Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for victims of sexual assault. All new volunteers are trained and mentored by Rape Crisis Center staff and experienced volunteers. The next training session will start on April 22.
The Rape Crisis Center is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. Its volunteer advocates have served thousands of Union County residents with confidential and supportive guidance since 1984.
“If you are exploring ways to volunteer in Union County, I encourage you to contact the Rape Crisis Center and find out about our training program,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We are very proud of the dignity and respect with which our volunteers approach this invaluable service to our community.”
Rape Crisis Center volunteers respond by phone to requests for guidance by victims of sexual violence. If needed, they may also accompany victims to medical or legal procedures.
Hudak noted that many victims have no family member or friend available to help guide them through the medical and legal aftermath of sexual violence.
“Our volunteers provide a strong shoulder to lean on,” said Hudak. “No one should have to be alone at this critical point in their lives.”
Prospective volunteers start with an informal interview at the Rape Crisis Center, located at the Union County Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield.
If the visit results in a commitment to serve, volunteers attend a series of twice-weekly training sessions at the Colleen Fraser Building. The next training series starts on April 22. Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are 18 sessions in all.
Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, and have their own vehicle.
To schedule an interview call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273.
For more information about the Rape Crisis Center visit ucnj.org. Testimonials by volunteers are also available at the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.
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