Needs From: Barrington Area Volunteer Connection

 

Title:  Survivor Life Line Mentor

 

Staff Partner:  Survivor Life Line Coordinator

Location:  This program is located in an undisclosed location in the Chicago region.

 

Time:  Weekly time requirements will vary and will usually range from 2-5 hours per month based on a mutually convenient time with your schedule and those of the mentee. 

 

Commitment:  Requesting a commitment to volunteer weekly for at least six months.

 

Requirements: 

 

Completion of the Domestic Violence Training and background check.

 

Mentors must be a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence.

 

Any personal experience with domestic violence should be more than one (1) year prior to applying for this volunteer opportunity. (exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Interim Director of Community Based and Suburban Safe House Services).

 

 

Description:

 

WINGS Survivor Life Line (SLL) program matches compassionate SLL Mentors with survivors of intimate partner violence who are leaving domestic violence shelters and moving into homes and apartments. SLL Mentors will provide empowering services including budgeting assistance, bridges to eligible community resources and compassionate encouragement.  

 

 

This may be a good fit for you if:

 

You want to use your time and abilities to be a part of the journey to end domestic violence and empower survivors.

 

You have good communication skills and enjoy speaking with others.

 

You feel comfortable working with people in a diverse environment in regards to social-economic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion.

 

You are compassionate.

 

You have strong personal boundaries.

Title: Resale store volunteer

 

Staff Partner:  Resale Store Manager or Sales Associate

 

Locations:   

WINGS Arlington Heights Resale Store

1302 N. Rand Rd.

Arlington Heights, IL 

 

WINGS Schaumburg Resale Store

300 W. Golf Rd.

Schaumburg, IL

 

Age:  Volunteers must be 14 years or older to volunteer individually.  Volunteers age 12 to 13 must be accompanied with a parent or guardian.

 

Time:  Most volunteers come once a week for about four (4) hours at a time.  All volunteering schedules are made in advance, and schedule openings vary by location.

 

Commitment: Our volunteers are an important part of our team!  We provide volunteer orientation and training to equip volunteers with the information they need.  Because of this, we ask for a commitment of at least 40 hours (i.e. once a week for four (4) hours at a time for 10 weeks.)  And, most of our volunteers continue their involvement for much longer!

 

Description:  Each day we receive new and gently used items through the generosity of local merchants and community members.  We sell these items to the public with all proceeds going to support our houses, counseling, and other services.  These stores are a vital part of our organization because they provide the largest and most consistent source of funds for our program.  All merchandise is also available to our residents, at no cost, as they rebuild their lives after the devastating effects of domestic violence and homelessness.  To minimize the risk of injury, close-toed shoes are required.

 

 

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

 

Sorter:

 

Description: Sorters graciously accept boxes and bags full of donated items from members of the community.  Then, often working together, the sorter(s) will inspect the items for damage and put them into the appropriate categories for pricing and processing (i.e. women’s clothing, kid’s toys, books, etc.). 

 

This might be a good fit for you if:

You are a self-described “treasure hunter” or you enjoy the surprise of opening a box with no idea what will be inside You know about brand name clothing or household items (or are willing to learn) You enjoy using your attentive eye to find defects on items (including missing buttons, broken zippers, small stains, etc.) When needed, you are able to lift 25 lbs. (i.e. a black trash bag full of clothing) You love clothes, books, accessories, shoes and/or shopping! You are able to work while standing You enjoy being a part of a great team of committed and diverse volunteers and staff members

 

Cashier:

 

Description:  The Cashier is welcoming and greets customers, answers basic questions about the stores and the program, and ensures that customers have a pleasant shopping and sales transaction experience with us.  Depending on how busy the store is, at times this may be more of a back-up position with other front of the store duties assigned.  Training for the cash register will be provided.

