Volunteering

At Halton Women’s Place, our volunteers make ALL the difference.

Our volunteers provide our staff with much-needed support and assist us in our ability to provide services to abused women and their dependent children.

To be a volunteer you will need to:

Be 18 years of age or older
Attend a volunteer orientation session
Complete the Volunteer Application Form
Provide us with a current police check, incl. vulnerable sectors check
Have 2 references complete the reference questionnaire
Complete a stage 1 TB test
Enter into a confidentiality agreement with HWP

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

To get started, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.

Some of our Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Reception

Assist our Crisis Intervention Counsellors by providing in-shelter reception assistance. This support is needed at both our North and South locations during the day, evenings and on weekends. Volunteers typically commit to a regular, weekly 2-3 hour shift. Tasks include: answering phones, greeting the public, receiving donations, screening visitors etc.

Children and Youth

By assisting the Child and Youth Counsellors, you can help make the days a little brighter for the young people staying in our shelters. Volunteers assist with children’s programming and help with other tasks such as organizing children’s supplies. Some volunteers also provide homework support throughout the school year. Volunteers may commit to a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule.

Donations/Housekeeping

Our shelter housekeepers always need extra help! You may choose between helping with donations or helping with other housekeeping tasks. Donations tasks include sorting donations, organizing donation spaces, checking food items for expiry dates etc. Other housekeeping needs include helping to tidy or clean shelter spaces. Volunteers may commit to a flexible schedule.

Event Planning Committees

Help make our fundraising and awareness events a success, consider joining one of the planning committees for either our annual gala, annual golf tournament or Hope in High Heels events.

The gala committee meets at least monthly from September-February with the event being held the last Saturday in February.
The golf committee meets bi-weekly from March until June, with the event being held at the end of June on a weekday.
The Hope in High Heels committee meets bi-weekly from July-September with three separate walks held in Milton, Burlington and Oakville, in September.

All committee members help with selling tickets, soliciting sponsorships /donations and publicizing the event.

Special Events

Assist us in various ways at events held for Halton Women’s Place throughout Halton Region. These events range from formal galas to community fairs. Tasks at each event vary from selling raffle tickets, monitoring auction tables, collecting donations etc.

Administrative Support

Holiday Giving

The holiday season is the busiest time at Halton Women’s Place! We require a lot of volunteer support during the month of December with sorting donations and processing holiday hampers for women and their children.

Special Skills

If you have a special skill that you think our clients could benefit from please let us know. In the past we have had volunteers provide yoga sessions, quilting nights, cake decorating instruction, to name a few. We are always open to new ideas for programming!

Remember, you may also help Halton Women’s Place with:

Cash donations
Donating items needed in our shelters
By attending/supporting our events

You have options:

IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE

Call our 24 hour Crisis, Information and Support Line to speak with a trained Crisis Intervention Counsellor;
The Crisis Intervention Counsellor will explore your options with you and support you to create a Safety Plan, along with creating an Emergency Escape Plan
If you have pets, you can explore safe options with the Crisis Intervention Counsellor.

If you do choose to come to Halton Women’s Place, you and your child(ren) may stay for up to 12 weeks. Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will work alongside you on your personal goals, which may include:

Accessing community support;
Accessing counselling;
Obtaining housing;
Accessing financial supports;
Exploring legal supports;
Any other individual goals.

Emergency transportation is available to help you get to the shelter.

IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO LEAVE

Call the Halton Women’s Place 24-hour Crisis, Information and Support Line.
Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will offer support, counselling, resources and information. They will also explore your options.
Crisis Intervention Counsellors will also offer to support you to create a safety plan for you, and your children, if applicable
Crisis support is available on the phone or in person at either shelter. No appointment is necessary.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SHELTER

Safe shelter with staff available 24 hours a day;
Clean and welcoming bedrooms;
Laundry facilities;
Children’s Services, including parenting support, therapeutic groups, children’s activities, playroom;
Court support for interim custody and restraining orders;
Supportive counselling;
Advocacy for you and your children;
Support in accessing community services;
Support groups;
On-Going Safety Planning;
Planning for departure from shelter