By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

As the holidays approach, many of us are making our shopping lists and checking them twice to make sure we haven’t forgotten any of our loved ones. But one of the greatest gifts you can give all year-round is your time.

Vera House is an agency dedicated to helping those affected by domestic and sexual violence and elder abuse. Among its services are a 24-hour support hotline, education programs, emergency shelter for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and more. While the employees of Vera House are dedicated to their mission, they can’t do it alone. Vera House relies on volunteers for much of its advocacy: answering hotline calls, supporting victims of sexual assault and assisting people at Family Court.

The next training session for Vera House volunteers begins in January 2020, and I am inviting you to join me in supporting this wonderful agency. By doing so, you’ll be helping your neighbors throughout Onondaga County and beyond.

Vera House is seeking volunteers for the following direct service roles:

• Support Line Volunteers: Answer Vera House’s 24-hour crisis and support line during the day and provide emotional support and information to callers. Volunteers work shifts during business hours at Vera House’s administrative office in Syracuse (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).

• Family Court Volunteers: Assist individuals petitioning Family Court for orders of protection. Volunteers work shifts during business hours at the courthouse in downtown Syracuse (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).

• Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate: Respond to sexual assault victims at area hospitals and provide emotional support information. Volunteers work evening, overnight and/or weekend shifts.

I have been a sexual assault volunteer advocate for nearly four years. When someone arrives at an emergency room in Onondaga County and reports that they have been sexually assaulted, Vera House sends a volunteer advocate to provide emotional support for the person and connect them with follow-up services. We are with this person every step of the way on what is likely one of the worst and longest ordeals of their life: waiting for medical treatment, undergoing a forensic rape exam and making decisions about reporting to law enforcement.

It’s not an easy gig, but I do it because too many of the people I hold closest to my heart have been victims of sexual violence. I do it because everyone deserves a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on and someone in their corner saying, “I believe you.”
Julie Lovenberg is one of the volunteer managers at Vera House. She shared with me the process of becoming a volunteer. First, you fill out the volunteer application and go through a brief interview.

All volunteers undergo a day and a half of generalized training to learn about Vera House, the basics of domestic and sexual violence, the importance of diversity and communication. You then attend a full day of specialized training in whichever direct service avenue you choose. These trainings take place on Saturdays.

“Vera House provides extensive training, so there is no need to have previous experience — just a kind heart and desire to help those dealing with these serious issues in our community,” Julie said.

Many people, employees and volunteers alike, are drawn to Vera House because their lives have been touched by domestic or sexual violence in some way.

“The thing that brought you to helping people can also be what’s challenging for you,” Julie said.

It’s important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout in what can be an emotionally challenging role.

“We lean into each other a lot for support,” Julie said.

If you would like to learn more about the rewarding volunteer opportunities Vera House has available, contact Julie Lovenberg at [email protected] or visit verahouse.org/how-can-i-help/volunteer. Thank you, and happy holidays!

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic or sexual violence or elder abuse, Vera House offers a 24-hour crisis and support line at 315-468-3260. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired callers can dial 315-484-7263 for TTY during business hours only. For more information about resources available here in Central New York, visit verahouse.org.