How Can I Help?
We’re glad you clicked to this page.
We could not provide the community with all these services without generous hearts and helping hands. Here are just a few ways you can help:
- Organize a birthday fundraiser or special event to benefit GSAC-CAC
- Community awareness efforts –representing GSAC at health/church fairs and community festivals
- Direct services / volunteer advocate
- Talk us up to your friends, social media
- Connect us with people or businesses who may be interested in our mission
Given the sensitive and confidential nature of our direct services, be prepared that all persons interested in volunteering in our facility go through an application process.
Volunteer Training
All GSAC volunteers receive specialized and comprehensive training before starting their volunteer service.
Volunteers involved in direct service to clients will receive 30 hours of training in addition to time observing other GSAC team members, and continuing education workshops. Lastly, our staff is always available and ready to provide guidance and assistance to our volunteer team.
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What is a Volunteer Advocate?
A GSAC Volunteer Advocate is a vital member of the SART response to teen and adult victims of sexual assault. After receiving special training (30 hours), Volunteer Advocates work under the supervision of a GSAC SART Coordinator and provide “on-call” direct-victim assistance for evening, weekend and holiday schedules. Ten hours of continuing education is required each year to keep current with practices, resources, and laws. Persons interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate must complete an application process which includes a criminal background check.
Volunteer Advocates:
- Respond to crisis calls as relayed to them through the SART Coordinator and GSAC answering service.
- Serve as a vital member of the SART responding to GSAC whereby the GSAC-SART work together to gather evidence for law enforcement investigations and to provide direct support to the victims.
- Provide emotional support to the victim throughout the forensic medical examination, [completed by a GSAC Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)], and while the victim is interviewed by law
- Informs the victim of GSAC’s follow-up services and provides referrals when needs are identified. This process is carried out within the safe, caring environment of GSAC’s facility.
What our Volunteers Say About GSAC:
“It’s nice knowing that victims have a comfortable place to go where the people are there to help them. I like being part of that team.”
“It’s gratifying to think I may have given someone hope that this time in their life will pass and they can make it.”
“Volunteering gives me a real strong feeling of self-worth and it actually empowers me.”
“I’m glad I live in a community that really cares about people who have been victims of sex crimes. GSAC is a safe, non-judgmental buffer between the crime and moving forward. I’m proud to be a GSAC volunteer.”
If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of GSAC’s volunteer team. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have about our programs and send you an information packet detailing our volunteer opportunities.