At Voices of Hope (voicesofhopelincoln.org), preparation matters. Their 34-hour Volunteer Training equips community members, staff, and professionals, including police officers, hospital staff, therapists, social workers, partners from other organizations etc., with the skills needed to support and empower survivors effectively.
Over the course of this comprehensive training, participants learn how to: answer crisis line calls with confidence and compassion; navigate community resources to provide the right support; develop safety plans for survivors; learn the realities of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, & other forms of abuse; assist with petitioning for protection orders; learn about campus advocacy; practice self-care, recognizing the emotional toll of working with trauma; and more.
Because Voices of Hope welcomes walk-ins, their volunteers and staff must be prepared for a wide range of situations. Survivors may be navigating mental health challenges, substance use concerns, unstable housing, or ongoing safety risks, all while seeking help for abuse or trauma. Each interaction can be unique and requires a thoughtful, informed response. No matter the challenge, their ultimate goal remains the same: to prioritize the safety, empowerment, and healing of every survivor who walks through the doors.
If you’re interested in attending a future training or would like to learn more, please reach out to their Volunteer and Intern Specialist, Sam, at Samj@voicesofhopelincoln.org, or visit voicesofhopelincoln.org.