Get Involved » Volunteer

Opportunities

Video: Hope Harbor, Volunteer Testimonial by Sublime Media

COVID-19 Update: To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Hope Harbor’s volunteer opportunities are limited until further notice. Our current advocates are responding to advocacy calls  in area hospitals. Training for new advocates is being held virtually using Zoom. All in-office, garden, and fundraising opportunities for new volunteers are on hold until further notice. Contact us for more information. 

Hope Harbor’s services would not be possible without the assistance of dedicated volunteers lending their time and talents to assist survivors of sexual violence. There are a variety of ways someone may choose to volunteer and get involved with Hope Harbor including direct and indirect service, fundraising, gardening, and Board of Director membership. The staff would love to talk with you to help find a volunteer activity utilizing your strengths and passion to help others. Hope Harbor invites everyone regardless of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, class, ability, or religion to apply and volunteer with us.

Advocates

Our largest group of volunteers are advocates which take shifts on our 24/7 crisis hotline and respond to emergency advocacy calls at hospitals and law enforcement agencies to be with survivors. This is a volunteer opportunity where you have direct-client contact by providing survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones support and information through one of the most difficult time in their lives. In order to provide this advocacy, state requirements say you must be at least 18 years old* and complete the 40-hour training including a background check. We offer this training 3 times a year in the spring, summer, and fall.

*This is a recent change from previously requiring minimum of 20 years of age!

In-Office

Our office volunteers assist staff with organization, data collection and entry, and completion of other agency projects. This volunteering experience has opportunities that include and do not client-contact. You will be working directly with staff and other volunteers. Weekday availability during office hours is necessary. No minimum age requirement.

Garden

Our therapeutic garden is located at our Bowling Green office and provides clients, staff, and volunteers with a safe space as well as a food source. We use garden volunteers to help harvest produce, plant, and maintain the garden. We welcome group service projects to improve and work in the therapeutic garden. Most opportunities require weekday availability during office hours. No minimum age requirement.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a large part of the non-profit life and we can always use help in asking for and receiving donations, as well as helping with community events. We also encourage and appreciate community groups who host fundraisers or donation drives for the agency. No minimum age requirement.

Education Program Presentations

Our Education and Prevention Program welcomes volunteer presenters to assist staff in area schools and community groups. Per state requirements, volunteers must complete the 40-hour training and be at least 18 years of age. Hope Harbor staff will additionally train volunteers in programs to be presented and Education Program Volunteers will be provided with all the supplies and information needed to have successful presentations. Most presentation opportunities are during school hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm).

Board of Directors

Hope Harbor is a 501(c)(3) organization directed by a board of directors responsible for the visioning and financial management of the agency.  We seek representation from Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren counties in Kentucky. Our agency accepts applications from interested candidates from the Barren River Area Development District with diverse backgrounds of employment, age, and gender identity who share in the belief of providing quality services for all survivors of sexual assault and abuse in our region. The Board of Directors meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at the Bowling Green office location.

Hope Harbor, Inc. Board of Directors Application

Application Process

Now that you have reviewed the volunteer opportunities and found the best fit for you, please complete the volunteer application below and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. You may also email volunteer@hopeharbor.net or call (270) 782-5014 to schedule a time to meet to discuss the opportunities, let us get to know you, and give you the chance to get to know us. There might be other talents you are able to offer that are not listed. Let’s talk.

If you do not get an email response within a week, please check your spam folder.

We are often looking for representation on the Board of Directors from a variety of backgrounds within the ten counties we serve. Please contact Melissa Whitley, Executive Director, at director@hopeharbor.net or (270) 782-5014 to learn more about the application process and Board of Directors membership requirements.

Hope Harbor, Inc. Board of Directors Application