3. Interview: you will be notified within 7 days whether you have been accepted into the program or not
4. SPAN paraprofessional training: (takes 3 weeks)
5. Shadowing, program orientation, & additional training for the role (1~4 weeks depending on the role)

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to serve as Children’s Program Volunteers at our confidential shelter and at our outreach center. Children’s Program Volunteers play a vital role in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth who have been impacted by domestic abuse.

1) SHELTER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM VOLUNTEER (on hold)

Your primary responsibility will be to support the emotional well-being and development of children and youth (ages 0-17) through engaging activities, educational programs, and individualized support.

2) OUTREACH CENTER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM VOLUNTEER (Spanish-English Bilingual Required)

You will be working as a team member of the Family Resiliency Engagement and Empowerment (FREE) Program. You will be facilitating a group for ages 9-12 on Wednesdays from 4-6pm. The FREE Program is a whole family and community approach to counseling. Weekly, the SPAN counseling team simultaneously offers support groups to all members of the family. There are two child and youth groups (age 5-8 and 9-12), one teens group, and two adult caregiver support groups (Spanish and English). The child and youth groups follow a developmentally and age-appropriate step by step group curriculum, engaging youth in creative interventions and activities that encourage reflection, teach psychoeducation, and practice these skills through integration in and out of the group.

Responsibilities (Both locations):

• Create a safe and welcoming environment for children by establishing trusting relationships, maintaining boundaries, and reliably participating in volunteer shifts.
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities for children and youth, including arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and outdoor play that promote creativity, positive behavior, and social interaction.
• Assist in the development and implementation of educational programs that address the unique needs of children who have experienced domestic abuse and resulting housing instability.
• Assist with art supplies and organization: Help maintain a well-stocked and organized art space by ensuring that art supplies are readily available and properly stored.
• Collaborate with span staff to ensure that art activities align with the children’s needs and therapeutic goals.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, activities, and progress for reporting purposes.
• Attend age-appropriate, socio-emotional training sessions and meetings to enhance your skills and stay informed about best practices in supporting children impacted by overlapping issues of economic housing instability and violence in the home.

The Food Program Volunteer at our confidential shelter location plays a supportive role to our kitchen manager. This volunteer position requires an individual who is self-directed, organized, and reliable. 

Responsibilities:

Kitchen Maintenance and Organization:

• Support Kitchen Manager in keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and well-stocked with necessary supplies.
• Regularly check and maintain kitchen equipment and report any malfunction or need for repairs.
• Monitor food inventory and assist in grocery shopping as needed.

Support and Empowerment:

• Interact with residents in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, fostering a supportive and safe environment.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to residents during mealtimes, offering a listening ear and a friendly presence.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and Kitchen Manager to ensure smooth meal preparation and service.
• Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills related to domestic violence issues and trauma-informed care.

**On occasion, there may be opportunities to support with meal planning & preparation when our kitchen manager is out of office.

The Volunteer Advocate at our domestic violence shelter plays a crucial role in providing support and assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence. Together with our Shelter staff, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of survivors, offering them a safe and supportive environment where they can seek refuge and begin their journey towards healing and empowerment. 

Responsibilities:

• Emotional Support: Provide empathetic listening and emotional support to survivors, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns in a non-judgmental and empowering environment.
• Information and Referral: Provide accurate and up-to-date information about community resources, such as counseling services, housing options, support groups, and legal assistance, and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Training and Development: Attend regular trainings and educational sessions to enhance knowledge of domestic violence issues, trauma-informed care, and best practices in supporting survivors.
• Shelter Operations: Assist with day-to-day shelter operations, including but not limited to cleaning, organizing supplies, room turnovers, laundry, and maintaining a safe, and dignified comfortable living space for residents.
• Advocacy: Assist advocates with client support, including writing service verification letters, assisting clients with applications, and other tasks needed to support shelter clients.

We are also looking for volunteers who would be willing to run groups for our adult clients. These groups can range from creative activities, writing workshops, yoga clinics, etc. This is not a requirement of the role, however if there is anything that you would like to offer, please let us know.

Court Advocates aid clients in understanding civil protection orders and can offer in-person help in Boulder and Broomfield Courts. 

