Take Action
Volunteer
Are you interested in the opportunity to support and empower victim-survivors of sexual violence?
- Specialized advocate training provided
Volunteer With Care
Stand with survivors of sexual violence in Carroll County and beyond.
Join 15+ advocates making
victim-survivors feel heard.
Volunteer Opportunities
Survivors deserve trauma-informed support that shows them that they're not alone.
Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks depending on their unique skillsets and interests. Whether you’re answering a midnight call or representing CARE at a community event, every role helps victim-survivors feel seen, safe, and supported.
Helpline Advocate
Respond to confidential helpline calls, offering emotional support and resources to victim-survivors and their loved ones during the moments that matter most.
In-Person
Daytime / Weekends
Calls ≈ 1 hr
Hospital Accompaniment
Provide in-person support to victim-survivors seeking medical care and/or a forensic exam.
in-Person
Daytime / Weekends
Calls ≈ 1 hr
Community Ambassador
in-Person
Daytime / Weekends
Calls ≈ 1 hr
Volunteer Requirements
What it takes to be an advocate.
To volunteer as an advocate with CARE, you must meet the following criteria. We provide all training and support along the way; you bring the compassion and consistency.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Successfully pass a criminal background check
- Have a basic understanding of technology and the ability to navigate websites, online platforms, and respond to email communication
- Successfully complete victim advocate training
- Attend 6 hours of required continual trainings throughout the year
- Commit to at least a year of service
- Commit to covering at least 4 shifts a month
- Have access to reliable, immediate phone and internet service
- Have basic comfort with technology — websites, online platforms, and email
- Be available by phone to respond to calls and accompaniments when scheduled
Volunteering at Care Healing Center is an opportunity to make a profound impact in the lives of survivors.
Have A Question?
Volunteer FAQs
Browse our FAQs for answers to common questions, and if you need additional information, please contact our team. Ready to make a difference? Complete our volunteer application to get started.
Why should I volunteer at CARE?
Our volunteer advocates are an essential part of our agency and provide year-round coverage to our 24/7 helpline and hospital accompaniment programs. We are looking for compassionate, personable, and dependable individuals who wish to develop their advocacy skills and actively participate in the recovery of survivors and their loved ones. If you are passionate about supporting survivors and being part of social change to end sexual violence, then this may be right for you!
As a volunteer with CARE, you will have the opportunity to receive specialized training, meet new people, join a community of like-minded advocates, and attend presentations and workshops by community professionals throughout the year. Additionally, you will be able to take the skills and training from your volunteer experience with CARE out into your environment to continue to advocate against sexual violence and change the culture.
What kind of support will I receive from CARE staff?
Volunteers will receive an initial 10-hour victim advocate training and will receive at least 6 hours of continued training throughout the year. All volunteers are provided with contact information to reach CARE staff members while on call. Staff and agency therapists are also readily available for debriefing and support after a call if needed. Quarterly volunteer meetings are a key opportunity to receive support and feedback from other volunteers and staff, as well. Finally, all volunteers will be provided with hard copy and web-based resources and information packets.
What kind of time commitment can I expect?
Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment to CARE. A minimum of 4 shifts a month is required. Volunteers sign up for shifts at the beginning of each month and have the opportunity to add additional shifts throughout the month. There are various shifts offered and the majority of available shifts are outside of typical office hours, on weekends, overnight, and on holidays. Helpline calls can vary in time but typically do not exceed an hour. Hospital accompaniments can be longer than helpline calls.
Can I volunteer if I am a survivor?
Yes! Many of our previous or current volunteers have experienced some degree of sexual violence, or know of loved ones who are survivors. This level of understanding can be a valuable asset to advocacy work. However, it is important that you have taken the necessary steps in your own healing in order to establish boundaries, access a support system if needed, and provide safe and effective support to others. Disclosure throughout the application process is not expected or necessary.
I want to volunteer, but I don’t think the 24/7 helpline is for me. What can I do?
There will be opportunities to represent CARE and put your training to use by staffing booths and tables at community events, assisting staff with community presentations and fundraising activities, and occasionally assisting staff in the office with administrative work. If this sounds like something that you are interested in, please email volunteer@carehealingcenter.org or call our office at 410-857-0900.
What is the application process like?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete and submit the Volunteer Application. Once submitted, staff will review your application and follow up with you within 48 hours. If your application is approved, you will be asked to meet with the Sexual Violence Program Manager for a brief “interview” to confirm that you would be a good fit for this opportunity. Finally, you will be asked to pass a background check. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@carehealingcenter.org or call our office at 410-857-0900.
Ready to Begin?
Become a volunteer with CARE.
Submit your application below. We’ll follow up within one business day to discuss the volunteer process and next steps.
- Submit your applicationStaff review within 48 hours
- Brief interviewA conversation with our Program Manager
- Background checkRequired for all volunteer positions
- Victim Advocate TrainingFully provided — you’re never on your own