Volunteers Needed for Victim Services Program

Family Services Incorporated is looking for caring, compassionate individuals to volunteer for their Victim Services Program. 

Volunteers remain a vital part of the organization, making it possible for Family Services to provide critical services to victims and survivors of sexual assault. 

According to recent statistics, it is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by age 18 in the United States.

Volunteer advocates are needed to provide telephone counseling and occasionally accompany victims to the emergency room for forensic rape examinations, during which they will provide support, assistance and information to the sexual assault victim.

With the victim's permission, the volunteer advocate is present during the interview and the exam. Volunteer advocates also provide information to the victim about counseling services and accompaniment for follow-up medical and court appointments.

Before working with victims and survivors, all volunteers must complete a 40 hour sexual assault counselor training, which will begin on Wednesday, April 7th.  The training will consist of 11 sessions, to be held at the West Chestnut Avenue office of Family Services Incorporated, located in Altoona.  Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm. 

After completing the training, volunteers will receive a training certificate that is fully recognized by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.  After successful completion of the training program, volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment to the Victim Services Program.  Please make the decision to become involved in the mission to end sexual abuse today!  For more information on how to get involved in this training, please contact Jackie Condron at 814-944-3583 ext. 326.