CALL 24-Hour Helpline: (410) 997-2272
Volunteer
HopeWorks’ Volunteer Program is supportive of the organization’s two-pronged mission: providing support and advocacy for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence and developing the community engagement necessary for primary prevention.
At HopeWorks, our volunteer program is about more than filling roles — it’s about building capacity. We believe in strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, and leadership of our volunteers so that individuals, organizations, and communities can thrive. Our volunteers are essential partners in our mission to support survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence and to create lasting change in our community.
The Application Process
Ready to volunteer?
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Complete the Volunteer Application Packet
Start by filling out the Volunteer Application Packet, linked on the lefthand side of the screen. -
Background Check
Once your application is received, we’ll review it and conduct a background check. Please note that background checks can take 2-3 weeks to process. -
Step 1 Training: Exploring the Dynamics of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence
This training explores the root causes of sexual and intimate partner violence, and is a required training for all new volunteers. Click here to see our training schedule. -
Volunteer Program Orientation
After completing Step 1 Training, you’ll attend our Volunteer Program Orientation, where you’ll learn about HopeWorks’ programs, policies, and the many ways you can get involved.
Both Step 1 Training and Volunteer Orientation are mandatory for all new volunteers and are offered multiple times throughout the year.
Questions? Call (410) 997-0304 xt. 7731 or email us at kkurlychek@hopeworksofhc.org.
Maintaining Active Volunteer Status
To ensure that all active volunteers are up-to-date on training and prepared to work effectively with our clients, HopeWorks maintains an Active Volunteers List. If you have not been active as a volunteer for two years, you will be removed from this list.
If you wish to return after this time, you’ll need to complete the new volunteer application process, including attending Step 1 and the Volunteer Orientation. This policy helps us maintain high standards of service and ensure that all volunteers are fully prepared for their roles.
Volunteer Positions
Childcare Volunteers
Childcare Volunteers provide much needed, on-site childcare for our clients. Volunteers may play games, read stories, and create art while supervising children during parent counseling sessions or engagement events. Childcare is most often needed during the weekday and evenings, Monday-Friday, although it may occasionally be needed on weekends. To become a childcare volunteer with HopeWorks, applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Legal Services Volunteers
Volunteering in HopeWorks’ Legal Department includes serving as a Legal Advocate for clients, and providing support and outreach services during the civil domestic violence docket at the District Court. Legal internships may also be available. Interested applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Please note that additional conditions and supplemental interview processes within the Legal department may apply.
Office Volunteers
Office Volunteers assist with administrative tasks at the HopeWorks front desk, including answering phone calls, performing data entry, assisting with copying, and helping prepare for workshops and events as necessary. Office Volunteers are most commonly needed on weekdays, between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. To become an office volunteer with HopeWorks, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Community Engagement Volunteers
Engagement Volunteers assist with special events, trainings, and fundraisers. This volunteer position offers some of the most common opportunities to get involved with HopeWorks, including helping set up/break down events, staffing tables at outreach events, distributing promotional materials, and helping with seasonal donation drives. Engagement volunteers may be needed during week days, evenings, and on the weekends. Interested applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Please note that additional conditions and supplemental interview processes within the Community Engagement department may apply.
Social Action Volunteers
HopeWorks’ Social Action Volunteers participate in service that facilitates a deeper understanding of our mission, vision, and values. Social Action volunteers must attend a minimum of 5 events of your choosing with HopeWorks, including the mandatory Step 1 Training. Social Action volunteers receive a journal for reflection on attended events, attend gatherings with fellow Social Action volunteers, and receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completing the above requirements. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Pantry Volunteers
The HopeWorks Pantry provides a much-needed resource for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence who may also be struggling with food insecurity. Pantry Volunteers assist in cleaning, organizing, and taking inventory of the nonperishable food and personal grooming items available for our clients. Pantry Volunteers also help us promote and assist at our Pantry Drives.
Volunteer Photographer
HopeWorks is seeking a Volunteer Photographer to help document our awareness events, arts-based workshops, and outreach events. If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact on the lives of others using your photography skills, please email volunteers@hopeworksofhc.org.
