Volunteer Placements - First Step - Wayne County's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Comprehensive Agency

Placement availability is subject to change. Volunteer placements are based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, current organizational needs, your interests, availability, scheduling, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

At this time, we have very limited evening volunteer opportunities available, and weekend volunteer placements are not currently offered. If you are primarily available during evenings, please review our Volunteer Placements with evening opportunities to see if any align with your interests and availability.

INDIRECT SERVICE PLACEMENTS

Indirect Service Volunteers provide assistance “behind the scenes” that helps to further First Step’s mission and makes our work with survivors run efficiently.

A Gala Committee Volunteer will play a key role in supporting our You Are the Light Gala, held every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This signature event raises critical funds to provide free services to our clients and brings awareness to our mission.

Volunteers are assigned to sub-committees (Decor, Auction, Fundraising, or Marketing) and are expected to attend 1–2 meetings per month and log volunteer hours. Each sub-committee designates one member to attend the Main Committee meeting to report their progress, these meeting are typically during the week at 6:00 PM. Participation in these meetings ensures effective planning, collaboration, and a successful event that directly benefits the community we serve.

Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (1 to 4 pre-scheduled monthly shifts)

As a Serenity Squad volunteer, you will play an important role in creating a peaceful, safe, and welcoming environment for survivors, staff and families at First Step. By helping maintain clean and organized offices, common areas, and shared spaces, you provide essential support that allows our clients and staff to feel comfortable and cared for. This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy hands-on tasks and want to make a meaningful impact through practical acts of service.

Monday-Friday 4:30pm-9:30pm (1 to 4 pre-scheduled monthly 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 (approx. 10 hours a month)

Are you ready to use your marketing and philanthropy skills to make 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 families. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with experience in marketing, communications, graphic design, fundraising, grant writing, or donor management who want to use their talents behind the scenes to advance our mission.

After completing training and becoming familiar with First Step’s systems and processes in partnership with the Philanthropy Director, some volunteer tasks may be completed remotely, providing flexibility while continuing to support our mission. Your expertise will help amplify First Step’s message, connect our community to our work, and strengthen the programs that provide hope and healing.

DIRECT SERVICE PLACEMENTS

Direct Service Volunteers provide assistance with various roles and will need to uphold First Step’s mission, vision and values. These roles tend to be interacting with the community and/or clients and require extra training and background checks. Additional interviews may also be necessary. All of these roles will require our Core Skills Training, please see dates on the Individual Volunteering Page.

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (3-4 hour pre-scheduled weekly shifts) *Core Skills Training Required

A Front Desk Volunteer at First Step plays a vital role in creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for survivors and visitors. Volunteers greet individuals with sensitivity, answer questions, manage calls, welcome appointments, and assist with general front desk duties. By communicating with empathy and professionalism, Front Desk Volunteers help foster a supportive and compassionate space for those seeking services.

Other tasks may be assigned as needed. This position requires shadowing First Step staff or experienced volunteers before working independently.

Please note: Many of our clients prefer phone or virtual sessions, so limited direct contact with survivors is expected.

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. Additionally, volunteers can help co-facilitate trainings and presentations for schools, universities, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies.

To ensure comfort, confidence, and consistency in providing high-quality information, all volunteers will shadow First Step staff or experienced volunteers before participating independently.