The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention

Contact Information:

601-264-7078

lmann868@aol.com

Description:

"Support when it's needed most"

The Shafer Center is there "To provide support, counseling, referral and information to victims of sexual assault and co-victims of homicide include family members/friends. To provide information and education to communities regarding the crimes of sexual assault and homicide" (Shafer Center Mission Statement). All of the services the Shafer Center provides are at no cost to participants. The services offered include a 24-hour crisis line, support groups, individual counseling, assistance with medical, safety relocation/transportation expenses, assistance with application for victim's compensation, accompaniment to hospitals and law enforcement, referrals and information, community education, preventative services to at-risk adolescents, and extensive court advocacy.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Students may volunteer with the 24-hour crisis line, and after a more extensive time of consistent commitment (6 months to a year, generally) they may move on to volunteer as a first responder (hospital calls). To volunteer with the crisis line, after training, the student chooses the shift they want to work and the crisis phone calls are transferred directly to his/her phone - you do not have to be in-office but you must be available to answer that phone at any time during your shift. Shifts are available in 9 or 15 hour blocks.

Requirements:

Preliminary requirements are somewhat more extensive for this opportunity due to its nature, in addition to a background check, application, and interview, volunteers must take part in a training process, which is normally offered on a Friday evening and completed on Saturday. Requires at least 2 shifts per month. Must be 18 or older.

Special Notes:

This is usually a pretty easy way to volunteer in that it does not require you to be in a certain place, as long as you keep yourself free and available to answer the phone at all times during your shift, so it is good for students because they can just do their studying/homework during their shift which leaves them available. (Lisa Mann, paraphrased)