| SAFETY ALERT: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call the Violence Prevention Center at (618) 235-0892 and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE. |
The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois (VPCSWI) helps local women and children living with domestic violence. Services provided include crisis intervention, court and legal advocacy, emergency shelter, prevention programs, and long-term counseling and education with programs in St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph counties in Illinois. All services provided by the VPCSWI are free of charge. Most volunteer positions require between 4 - 15 hours of training, depending on the volunteer job desired. Some positions will require a criminal background check, reference check, and signed statement of confidentiality. A references check and a signed application also must be completed before the VPCSWI will conduct a formal interview. Training Coordinator, Debra Mize, and Director of Development, Casey Hagarty, will conduct training and all required background investigation before your volunteer work may begin. The goal of the VPCSWI volunteer program is to enable volunteers to quickly begin their volunteer service.
Other volunteer opportunities that utilize current skills, professional qualifications, or general interests not requiring domestic violence training are listed below. The amount of time required for these positions is based on the project.
If you are interested in becoming a member on one of the following committees, please call Casey Hagarty at 236-2531, ext. 106. Committees are Program, Marketing, Shelter Shop, Community Education, Outreach (Monroe/Randolph County residents), Property Management, Volunteer, Personnel, Membership, Finance, and
Resource Development. (indicate committee of interest)
Those interested in receiving domestic violence training for job or college requirements can receive 40 hours of training from the VPCSWI, an Illinois certified training site. This training is required for anyone seeking certification as an Illinois Domestic Violence Professional. A non-returnable $250 fee is assessed to anyone taking this training. If a training student completes the required volunteer time at the VPCSWI during the year following completion of training, $100 will be returned. Only 40-hour trained volunteers are eligible to lead and develop women's or children's group education sessions or answer the 24-hour domestic violence crisis line.