Volunteer Info

Are you interested in Volunteering with Avalon?

There are two volunteer tracks available: Direct Service Volunteers and Non-Direct/Community Volunteers. Volunteers can choose to do opportunities in both tracks. Below you will find descriptions of all of the opportunities that are available.

Volunteers must complete training before they can interact with clients. Training sessions are held multiple times a year at our main office located at 601 Bagley St., Detroit, MI 48226.

Click here to go to our volunteer application form!

Direct Service Volunteers

Direct Service Volunteers work directly with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking to provide support, advocacy, referrals, and crisis intervention. The direct service opportunities are:

First Response/On-Call

Avalon Healing Center offers immediate crisis intervention, advocacy and medical-forensic healthcare for survivors of sexual violence of all ages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Volunteer advocates and forensic examiners respond as a team to hospital and clinic sites throughout Wayne County. The role of the Volunteer Advocate is to provide immediate support, information, resources, and referrals to survivors and their supportive loved ones

Facilitating Workshops

In addition to receiving a forensic exam, counseling services, advocacy services, and support group services, survivors engaged with Avalon can also use support in other areas such as education and life skills. Volunteers have the opportunity to create workshops and curriculum related to topics such as resume building, developing healthy relationships, budgeting and financing, self-care, health and wellness, mindfulness, etc. Workshops will be provided to survivors on a quarterly basis (every 3 months) and must be approved by the Director of Crisis and Volunteer Services.

Co-Facilitating Support Groups

There are several support groups services available to survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking including a peer support group, art therapy group, youth support group, and men’s group. Volunteers can assist by co-facilitating support groups with an Avalon staff member by jointly planning group logistics and leading group activities, assisting with setup, and providing support/crisis intervention to group members who may be triggered during the session.

Outreach & Education

At Avalon Healing Center, we believe that education and outreach are foundational and transformative tools for eradicating sexual violence and enhancing the quality of care for sexual assault survivors. Volunteers can assist in providing awareness, education, and information about services to survivors and community members through hosting/attending tabling events and fundraisers. Additionally volunteers can co-facilitate training and presentations to schools, universities, and law enforcement agencies. Volunteers interested in these opportunities will work directly with the Outreach and Education Coordinator.

Child Care

Occasionally, child care can serve as a barrier for survivors to receive in-person services such as counseling and attending support groups. Volunteers can help eliminate this barrier by providing child care at the main office to survivors who need it.

Community/ Non-Direct Service Volunteers

Community Volunteers provide assistance “behind the scenes” that helps to further Avalon’s mission and makes our work with survivors run efficiently.

Administrative Support

Volunteers can assist in organizing donations, clothing, hygiene kits, client files, and art supplies. Volunteers can help with printing First Response packet information, and scanning and shredding old legacy files. Volunteers can also share in the growth, development, and maintenance of our community spaces in and around the building.

Volunteers interested in these tasks will only need to complete 4 hours of volunteer training (Day 1) and any necessary shadowing.

Front Desk Support

Volunteers can support our front desk by welcoming clients and community members, creating a warm and trauma-informed first impression. Responsibilities include greeting and signing in visitors, notifying the appropriate staff member, answering basic questions, and helping maintain a calm and organized environment. Front desk volunteers play a key role in ensuring every person who walks through our doors feels safe, supported, and respected.

Research and Educational Resources

As part of advocacy and support, Avalon organizes and obtains resources to best support survivors and their needs. Volunteers can assist in updating, organizing, and researching resources for shelters, housing, food, legal help, education, employment, clothing, reproductive health, substance abuse, etc. Volunteers will work directly with Avalon’s Advocacy Coordinator.

Content Developer

Assist Avalon Healing Center in boosting our social media presence. This may include creating content or graphic designs for our social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, as well as creating blog posts for our website. Volunteers will work directly with Avalon’s Communications Director for social media opportunities.

Social Justice

Avalon Healing Center has a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) program and we are looking for individuals who are interested in assisting staff with research, focus groups, and programming in that area of work. Individuals will also learn about our work with underserved populations as well as assist us with making sure Avalon continues to remain diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Volunteers will work directly with the Access, Diversity and Equity Coordinator.

Fundraising

Volunteers can support our Fund Development team by assisting with donor outreach and acknowledgments. They can also provide event support, helping with setup, registration, guest assistance, and cleanup during fundraising events. Additional tasks may include research, data entry, assembling materials, and other administrative support to ensure the success of our fundraising efforts.