Volunteers
The Heart of Our Agency
Crime Victim Advocate Volunteer
Your goal as a victim advocate will be to provide assistance and/or advocacy for crime victims during the difficult period of adjustment following a traumatic incident.
After successfully completing the requirements of being a crime victim advocate, your talents will be utilized as best suited for you in some of the following areas:
- be available to the victim for crisis counseling, assessment of emergency needs, information and referral
- assist crime victims in filing for Crime Victims' Compensation through the Attorney General's Office
- provide support services such as referrals for counseling needed to deal with victimization, advocacy with the criminal justice system and court accompaniment
- assist with speaking engagements or public awareness projects in the community
- assist with case management
- help with clerical work
To become a volunteer victim advocate you must:
- be willing to undergo a complete background check and provide personal references
- have good listening skills
- be caring, empathetic and enjoy working with people
- be able to maintain a healthy emotional distance while assisting the crime victim to cope effectively with the traumatic situation
- follow all agency policy and procedures
- follow direction provided by the volunteer coordinator and program director
You will be requested to make a commitment of approximately 100 hours of volunteer work for a one year period. For more information please contact our volunteer coordinator at 361-852-7540 or 800-607-4263.
Family Forward Volunteer
Family Forward offers an 8-12 week program called the Middle Way Education Program. Many of the classes provide child care and snacks. The classes have a minimal charge and sholarships are available for those who are unable to pay.
Opportunities for volunteers include:
- providing child care for nursery
- facilitating parents groups
- participating in public awareness projects (e.g. health fairs, speaking engagements)
- helping with clerical work
To become a Family Forward Volunteer, you must:
- be 18 years old or older
- be willing to undergo a complete background check and provide personal references
- have good listening skills
- be caring and empathetic and enjoy working with people
- be able to maintain a healthy emotional distance while facilitating groups
- be responsible and reliable
- be able to maintain confidentiality
You will be requested to attend a training by Family Forward. For more information about becoming a volunteer for this program contact our offices at 361-852-9665 ext. 207.
