10/29/2023 0 Comments Safe house center![]() If you are sincere, you will be a nurturing advocate. “My advice to future volunteers is to show up as often as possible, authentically there, heart and soul, to do your best. I will cherish the bonds I have created with the women and co-facilitators for the rest of my life.”Īpril 2019 – Kathy, Support Group Volunteer Volunteering with SafeHouse has been the most rewarding experience I have had while living in Ann Arbor. My favorite memory volunteering thus far is definitely the outpouring of support during my final exams from the women in group – I would not have left that week with my sanity if it weren’t for them. “Always keep an open mind to learning new things and never assume that you know the best way to support an individual – it is always different for each person. May 2019 – Meaghan, Support Group Volunteer This is a gift, a privilege and an honor that we cannot afford to take for granted.” We get to be of service in their darkest hour allowing them to feel seen and heard. Survivors are the experts on their own lives, we are simply called in to bear witness to their lives at the moment(s) they let us in. Yes, it’s important to see similarities and it’s also important to see differences. Learn about folks who are different than you. My advice: go into each shift with a humble heart. That they have someone else in their lives - besides me on behalf of SafeHouse Center - who believes them. “One of my favorite memories is when I have seen survivors with loved ones which always warms my heart to know that they are not alone. Carrying their lessons and tenacity, you will be armed and empowered to confront the norms and beliefs that perpetuate violence.” The work you do matters! Soak up the knowledge and strength of survivors. Although you may only interact with someone for a few minutes or a few hours, you are planting the seeds of healing. In every interaction that you have with a survivor, you have the opportunity to send the message that they are a valuable, worthy person who has the right to respect and love. Although I feel like my research makes an impact, I love getting to see the direct benefit of this work when interacting one-on-one or in support groups with survivors ![]() Through my time volunteering with SafeHouse, I have enjoyed getting to interact directly with survivors, especially the opportunities to hear their stories and see their resilience. “I am a researcher who studies sexual and intimate partner violence, and, while rewarding, sometimes the lived stories of survivors get lost in the data. July 2019 – Lindsay, Response Team and Support Group Volunteer You’ll appreciate it later on, and you’ll be a better volunteer for it.” ![]() Take some time for self-care and do something simply because it makes you happy, it’s fun, etc. But you have to remember that you can only give so much. You give a lot of yourself to these individuals, which is great, and they need you and appreciate that. As an RT volunteer especially, these shifts can be draining. My advice is to take the time to take care of yourself before, during, and after a shift. I’ve found that even if I can’t help them with everything they want/need, just being a resource and showing that someone cares really makes a difference. “I enjoy working directly with survivors and letting them know that someone is there for them. The retreat center will be located on 100 acres of land that will include a lake, tennis court, theatre, spa, a restaurant, café, and a variety of state of the art accommodations.Volunteer Spotlight SafeHouse Center Volunteers share their thoughts about what they do at SafeHouse Center-and why it’s important:Īugust 2019 – Brynn, Response Team Volunteer Our safe houses will be uniquely for children who have been trafficked and/or sexually exploited.Īmour Center will offer therapy, workshops, and holistic healing to help those who have been affected by abuse. We believe that all survivors deserve to be heard, healed, and supported. Our services are for all survivors of sexual assault, including, but not limited to: Black and Indigenous people of color, women, trafficking survivors, men, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, deaf folks, people with disabilities, tribal communities, and those who have experienced sexual trauma while working in the military or adult industry. Amour Center's purpose is to create a safe space for survivors of sexual and domestic violence by offering a safe haven for them to recover with trauma-informed specialists and holistic healing.
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