Volunteer

Put Your Passions into Meaningful Action

Alexandra House relies on volunteers to provide essential services to victims of domestic and sexual violence. We offer a variety of one-time and long-term volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to give their time and talents. Download a copy of our Volunteer Opportunities.

Alexandra House has a team of dedicated volunteers working in virtually every program. For prospective volunteers interested in working directly with program participants as advocates or childcare providers, we offer a 50-hour training program that prepares individuals for the challenges of direct-service volunteering. For prospective volunteers interested in working behind the scenes in our kitchen or facility, we provide a quick orientation that allows volunteers to make a difference without extensive training.

All individual volunteer opportunities require a completed Volunteer Application, a background check, and a personal interview. For more information, contact Michele, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 763-795-5452 or by email.

Volunteer Training

Alexandra House hosts its 50-hour volunteer training biannually. This training presents a unique opportunity for community members to learn critical skills when working with victims/survivors of domestic, sexual, and relationship violence and abuse in later life. Whether working in our shelter, as hospital advocates, or as childcare providers, volunteers are indispensable to Alexandra House’s work. There is no substitute for a reassuring voice and a steady hand in an emergency.

Individuals completing this training will be certified in Minnesota as sexual assault victim advocates if working or volunteering for a Minnesota victim-services agency. The training is a mix of theory and skills training comprised of ten individual (mandatory) sessions that cover topics that range from legal matters to the specific needs of survivors and their families. Interactive sessions, guest speakers, and the most current research help prepare volunteers for the sensitive nature of this work and hone appropriate responses to crises.

Along with a desire to help Anoka County families, an ideal candidate must have excellent communication skills, heightened cultural awareness, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Additionally, candidates must be over 18, have a valid Driver’s License, pass a background check, be able to make a one-year commitment, and attend meetings and trainings as needed.

Fall 2025 Advocate Training Dates

WEEK 1

Tuesday, October 7 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 9 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

WEEK 2

Tuesday, October 14 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 16 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm

WEEK 3

Tuesday, October 21 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 23 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 25 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

WEEK 4

Tuesday, October 28 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 30 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm

For more information, download our Fall Advocate Training Flyer.

Volunteering as a Group

Alexandra House welcomes groups from corporations, faith communities, sororities, and other social groups to help us with various projects on a one-time or ongoing basis. Group sizes can vary depending on the project, but we typically can accommodate 3-8 people. If your group wants to complete a one-time or ongoing volunteer project at Alexandra House, check out our Group Volunteer Opportunities. Contact Michele, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 763-795-5452 or by email.

Volunteer Projects

Donate a Meal
Prepare & Serve a Meal
Children’s Activity/Party
Conduct a donation drive
Tie blanket or pet bed making project
Seasonal switch over
Assist with special events (Hope Gala, HopeFest, Holiday Shop)

Apply to Volunteer Now

Want to volunteer at Alexandra House? Fill out an online application at the link below.

Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What volunteer positions are available?

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Do you allow males to volunteer at Alexandra House?

Do you accept court-ordered volunteers?

Do you have opportunities for groups to volunteer?

How large of a group will you accept?

Are there evening and weekend volunteer opportunities?

Does Alexandra House require volunteers to go through a background check?

Will I be safe working at the shelter?

Does Alexandra House have internships available? Are they paid positions?

What is the process to become 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.