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Volunteers play a vital role in providing support to those affected by domestic abuse. Steps to HOPE is seeking volunteers to enroll in our January 31 Volunteer Training Class and join our mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. Unfortunately, Polk County and Upstate SC are not immune to these atrocities – domestic crimes happen here just as they do in the rest of the country. 

Steps to HOPE is committed to providing support services to those in our area affected by domestic and sexual violence. Volunteers are essential at Steps to HOPE and Second Chance Thrift Store and we are always in need of caring, compassionate people to help us carry out our mission.

We specialize in victim advocacy. In addition to operating a 24-hour crisis telephone hotline (828-894-2340), Steps to HOPE offers many free programs such as: counseling, adolescent Karate and Skill-building for at-risk youth (ASK), self-defense classes, journaling, women’s support groups, and more!

Volunteering for Steps to HOPE and/or Second Chance Thrift Store is easy and flexible, whether it’s just for a one-time project (high school and college students are welcome) or an on-going position. Volunteers are not required to have previous training, and anyone is a candidate. Opportunities are open for all genders and ages and we have a wide variety of openings. We always need retail assistants at Second Chance Thrift Store, administrative assistants, child caregivers, court advocates and class instructors and assistants.

Development volunteers help with fundraising, events, mailings, and other efforts. Communications volunteers help us educate the public, which might include speaking to groups, making presentations to students or staffing our table at community events.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the community by helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by volunteering at Second Chance Thrift Store. I also like that it’s easy to volunteer with flexible positions and hours and I get to do it all with friends, new and old. We really are a family here.” said, Mr. Lee Berry, store volunteer.

If your New Year’s resolution includes giving back and/or helping more, this is the place for you! Your talents and skills may be just the thing we need!

Join us at Steps to HOPE, 60 Ward St, Columbus, on Friday, January 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for Volunteer Training. Kindly RSVP to Jessica Cashwell by calling 828-894-2340 or emailing her at Jessica@stepstohope.org today. If you are unable to attend this training and are still interested in getting involved, feel free to call Steps to HOPE at 828-894-2340 or Second Chance Thrift Store at 828-894-2373 or email Jessica anytime. 

 

Paula Ravan