Individual Volunteering - First Step - Wayne County's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Comprehensive Agency

ARE YOU AN INDIVIDUAL INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH FIRST STEP?

SPRING UPDATE (last updated May 2025)

With the exception of our Adopt-A-Garden placement. Our volunteer program is CURRENTLY CLOSED for individual volunteers. If you would like to be added to our waitlist please complete the form at the bottom of this page and you will be contacted by a First Step representative once our program reopens! Keep checking our website for the most up-to-date volunteer needs and information.

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, we have a rigorous and comprehensive application, screening, and training process for volunteers. An individual volunteer's requirements and expectations ultimately depend on the type of volunteer work and length of project or placement. Application approval, acceptance, and/or completion of training does not guarantee suitability and placement within First Step programs. Volunteers may be dismissed at any time.

Volunteer Placements

STEPS TO BECOME A FIRST STEP VOLUNTEER

Please read ALL of the information below before completing the inquiry form at the bottom of this page to be contacted regarding volunteering with First Step.

There are two pathways to volunteering individually with First Step:

Indirect Service Volunteers do not volunteer directly with survivors. These are more project-based volunteering or placements that include tasks like maintenance, clerical responsibilities, data entry, cleaning, sorting, and organizing.
Direct Service Volunteers may interact with or volunteer directly with survivors therefore these types of volunteers require full attendance of our Core Skills Training (see below) before being able to volunteer as a Direct Service Volunteer. Below you will find a description of all the volunteer opportunities that may be available.

Submit Volunteer Inquiry at the bottom of this page.
Complete Volunteer Application received from Volunteer Specialist and begin background checks.
Have a one-on-one interview with the Volunteer Specialist. Interview must be completed in order to sign up for a spot in our Core Skills Training (space is limited).
Direct Service Volunteers - Complete Core Skills Training (see below), pre-training and post-training content, if needed for your placement. All screening measures prior to step 4 must be completed before being offered a spot in the training (spots are limited and training is only offered a few times a year).
Once all volunteer requirements have been cleared, First Step's Volunteer Specialist will reach out to begin placement and connection to your staff liaison (a First Step member who will oversee your tasks). Additional placement training may be required.

Click here to learn more about Volunteer Qualifications

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

All volunteers must adhere to the 1-year volunteer commitment.
All volunteers must complete background checks.
Direct Service Volunteers must complete Criminal Background checks as well as a DHHS check (both every 2 years) and provide a copy of valid State ID.
Direct Service Volunteers must complete all self-study training content, attend ALL Core Skills Training sessions (see below), all post-training content, and necessary shadowing of staff liaison in placement.

If you have a particular skill, idea, or resources that you feel could benefit First Step but aren't sure they directly fit into one of our volunteer placements, please do not hesitate to reach out and share your ideas to communityservices@firststep-mi.org.

ARE YOU AN INDIVIDUAL INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH FIRST STEP?

STEPS TO BECOME A FIRST STEP VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

CORE SKILLS TRAINING SESSIONS

I'VE READ THE ABOVE INFORMATION, HOW DO I BEGIN THE PROCESS?

YOUR INFORMATION