During this time, SAFE needs your help. Here are some options for:

Off-Site Volunteer Projects During COVID-19 & Shelter In Place

If you are looking for ways to help others with the added bonus of keeping yourself and/or your kids busy during this time of social distancing and staying in place, below are some projects that you can work on from home by ordering supplies online and delivering at a later date.  Email Lindsay Contreras at lcontreras@safeaustin.org for more information regarding quantity, delivery, etc.

Create Intake Food Bags

When most survivors are admitted to SAFE’s Family Shelter, they do not bring any food with them.  We would love to receive premade bags of nonperishable food items that we can provide them when they arrive.  Ideally, each bag would contain a couple of breakfast items (such as individual cups of oatmeal), a couple of lunch items (cups of ramen, microwaveable mac & cheese, Chef Boyardee, canned soup, etc.), a couple of dinner items (such as dry pasta and a can/jar of pasta sauce, canned tuna/chicken with a couple packets of mayo, a box of Velveeta, boxed dinners that don’t require fresh meat, etc.), and a couple of snacks (such as granola bars, canned fruit, etc.).

Distribute Yard Signs

During the pandemic, SAFE has been working hard to make sure that people know that they are not alone, that those facing violence and abuse at home can call our SAFEline and get help. To that end, we have created beautiful You Are Not Alone yard signs that we would your assistance distributing in the community. If you are willing to put a yard sign in your yard, or if you are willing to get your neighbors to also put up yard signs, you can pick them up in front of Building K at our Manor campus (4800 Manor Road) or at the Resource Center at our Grove campus (1515 Grove Blvd.) And please contact Piper Stege Nelson at pstegenelson@safeaustin.org if you have any trouble or questions!

 

Create a Welcome Kit for Survivors Entering Shelter

Most people arrive to the SAFE Family Shelter with very few – if any – personal belongings.  SAFE sets up each room with the “basics” so they have one less thing to worry about.  We would love your help with creating any of these kit options.  If you’re feeling creative, you could provide a handwritten positive affirmation or a piece of uplifting artwork they can hang in their room.  Please email Lindsay Contreras (lcontreras@safeaustin.org), for information about approved language for affirmations and for information about delivery.

Make Craft Kits for the Youth and Adults Living in SAFE’s Shelters

These kits would be individual baggies filled with the supplies and instructions needed to create a specific craft – dream catchers, spring-themed crafts, stress balls, etc.  Kits could be geared towards adults, toddlers, elementary aged kids, or teenagers.

In-Kind Donation Superstar

SAFE has seen a decrease in the amount of basic needs donations, and we’re having a difficult time purchasing the quantity we need due to either being out of stock online or due to quantity limits at the stores.  Inspired by a former SAFE employee, we invite you to encourage friends to give funds that you take to stores – maybe even multiple stores due to potential limits of what can be purchased – and delivering them to SAFE.  Our current greatest needs are disinfecting spray/wipes, toothpaste, razors, baby wipes, diapers sizes 5 & 6, and non-perishable food for babies, kids, and adults.  Bins to receive donations are placed outside our warehouse address at 1515 Grove Blvd, and they will be emptied checked Sunday – Friday.  Email inkind@safeaustin.org for more information.

Volunteers are a vital link between SAFE and the community, providing support in every aspect of our mission to end sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence. For more information on regular ongoing volunteer opportunities, contact us at SAFEvolunteer@safeaustin.org.

We have community engagement opportunities for folks who would like to get connected with our mission and issues quickly. View our events calendar to see what is available.

And sign up for our SAFE E-newsletter HERE. 

Attend a volunteer information session

Attending a volunteer information session is the best way to get involved as a direct service volunteer. Once a volunteer has attended an information session, they are then eligible to attend a 40-hour volunteer and/or children’s and youth training. Trainings are held three times per year.

To reserve your seat in an upcoming volunteer information session, visit the registration page here.

Flexible and group opportunities

During normal times, SAFE offers a variety of one-time or once per month opportunities for both groups and individuals.  For example, you could host an activity for the kids and families we serve, sort donations in our warehouse or pantry, prepare and deliver food for survivors, or help around the holidays.  Email Lindsay Contreras at lcontreras@safeaustin.org to learn about our current offerings during the pandemic.

Professional volunteer opportunities

We welcome the involvement of community members offering their professional skills and services to the agency and its clients. Our agency clients often have a wide range of needs, some not possible for SAFE to meet directly. Partnering with the community is an important way to help ensure these needs are met in the fullest possible way. Join us at a volunteer info session for more information.

Direct-service volunteer opportunities

Volunteers at SAFE often serve as the first hope for survivors, offering support during sexual assault forensic exams or a compassionate presence in court or the shelter. Volunteers work daily with children and youth in our residential cottages, therapeutic classroom, after-school programs, and other areas across SAFE. We also need support from volunteers in areas that involve limited client interaction, such as staffing booths in the community, assisting at our charter school, early childhood education centers, providing workshops for Life Skills classes, and much more. Take a look at our direct service volunteer requirements.

Volunteers of Distinction

To learn about our incredible Volunteers of Distinction over the last few years, click here.