Shifts are once a week Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each shift is staffed by one volunteer.  

Court advocates provide information regarding the civil protection order process and paperwork, accompany petitioners to file paperwork, accompany petitioners to and provide emotional support during temporary protective order hearings, and connect petitioners with other SPAN services and community resources that support petitioner’s safety and well-being.  

In limited circumstances, court advocates may also attend criminal proceedings and provide emotional support for victims of domestic violence.

Responsibilities & Time Commitments:

1. A minimum 6-month commitment to the Court Advocacy Volunteer Program is required.
2. Consistently attend your scheduled weekly 4-hour shift.
3. Communicate scheduling conflicts or unavailability for scheduled shifts in advance or as soon as possible.
4. Complete necessary paperwork, including intake forms, and follow-up on all cases.
5. Go over disclosure forms and confidentiality limits with petitioners.
6. Perform conflict checks and determine whether a conflict of interest exists.
7. Explain court processes and procedures.
8. Support petitioner in completing court forms without providing legal advice.
9. Accompany petitioner to file court forms with the clerk’s office.
10. Accompany petitioner to temporary protection order hearing.
11. Explain service procedures for Temporary Protection Order (TPO).
12. Answer any questions a petitioner might have after a hearing.
13. Provide petitioners with information and answer procedural questions regarding permanent protection order hearings.
14. Provide safety planning and community resources to petitioners.
15. Use active listening, ethical communication, client-defined advocacy, and social justice skills with all clients, team members and staff.
16. Interact professionally and respectfully with court staff, clerks, law enforcement, and judicial officers.
17. Other duties as assigned by the Legal Advocacy Coordinator or Director of Legal Advocacy.

The Outreach Front Desk and Administrative Support Volunteer provides customer service and public relations for SPAN; gives information and referrals to the community over the phone and in person in a courteous and professional manner. Reception duties include greeting clients and members of the community, directing calls to appropriate staff or to voice mail, and transferring crisis calls to the crisis line in a friendly, supportive way. 

Time Commitments:

• 3-4 hours during the day (M-F)
• 1-2 times/week
• Notify the program volunteer manager if you plan to be out of town or on vacation. For illness and emergency, please notify the program volunteer manager to alert them of your absence as soon as possible.

Responsibilities: 

• Greet people and answer the telephone in a friendly, professional manner.
• Provide appropriate information and resources to clients and the general public.
• Connect crisis calls to the crisis-line in a supportive and validating way.
• Refer intra-agency business calls to the appropriate office or voice mail of SPAN staff in a professional manner.
• Use active listening, ethical communication, and client-defined advocacy skills with all clients, staff members, volunteers and the general public.
• Provide feedback to SBAA and VC about any challenges or opportunities for improvement in supervision, how to manage the job duties, or any issue that arises to ensure volunteer goals are met and that the experience of volunteering at SPAN is meaningful and effective.
• Stay current in community and program developments by reviewing materials on bulletin board, reading newsletters, making use of referral books and by asking questions of staff members.
• Maintain upkeep of Outreach Center and office including, but not limited to, the following tasks: fulfill copying needs, and maintain general tidiness of office and kitchen.
• Must meet designated commitments decided between you, the Administrative Assistant and the Volunteer Manager. The schedule is flexible and can be adapted to your life commitments.
• Learn elements required for entering donor information into database and how to merge donor data with letters. Print letters and labels. Save letters to appropriate file on network. Prepare letters for mail.

*Please note, we have put a temporary pause on professional volunteers. Check back soon for more information.

Professional Volunteers can offer their expertise on a volunteer basis to SPAN clients and staff alike. They can provide…

• yoga
• art groups
• massage clinics
• dance classes
• group therapy
• legal clinics
• etc.

SPAN will assess whether the offered skill set is suitable on a case-by-case basis.

*Please note, we have put a temporary pause on group volunteers. Check back soon for more information.

Group activities vary based on our needs and may include sorting through and organizing donations, repainting walls or outdoor furniture, weeding, administrative work, etc. SPAN may or may not be able to provide group volunteer opportunities based on capacity, needs, and other factors. Volunteer group requests will be assessed on a case by case basis.

** For youth volunteer groups, please see the “Indirect Volunteering” section