LAWS Volunteer Program
LAWS holds recurring information sessions for community members who are interested in volunteering and would like more information on the training process and how to get started.
For information on the next volunteer information session, please e-mail volunteer@lcsj.org.
LAWS is proud to have a dedicated group of volunteers who generously donate their time and talents in support of our mission. We offer a variety of programs that provide meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Volunteer roles are available during daytime, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate diverse schedules; however, weekday availability is preferred to ensure adequate training for certain roles.
All volunteers must complete either Level I or Level II training, depending on their area of interest:
Level I opportunities include assisting at the front desk, supporting administrative tasks, helping with fundraising, working at our thrift shop, and picking up groceries for shelter clients.
Level II opportunities involve answering the hotline, providing childcare, accompanying clients to hospital exams, supporting shelter operations, and representing LAWS at community events.
Level I training is approximately 15 hours, while Level II training is about 40 hours. Both trainings include a combination of in-person and virtual presentations by LAWS staff and community partners, online learning modules, and on-the-job training. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: confidentiality, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, advocacy, and considerations for working with survivors from specific communities.
We recognize that the training process requires a meaningful time commitment, but it’s one that truly makes a difference. Our goal is to ensure every volunteer feels informed, supported, and empowered to advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. At LAWS, we deeply value our volunteers and consider them an essential part of our team.
How Do I Become a LAWS Volunteer?
To begin the volunteer process and participate in our training series, all prospective volunteers must first attend an information session. Please see the details above for upcoming session dates. After attending an information session, volunteers will complete an application, participate in an interview, and undergo background checks, including child abuse registry, sex offender, motor vehicle, and criminal history screenings. Approved applicants will then proceed with either Level I or Level II training.
As a volunteer, how can I help?
Please note that the needs for each volunteer opportunity may vary based on organizational needs.
- Front Desk Assistant – Weekdays (Monday–Friday): Shifts available from 9:00–11:30 AM, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, and 2:00–5:00 PM (This is our most urgent need!)
- Hotline Assistant – Evening and weekend shifts available
- Support Group Prep – Help staff prepare materials and spaces for support groups
- Community Outreach Representative – Represent LAWS at fairs, festivals, and outreach events
- Event Support – Assist with planning and executing fundraising events
- Hospital Accompaniments – Support survivors during SANE and FNE appointments
- Childcare Provider – Provide childcare while clients meet with advocates or attend therapy
- Thrift Shop Support – Help sort, organize, and manage donations at our thrift shop
- Answering our 24/7 Survivor Hotline
- Providing childcare at our main office for children of clients who have meetings with advocates or therapists
- Maintenance (minor household repairs, yard work, painting, etc.)
- Assisting therapists in preparing for support groups
- Greeting guests attending support groups and events
- Participation in community outreach events, like community fairs
- Administrative tasks
- Reception services (greet guests & clients, answer phones)
- Fundraising
- Court and Hospital Accompaniments (please note this task requires additional training and requires significant time investment)
- The Resourceful Woman Thrift Store support activities
Applicants will then be selected for a round of interviews. If LAWS is able to accept the applicant as a volunteer, the applicant will need to pay for the appropriate background checks to be completed ($25) and will need to complete a training course consisting of in-person or virtual instruction, online training modules, and in-person training/shadowing for the position they are applying for. This training totals approximately 40 hours.
Currently Available Opportunities
For information on what our current volunteer needs are, please e-mail our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Leighanne: Leighanne.greenberg@lcsj.org.
- Front Desk Assistant
Assist with answering the front door greeting clients, general administrative tasks such as shredding, filing, and organizing, and other administrative tasks as they arise. - Hotline Assistant
Assist with answering our 24-hour hotline. - Data Entry Assistant
Assist with inputting data into our database systems to ensure we are keeping accurate data and recording our data as quickly as possible. - Childcare Helper
Tend to the children of our clients during consultations by supervising and interacting with the children at one of our facilities. (This task is generally scheduled on an “as-needed” basis.)
