Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Houston Area Women's Center. We value your commitment to ending domestic and sexual violence in our community. We offer different volunteer opportunities, including clerical assistance, answering hotline calls and/or providing much needed childcare. Our training will give you the information you need to understand the purpose of our services, the fundamentals of the violence against women movement, and the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence. You will learn how to identify abusive relationships, how to refer a victim/survivor, crisis intervention skills and self-care techniques. The training also examines the importance of cultural competency and diversity when we support survivors.
Another successful Back to School Project comes to an end!
We simply couldn't have done it without you! And while volunteers and staff were busy sorting, stacking and packing, we didn't forget to pause, listen, and appreciate the true intention of this endeavor - help our clients and give each child a positive experience so they can look forward to the school year. Based on just a handful of their comments, we'll count this as another successful year.
“I didn’t know how I was going to be able to face my kids and tell them they would have to go to school empty-handed. Thank you for saving me from that.”
“I'm going to be the coolest kid at school!”
“Thank you so much. This is such a blessing to us. You lit up their faces.”
From a volunteer – “Thank you for letting me be part of this. You put a lot of KoolAid smiles on a lot of kids faces.”
“Thank you so much. I was going to try and repair last year’s backpacks. I’m so grateful to be able to give my kids something new.”
“Thank you for going beyond the counseling to provide this for the children. It makes such a difference.”
“Thank you for my Dora backpack! I love Dora! She’s my very favoritest!
From a middle school girl that took a long time to pick her backpack – “ Sorry it’s taking me so long. I just never got to pick what I wanted before. I’m going to be carrying this backpack for a long time, so it’s important that I pick the right one.”
"I can’t wait for school to start!”
Girl Scout Honors our Youngest Clients with Bookshelf and Book Donation
Yesenia Galvan, a twelve year old Girl Scout cadette from Troop 16064, recently reached out to the Houston Area Women's Center. In her efforts to earn the silver award, Yesenia decided to assist the children receiving services from the Women's Center. For this project, Yesenia organized a book drive to collect children's books for children staying at our shelter. She also constructed and painted the pictured book shelf to house the newly donated books in the shelter's library. Here are her responses to a few questions about the project:
Why did you choose the Houston Area Women's Center for this project? I wanted to help children who are in difficult situations and are less fortunate than I am.
Was there a reason you chose books for children? I know how important it is for children to learn how to read and I wanted to be able to make a difference in a child's education.
What has this project taught you? As many other projects that I have been involved in, it has taught me how important it is to help the community and to be able to make a difference in someone else's life. I appreciate that my family has been very supportive and recognize what I do for the community.
Is there anything else you would like to share? I was given different projects to choose from and I am glad I chose the Women's Center.
2009 Volunteer of the Year - Gayle Drucker
Ms. Adelyn Bernstein, mother to the late Marla Weinstein, presented the Marla Weinstein 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award to Gayle Drucker. In her three years volunteering with the Houston Area Women’s Center, Gayle has been an absolute treasure. Quick with a smile and a friendly word, Gayle is always willing to lend a helping hand. Gayle is at the Center three days a week answering Hotline calls, and providing clerical assistance to both the Volunteer Department and Children’s Court Services.
2009 Volunteer Group of the Year - Junior League of Houston
Sonia Corrales, Chief Program Officer for the Houston Area Women's Center, presented the Junior League of Houston with the 2009 Marla Weinstein Volunteer Group of the Year Award. The Women's Center is very proud to be among the many organizations that the Junior League supports and has been supporting for almost three decades through generous financial contributions and volunteering. In 2008, Junior League volunteers contributed nearly 2,500 hours through Hotline and Kids' Night Out placement. They helped us provide support to over 40,000 hotline callers and provide valuable care to 2,500 children. Houston Junior League President Kristen Buck and Karen Burke accepted the award on behalf of the Junior League volunteers.
Volunteer Requirements
To fulfill the volunteer application process:
Print, complete and submit a Volunteer Application to the Volunteer Department by fax (713-535-6363) or mail (1010 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77019, Attn: Volunteer Services).
Attend a Volunteer Orientation at the Houston Area Women's Center (1010 Waugh Drive). Volunteer orientation is offered either on Mondays or Saturdays and lasts approximately two hours. See Schedules below for the 2010 Volunteer Orientation Calendar.
Schedule an interview with the Volunteer Department. This interview enables us to better understand your interests, skills and availability so we can assess the best use of your time and talents.
Volunteers electing to work directly with clients must complete the Hotline and Advocacy Training (classroom and observation) prior to volunteer placement. Required training will be discussed during orientation.
