Regional Women’s Center Seeks Volunteers

DANBURY — The Women’s Center is now screening candidates for the fall dual Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Certification program. This 44-hour training certifies volunteers to perform crisis intervention at the center during business hours or from home when the center is closed; it is a prerequisite for court advocate, counselor advocate, group facilitator, and other advanced volunteer positions.

Evening training classes begin on September 27 and continue through late November in the center’s second floor Community Room at 8 West Street from 5:30 to 9.

The Women’s Center provides free and confidential services to prevent or lessen the trauma associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other major life transitions to thousands of women, children, and men annually. The programs of the Women’s Center are supported by state and local government, area United Way agencies, and the people and businesses in the communities served, including Newtown.

During the last fiscal year, the Women’s Center responded to more than 1,600 sexual assault and domestic violence hotline calls, in addition to providing emergency shelter, counseling services, advocacy services, community education and prevention programs, and information and referral services. More than 27,000 clients in the greater Danbury area were served by the center’s programs from July 2011 through June 2012.

All prospective volunteers must apply by September 20. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age; male and bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged to apply. There is a $50 per person training fee to help defray the cost of the manual, and a background check is required.

Whether staffing hotlines, running support groups, providing individual counseling, or working in the center’s shelter, volunteers can help to end the violence by calling the Center’s Volunteer Coordinator at 203-731-5200, extension 202, for more information and to register for training.

Contact Executive Director Patricia Zachman at 203-731-5200 for further information.