WomenSafe is open for business

Author: Christine Neeb

As another semester at Middlebury begins, students often find themselves looking for worthwhile volunteer opportunities. WomenSafe works toward the elimination of physical, sexual and emotional violence against women and their children through direct service, education and social change. WomenSafe relies on the help of volunteers from both the Middlebury community and Middlebury College to provide a number of services to women in Middlebury and the surrounding towns. More volunteers are always needed. Opportunities include answering calls from the 24-hour hotline, assisting in the office, working in the Supervised Visitation Program, coordinating public awareness and community outreach events, providing childcare, and more.

Together, WomenSafe volunteers donate approximately 7,000 hours of service per year to help women find the services, resources, and safety they need for themselves and their children. Last year alone, WomenSafe provided over 3,400 units of service in Addison County and Rochester, VT. Volunteers have the chance to make a huge difference in the lives of women and children in our community.

WomenSafe will be holding its annual Volunteer Training beginning Tuesday, September 19th. The 32-hour training is required for all volunteers and prepares them for the various opportunities available. While all sessions are mandatory, make-ups are available. WomenSafe could not operate without the assistance of their dedicated volunteers and is currently looking for at least 25 new members. For more information and an application call the WomenSafe office at 388-9180 or contact the ACE office.