Become a Volunteer

The backbone of any healthy community is its volunteers. Family Resources, Inc. is fortunate to be part of the Quad Cities and Muscatine communities both of which have a strong volunteer spirit. Our Victim Services programs rely heavily on those individuals who give of their time to help victims of rape/sexual assault and domestic violence.

We understand that sometimes the level of commitment needed is greater than a volunteer is able to give. So, we have established what we like to call our “Volun-Tier Levels.” Three levels of volunteer opportunities each with a different set of eligibility and training requirements. We hope this opens doors to individuals who have considered volunteering in the past but were not sure if they could make the time commitment required.

For a detailed listing of our "Volun-Tier levels" Click here

Some Facts About the Issues

For over 20 years, the Rape/Sexual Assault Counseling Advocacy Program (R/SACAP) and the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program (DVAP) have provided services for victims in the Quad Cities. The Domestic Violence Shelter opened in 1992 to serve women and children.

The spirit and energy of committed volunteers are the foundation upon which the agency was built in 1849. The work of volunteers remains a vital resource in our ability to meet the needs of people who are affected by the crimes of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

The primary goals of DVAP and R/SACAP are the safety and empowerment of victims. By providing crisis intervention, advocacy, support, and community education, the programs strive to have a positive impact upon the quality of life for victims and families in the Quad Cities.

In the Quad Cities

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be victims of sexual assault.

• Between 1300 and 1500 people are served by the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program each year.

• At least 55% of the Domestic Violence Shelter services go to children.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Help others by reaching out

• Learn more about women's issues

• Help make a difference

• Gain practical experience

• Get a certificate of completion

Training Provided

Volunteers are invaluable members of the Violence Intervention Counseling Services (VICS) Team, which provides support to survivors and families. Training and support are provided to program volunteers. The length of training varies depending upon the type of

volunteer services you wish to provide.

Ways to Give

• Talk or write to legislators in support of laws favoring victims/increased funding for programs

• Become active in citizen's groups

• Challenge myths about domestic violence and sexual assault

• Join in holding perpetrator/abuser accountable

• Teach children alternatives to violence

• Oppose violence in society

• Cash gifts are always needed and appreciated

Specific Areas to Volunteer

On-Call Medical/Legal Advocacy - Responding to emergency needs of individuals at local hospitals, police departments, etc. You may also provide transportation.

Crisis Line Advocacy - Answering the rape/sexual assault and domestic violence crisis lines, offering safety planning, intervention, support, advocacy, problem solving, and information and referrals.

In-Shelter Advocacy - Assisting shelter staff, modeling a positive attitude and behavior, and advocating for those in the shelter.

Children's Advocacy - Working with children and showing them non-violent behavior. Teaching trust and relationship building.

Legal Advocacy - Assist clients in obtaining restraining orders, going to court and offering support in court and elsewhere.

Group Co-facilitation - Assisting staff and providing a good environment.

Interpreting - Individual sessions, interviews or hearings for the hearing impaired or those who use English as a second language.

Please call our Volunteer Coordinator at 563/322-1200 for specific information about victim services, volunteer guidelines, training, and opportunities to be involved.