Volunteer Advocates
Provide direct support to survivors.
HAVEN's trained volunteer advocates work alongside staff to provide confidential, trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Direct-service volunteers are required to complete HAVEN's 73.5-hour Victim Advocate Training and commit to at least one year of volunteer service following acceptance and placement. Upon successful completion of training, volunteers will be transitioned into direct service programs based on interest and schedule availability. As a twenty-four-hour program, we have volunteer opportunities to match every schedule!
Depending on program placement, volunteers may assist with crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and connecting survivors with resources.
Our Values
HAVEN welcomes volunteers with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe these differences strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We invite you to learn more about our core values and the issues we stand for as you explore volunteering with us.
Volunteer Commitments
Direct service volunteers are asked to commit to one (1) year of volunteer work, with weekly or monthly time commitments (varies by program). In addition, volunteers must attend a quarterly meeting and complete eight hours of continuing education each year.
You must be over 18 to attend training and become a direct service volunteer. Additionally, people with close relationships such as significant others, friends, family members, roommates, etc., may not attend the same training series.
Next Trainings:
Spring 2027
Date TBA
Summer 2027
Coming Soon
Fall 2027
Coming Soon
Winter 2027
Coming Soon
Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will be informed of what to do next!
If you are interested in attending the training please contact
Janette Garcia, at jgarcia[at]havenstan.org or call 209.524.4331 (Main Line)
Enrollment is not complete until the application has been received and approved.
Training is full at 20 trainees.
Questions About Volunteering
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Please send your application as early as possible, as space in the course is limited. We will close enrollment for this series once 20 applications are received. Once your application is received you will receive a reminder email/letter confirming your enrollment.
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Trainees should plan on attending all classes; however, we realize there are emergencies, illnesses, etc. Absences may be made up. If more than 13 hours are missed, however, you will be dropped from training and have to start over in a subsequent training series. This is a state requirement.
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If you have more questions about training you can call our Modesto Office at 209.524.4331 or send us an email at jgarcia[at]havenstan.org.
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Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this at this time.
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Please see the Training schedule for information regarding training dates.
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No problem! We always have lots of ways to help. You can be involved in fundraising events, drafting marketing letters, website development, graphic design, filing paperwork, writing grants, or even helping with design projects.
If you really want to get involved, let us know what you are passionate about- and chances are we can find a place for you!
Check out Friends of HAVEN.
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Volunteers are used in every program for direct client services. However, some programs are not able to accept volunteers at this time.
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Placement in the Volunteer Program will be discussed with each interested graduate trainee individually after the training course is completed. Upon acceptance into the Volunteer Program, we ask for a volunteer commitment of at least one year, donating your time to one or more programs. During your placement interview, you will discuss what you are hoping to do for your volunteer work, the hours that you have available, etc. and we will come up with the best match we can based on those criteria. Each program has its own minimum hours requirement, with some type of activity happening each month. In addition, you are required to attend a monthly meeting and participate in eight hours of continuing education activities each year.