YWCA York’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all starts with folks right here in our community. By volunteering with YWCA York, you’re providing invaluable care and services to the people in our community who need it most. We have volunteer opportunities available in both direct service and indirect service, making it easy to find a way to volunteer that works for you and your lifestyle. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and requirements below.
Direct service: Direct service entails working directly with victims and survivors who use our services. To provide direct service, volunteers must:
- Complete application here
- Complete Interview Process
- Successful Submission of the following clearances:
- PA State Police Criminal History Clearance
- Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI Criminal History Clearance
- Successful completion of the full 70-hour advocate training required by the state.
- This training covers the skills advocates need to provide trauma-informed care and support, as well as meeting state requirements for the confidentiality privilege afforded to advocates in these roles.
Indirect service: Indirect service entails all volunteer and work opportunities that do not include working directly with victims and survivors. These roles and tasks often include administrative duties, outreach and materials distribution, and attending community events.
Legal Advocacy
Our legal department provides advocacy and support to survivors navigating the legal system with Protection from Abuse orders, custody, and divorce hearings. Volunteers in this department may work directly with legal advocates to help provide this guidance, or they may work indirectly in the department with administrative projects and needs.
Shelter and Crisis Hotline
Our emergency shelter houses our 24/7 hotline. Both the shelter and hotline are staffed by trained victim advocates to provide the best support and care possible to victims and survivors seeking assistance. Working in our emergency or transitional shelter may include tasks such as helping prepare meals, assisting in chores and household duties, providing support to residents, and ensuring security protocols are followed. Staffing our hotline entails answering and responding to any calls that may come in during a shift, documenting call information with the proper paperwork, and providing callers with support, resources, and referrals.
Victim Assistance Center and Hotline
Our Victim Assistance Center provides free and confidential counseling services to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Volunteers in this department may typically provide assistance by staffing the hotline housed in the Center, and helping with administrative duties and tasks as needed by our counselors and staff.
Community Education
Our Community Education department handles all community outreach and trainings around York County. Volunteers in this department may help with distributing materials such as brochures and safety posters around the area, assembling materials and mailers, and staffing our resource table at community events. Typically, volunteers in this department will provide only indirect service.
Medical Advocacy
Medical advocates provide on-site advocacy and support to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence and human trafficking seeking services at WellSpan Health Hospital and UPMC Memorial and Hanover Hospitals. Medical advocates offer emotional support, safety planning, options counseling, and information on community resources, including YWCA York, and how to access those resources.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click here and complete the form.