 

This might be a good fit for you if:

You are comfortable working with a cash register and handling sales transactions (or are willing to learn) You are comfortable with fundamental math concepts including calculating percents You enjoy being a part of a great team of committed and diverse volunteers and staff members You have a friendly smile and enjoy helping customers You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that supports families in rebuilding their lives after the devastating effects of domestic violence and homelessness You would also enjoy helping with other front of the store projects during times when the register is slow.

 

Merchandiser:

 

Description:  The Merchandiser usually begins as a Sorter and has learned how the backroom works.  They then take particular interest in a specific area of the store (usually clothing, housewares, or accessories).  They will learn more about tagging, pricing, displaying, and recovery in that section.  Usually working with the manager or a team of other volunteers, the Merchandiser will price items, replenish stock in their section, or make displays in their area.  Additional tasks will vary based on the volume of customers and can include: assisting the Cashier with bagging customer purchases, helping a customer find exactly what they are looking for by assisting as a personal shopper, and assisting with basic store upkeep such as returning unpurchased items to the correct place.

 

This might be a good fit for you if:

-     You love clothes, accessories, housewares, or shopping!

-     You are able to lift 10 lbs (a few hangers full of clothing or an empty crockpot in housewares)

-     You are good at design, decorating, or display and enjoy thinking of new ways to make your section visually appealing                 

-     You are able to work while standing

-     You have a friendly smile and would be happy to assist customers while you are working

-     You enjoy being a part of a great team of committed and diverse volunteers and staff members

-     You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that supports families in rebuilding their lives after the devastating effects of domestic violence and homelessness

 

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Please click “Respond” on this page. You can expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.

TITLE:  Safe House Hostess                  

 

STAFF PARTNER:  House Advocate 

 

LOCATIONS: WINGS Domestic Violence Safe Houses, which are in undisclosed locations in the Northwest Suburban area and Midway Airport area.

 

TIME:  Most volunteers cover one or two meal shifts a week.  The lunch shift is Monday – Friday from 11:00 to 2pm and the dinner shift is Monday – Friday from 4:00-7:00pm. Occasionally, some other timeslots may be available based on the needs at the house. 

 

COMMITMENT: Requires willingness to commit to a weekly shift for at least one (1) year.  Advance notice is requested in the event of a cancellation so we can schedule a substitute.

 

REQUIREMENTS: 

Completion of the 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training (provided by WINGS three (3) times a year.) Background check is required.  Any personal experience with domestic violence should be more than two (2) years prior to applying for this volunteer opportunity. A commitment to keeping the location confidential.

 

DESCRIPTION: 

-  Assist in the daily meal times at the Safe House by: warming up, setting out and putting away a previously prepared lunch or dinner for clients and workers at the Safe House.

-  Interact with clients during meal times to promote constructive and friendly conversations with and between the clients.  

-  Promote a positive environment by lending a listening ear to someone who wants to talk, engaging more hesitant clients in conversation to help them feel welcomed and comfortable.

-  Help clients with daily living tasks, including: explaining kitchen and dining room chores, assisting clients with cleaning up after themselves and their children.

-  Organizing and sorting weekly food donations in both the Safe House walk-in fridge and pantry. Hostess volunteers also make sure that clients have enough food items (milk, butter, cereal, etc.) in the communal area and restock if needed.

-  Other duties are assigned to Hostess volunteers based on volunteer interest and current shelter need (Examples include: suggesting or facilitating simple activities (such as a card game or new toy) to adults or to parents trying to entertain children,).

 

 

THIS MAY BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF:

 

-  You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that provides direct service to clients.

-  You are able to lift about 30 lbs.

-  You are a good listener and able to give empathy and options without giving advice.

-  You are able to say calm, even when others become upset or emotional.

-  You have strong boundaries and are able to demonstrate those to others.

-  You are willing to support women in their choices; even choices you may not agree with.

-  You feel comfortable working with people in a diverse environment in regards to social-economic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion.

You are comfortable with varying levels of activity. (Sometimes the house is very full and busy.  Other times the residents spend much of their time away.)

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or to get involved:

Please click “Respond” on this page. You can expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.