Volunteer

Thanks to our Volunteers and Interns

We are thankful for the extraordinary men and women who give their time to volunteer with us. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and are involved in all aspects of TESSA's work--they assist at the Safehouse, facilitate DoVE groups, help organize and run special events, serve on our Board of Directors, and more. We would not be able to function without our amazing volunteers and interns and are proud to work alongside such giving, talented, and compassionate individuals.

What do Volunteers and Interns do at TESSA?

TESSA volunteers and interns contribute thousands of hours of service each year. We work with our volunteers and interns to find the best possible match for TESSA's current volunteer needs and the needs and preferences of prospective volunteers. Volunteers and Interns are welcome in the following areas:

• Administrative Support
  Provide filing, data entry, phone support and special project assistance.
• Victim Advocacy
  Assist clients with the Temporary Protection Order process, court support, safety planning, information/referral services, and hospital response.
• Childrens Program
  Educate and facilitate art and recreational activities with children living with, or coming from homes with, domestic violence and abuse.
• Counseling (restricted to internship program)
  Counsel individuals in one-on-one and group settings on the dynamics of domestic violence and prevention strategies.
• Crisis Line
  Provide telephone crisis intervention, information and referral services on our 24-hour crisis line.
• Development
  Assist with special events and projects, administrative support, data entry, and fundraisers.
• Safehouse:
  Provide case management and client services for female victims and their children residing in the Safehouse.
• Safe Pets Foster Care
  Provide either short-term (under 10 days) and/or longer-term (up to eight weeks) foster homes for the animals of abuse victims in partnership with the Humane Society.  

Information for Prospective Volunteers

Each TESSA volunteer must complete our training before beginning to volunteer.  To become a confidential advocate and be able to work directly with clients, volunteers are required to complete 45 hours of training. Depending on the area of interest additional training may be required, and we strive to continue training our volunteers throughout their time at TESSA. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. To receive a volunteer application please contact Jody at 785-6811 or jpetry@tessacs.org.

Information for Prospective Interns 

TESSA offers both undergraduate and graduate internships in specific fields of study. Prospective graduate interns are required to interview with TESSA’s Counseling Department for acceptance into the program.  All undergraduate and accepted graduate interns are required to complete our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Training program.  If you are interested in our Internship Program, please contact Jody Petry at 785-6811 or jpetry@tessacs.org.

For information about our next available training and to fill out required forms, please click here.