Get Involved
Support Within Reach meets its mission to reduce the impact and harm of sexual violence for families and individuals in the communities we serve through the efforts and compassion of our many wonderful volunteers. Countless volunteers have played a central role in helping us deliver services to sexual assault survivors. To find out more about how you can participate, contact the Bemidji office at 1-800-708-2727 or the Grand Rapids office at 1-866-747-5008 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Provide crisis intervention and basic counseling via after-hours crisis line.
- Provide in-office support.
- Accompany survivors through the reporting process at the emergency room and law enforcement interviews.
- Participate in Support Within Reach community awareness activities such as the Mexican Fiesta community meal, Walk a Mile, county fair, children’s fair, and our annual fundraiser!
- Assist in fundraising.
- Become a member of the Support Within Reach board of directors.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality of clients and advocates.
- Respond to clients in a professional and supportive manner.
- Serve on-call a minimum of two overnight shifts per month, one weekend every four months, and one holiday per year.
- Attend twelve ongoing training opportunities per year provided by SWR through monthly meetings, webinars and mandatory trainings.
- Complete pre- and post-shift check-ins.
- Comply with SWR’s policies and philosophy.
- Adhere to reporting requirements for clients.
Volunteer Qualifications
ALL potential volunteers must submit an application, go through at least one interview, pass an initial criminal background check (and periodically thereafter), and complete a reference check before training.
- Must be at least 18 years old to provide direct services to survivors of sexual violence.
- Must successfully complete the 40-hour training provided by SWR prior to providing direct services to clients.
- Must have no history of sexually exploitive behavior, sexual violence or other related offense.
- Must have no recent issues related to sexual violence that would keep you from effectively assisting survivors of sexual violence and/or cause a conflict of interest for the agency.
- Must commit to active service for a minimum of one year.
Our volunteers are a core component in providing advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence. Being a volunteer is an opportunity to impact and support a person in need, enhance social change and participate in a strong team. SWR welcomes you to consider being a volunteer with our agency as an opportunity for both personal and professional training and generosity to our community.
No one in this world is cherished more than someone who lightens the burden of another. We look forward to hearing from you!