Volunteer Placements

A Gala Committee Volunteer plays an important role in supporting First Step’s You Are the Light Gala, held each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This signature fundraising event raises critical funds to sustain free services for survivors and their families while increasing awareness of our mission.

Volunteers are assigned to one of three subcommittees: Decor, Auction, or Fundraising. Committee members are expected to attend 1–2 meetings per month and log their volunteer hours. Each subcommittee designates one representative to attend the Main Gala Committee meeting to share updates, report progress, and coordinate efforts across committees. Main Committee meetings typically take place on weekday evenings at 6:00 p.m.

Volunteers should have strong outreach skills, including the ability to build relationships with local businesses and community partners, make in-person and phone requests, and solicit donations of goods, services, and gift cards to support the event.

Active participation, collaboration, and community outreach are essential to successful gala planning and help ensure this signature event makes a meaningful impact on the survivors and families we serve.

A Tea Party Committee Volunteer will play a key role in supporting our Tea Party on April 11th 2027.

Volunteers will be assigned to either the Decor or Basket Raffle Subcommittee and are expected to attend scheduled meetings and log their volunteer hours. Volunteers should have comfortability in their outreach skills, including the ability to build relationships with local businesses and community partners, make in-person and phone requests, and solicit donations of goods, services, and gift cards to support the event.

Meeting days and times will be determined based on group availability, but meetings typically take place on weekday evenings around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.

Active participation, collaboration, and community outreach are essential to effective planning and a successful event that directly benefits the community we serve.

Monday-Friday 5pm-8pm ( weekly, bi-weekly or monthly recurring shifts)

As the A.R.K. Sanctuary Steward, you will play a vital role in ensuring the A.R.K. remains a welcoming and hygienic space for both our animals and their families. This placement is perfect for volunteers who want to contribute to the well-being of animals through hands-on support in maintaining a clean and organized facility. Ensuring they follow First Step's protocols to prevent the spread of illness.

🚨 Please note: This role does not include direct contact with animals, which is strictly prohibited. Volunteers will be assisting with cleaning and organizing duties only.

Schedule Varies (primarily days, approx. 10 hours a month)

Qualifications

• Grant writing experience required
• Previous experience in marketing, communications, fundraising, graphic design, donor management, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on projects after initial training.
• Strong Attention to detail and organizational skills

Are you ready to put your professional skills and philanthropy experience to work making a meaningful difference? As a Philanthropy Ambassador, you will play an important role in helping First Step increase awareness, engage supporters, and strengthen the resources needed to support survivors and their families.

This specialized volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals with experience in marketing, communications, graphic design, fundraising, grant writing, or donor management who want to use their professional talents behind the scenes to advance our mission.

After completing initial training and becoming familiar with First Step's systems and processes, volunteers will work in partnership with the Philanthropy Director to support designated projects and initiatives. Depending on the assignment, some tasks may be completed remotely, offering flexibility while continuing to make a meaningful contribution.

Your expertise will help amplify First Step's message, strengthen community relationships, support fundraising efforts, and sustain the programs that provide hope, healing, and empowerment to survivors and families.

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Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (3-4 hour pre-scheduled weekly shifts) *Core Skills Training Required

A Front Desk Aide at First Step plays an important role in creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for visitors and staff. Volunteers greet individuals with sensitivity, answer questions, manage incoming phone calls, welcome scheduled appointments, and assist with general front desk duties.

Additional tasks may be assigned as needed, including light cleaning, restocking supplies, printing, assisting with administrative tasks, and updating display boards.

Volunteers must complete an initial shadowing period with First Step staff or experienced volunteers before transitioning to working independently.

Please Note: Many First Step clients prefer phone or virtual sessions, so direct, in-person interaction with survivors should be expected to be limited.

Monday-Friday (Primarily Days) *Core Skills Training Required

The primary goal of the Children's Program Aide volunteer is to support the Children's Program by providing flexible, hands-on assistance wherever it is needed.

Children's Program Aides primarily assist with client events, family activities, field trips, support groups, and other children's programming. Depending on the needs of the day, volunteers may also provide nurturing and supervision for children, assist with crafts, games, and outdoor play, and help ensure activities run smoothly.

Volunteers should be comfortable adapting to each shift, as responsibilities may vary based on the day's programming and the needs of the children and staff.

When children are not present or programming is not taking place, Children's Program Aides must be okay will helping to maintain the children's spaces within the shelter by cleaning and sanitizing toys and equipment, sorting and organizing supplies, preparing activity materials, sanitizing play areas, and completing other tasks that support the Children's Program staff.

This volunteer placement is ideal for individuals who are flexible, self-motivated, enjoy working with children, and are willing to assist with both direct client engagement and behind-the-scenes projects that help the program thrive. Before volunteering independently, all Children's Program Aides will receive training and shadow Children's Program staff to ensure they feel confident and prepared in their role.

Schedule Varies (busiest in October & April for our Awareness Months) *Core Skills Training Required

Volunteers are requested as events are scheduled (Not a set schedule, can be sporadic and seasonal. Our busiest time being October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month & April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.) 

A Community Ambassador is an outreach-focused volunteer placement that supports First Step’s mission by helping raise awareness, provide education, and share information about our services with both survivors and the broader community. Volunteers may assist by hosting or attending tabling events, community fairs, and fundraisers.

To ensure comfort, confidence, and consistency when sharing information about First Step, all volunteers will shadow First Step staff or experienced volunteers before participating independently.

For volunteers interested in expanding their involvement, there may also be opportunities to co-facilitate trainings and presentations for schools, universities, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies after completing the appropriate shadowing with First Step staff and feeling ready to take on this responsibility. This is completely optional and is not a requirement of the Community Ambassador role. Volunteers are only expected to take on these opportunities if they feel comfortable and confident doing so.