Volunteers make a difference in the programs and services of the East Texas Crisis Center. Many opportunities are available to those wanting to help end the cycle of violence by donating their time and talent.

The East Texas Crisis Center adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct regarding clients, co-workers, students and volunteers.  We are dedicated to the self-growth, support, and empowerment of all clients. Therefore we require any volunteers and staff who will have direct contact with clients to complete a 40+ hour training program. Training is held twice a year and is usually completed over a two month time frame

Steps to becoming a volunteer:

• Fill out a volunteer application and a confidentiality statement and consent to a background check.

• Schedule a personal interview with the Volunteer Coordinator.

• The Volunteer Coordinator will check your references, conduct a background check, and schedule you for training.

Types of Volunteer Job Assignments

• Peer Counselors are special friends to women living in the shelter.  They maintain contact, by phone and in person, while the client is a resident.

• Children’s Services volunteers provide constructive supervision at the shelter. Mentors help with homework, play games and provide a caring ear. Afternoon programs, evening support groups and weekend activities will fit almost anyone’s schedule.

• Hotline Counselors provide crisis intervention and peer counseling to callers on a 24-hour hotline. For added convenience, the hotline can be forwarded to your home.

• Flamingos resale store at 107 W. Sixth (behind Joseph’s on Broadway) is an excellent way to advocate for women and children in need.

• On-Call Advocates provide support and crisis intervention counseling to victims and their families at local hospitals.

• Special Services volunteers lend their unique talents to our clients in many ways, including cosmetology, auto maintenance, carpentry, consulting, teaching a craft or performing artistically for residents. This is an area with few limitations!

• Office Assistants provide much needed assistance to office personnel.

• Special Events volunteers assist with special events and fund-raising events. 

• Violence Intervention Network volunteers are needed for data entry, letter-writing, and filing.

• Outreach volunteers are needed to assist staff in our Canton and Athens offices with crisis intervention and on-call advocacy.

• Transportation volunteers assist with the needs of shelter residents.

• Youth Service Opportunities

For more information on how to be a volunteer for the East Texas Crisis Center,

please contact: (903)509-2526 or email to: volunteercoord@etcc.org