Volunteer Q & A
Q: What are the Volunteer Eligibility Guidelines?
- We request that former Alexandra House program participants wait one year (from the last date of receiving services) before applying to volunteer in direct service and 6 months for non-direct. After this waiting period, the Volunteer Services Coordinator will meet with the volunteer candidate about possible placement into our Volunteer Program.
- Alexandra House staff’s family members are not eligible for ongoing volunteer opportunities. These individuals can, however, volunteer for special events, projects, or group volunteer opportunities.
- Direct service volunteers must fully complete the state-mandated sexual and domestic violence trainings and become certified.
Q: What volunteer positions are available?
We currently have many volunteer positions available. We have positions open in kitchen and facilities, childcare, shelter advocate, and on-call hospital advocate. Plus one-time opportunities such as preparing meals, sorting donations, or activities with the youth in the shelter.
Q: How old do you have to be to volunteer?
For direct-service positions, you must be 18 years of age or older. For group activities, including weekend cooking, you need to be at least 15 years of age. Those who are under age 18 must always be supervised by an adult.
Q: Do you allow males to volunteer at Alexandra House?
Yes, male volunteers are accepted into all volunteer positions.
Q: Do you accept court-ordered volunteers?
No, we do not.
Q: Do you have opportunities for groups to volunteer?
We do have opportunities for groups of individuals to get involved with Alexandra House. Opportunities include preparing and serving a meal, children’s activities, cleaning and organizing, sorting donations, and more.
Q: How large of a group will you accept?
Group sizes can vary depending upon the project, but we typically can accommodate groups of 3-8 people.
Q: Are there evening and weekend volunteer opportunities?
Yes, some of our volunteer activities can be scheduled during evening hours or on the weekend. Preparing and serving a meal is a perfect group opportunity that easily can be done evenings or weekends.
Q: Does Alexandra House require volunteers to go through a background check?
YES! To maintain the safety and security of our clients, staff, and volunteers, a criminal background check is required for individuals to volunteer on an ongoing basis with Alexandra House. If it is a one-time volunteer project, individuals will be supervised by a staff person.
Q: Will I be safe working at the shelter?
Safety and security are top priorities at Alexandra House’s Emergency Shelter! We have security cameras, an extensive alarm system, secured entrances, as well as fully trained staff.
Q: Does Alexandra House have internships available? Are they paid positions?
We do have limited internship positions available, however, they are not paid. For more information on positions, requirements, and deadlines for applying, please visit our Intern page.
Q: What is the process to become a volunteer at Alexandra House?
The first thing to do is to fill out a volunteer application. After review, an interview is scheduled where you will complete various forms (background check, confidentiality, volunteer agreement, etc.) Depending upon the volunteer position, you may be required to go through our 50-hour volunteer training to become certified (this applies to direct-service positions). All positions have an orientation prior to starting.
Q: How long does it take to start volunteering?
That really depends upon the position. It can take a few weeks if it is a non-direct services position or up to six months if you need to attend our 50-hour volunteer training.
Q: I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who should I contact?
Please contact Mollie Ziebart, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 763-795-5452, or via email.