If you have lived in DeKalb County long enough, you have probably seen our signature purple tablecloth or our larger than life tent at events in the area. Whether it’s a library, a dorm, or a farmers market, Safe Passage is constantly out in the community, ready with a smile, some free swag, and the answers to any question you may have about domestic or sexual violence. One question that comes up time and time again is, “How can I support Safe Passage?”
We all live very busy lives so it can feel like there’s no way we have time to help out with causes we care about. Luckily, there are many ways you can support Safe Passage and make a positive change in your community without working full-time at the agency. Below is a comprehensive guide of how you can support Safe Passage.
*These are listed from least to most time commitment, if you have any questions about supporting Safe Passage, please call our business line at 815-756-7930.
If you are too busy to volunteer, fear not! There are other things you can do that take a small amount of time, but can make a big impact in the community. If you are active on social media and see a post of ours, you can like, comment, and share it so our message can reach more people. If you see a post online about someone experiencing abuse, and they are unsure where to turn for help, you can provide them with Safe Passage’s information to let them know we are here to help. If you come to any of our events, make sure to grab some of our swag and keep it in a safe place, that way if any of your friends or family disclose abuse you can give them something with our contact information so they can discretely and safely contact us. If you work at or own a local business, offer tear off sheets from Safe Passage in your bathrooms so survivors can reach out privately. Finally, as a nonprofit we rely on donations from our community to help us achieve our mission. You can donate online, via mail, or at any of our in-person events! No amount is too small to make a genuine difference in someone’s life. Your business or organization can also make a difference through sponsorships! Contact Christine Kalina at 815-756-7930 x140 for more information.
There are also hands-on opportunities to support Safe Passage. One way is through volunteering. There are two types of volunteers, mission support and direct service. Mission support volunteers do non-direct work, helping organize our donations, filing paperwork, and helping keep the agency operating smoothly. There is no required trainings or experience needed for this volunteer position. Direct service volunteers are those who help advocate for and support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These volunteers may answer hotline calls, work in shelter, and help with our medial advocacy program through medical on-call. Because of the sensitive nature of this work, direct service volunteers must complete our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training to make sure they have the tools needed to support survivors. To apply to be a volunteer, visit our website.
The second way to get hands-on experience is through interning. Safe Passage also offers numerous internship positions so you can find the role that best fits your experience/goals. This include counseling, residential, legal, case management, and partner abuse intervention. To learn more about what experience is needed for each of these position, as well as how to apply, you can go to our website.
No matter how much time you have, there is a way to make a difference for survivors!
Written by: Paul Benson
Edited by: Kirsti McNeece
