Volunteer Class

Our Winter Volunteer Training Program takes place from January 16 through April 11.

Although the deadline for applications for the Winter 2024 class has passed, please feel free to submit your application for consideration. It may still be possible to join the class and get started as a Centre Safe volunteer!

In a typical year, counselor/advocates from Centre Safe answer over 2,000 hotline calls from people seeking domestic-, sexual-, dating violence and stalking services, respond to the hospital approximately 60 times to provide accompaniment to victims in the wake of a sexual assault, and assist nearly 150 adults and children who seek services at the Sylvia Stein Shelter. These dedicated counselor/advocates are integral to the work of Centre Safe and without them, we could not provide the level of support that survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout Centre County need.

You have an opportunity to become a part of an elite group of people doing this critical work. We invite you to join a diverse, dedicated cohort of Centre County residents in our winter training program, all of whom are working to become certified Counselor/Advocates.

Classes will be held virtually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00p.m.-9:00 p.m.

The process of joining the Volunteer Training Program is fairly simple: Download the Volunteer Application

• Complete and return the application (electronically, by mail, or in person) by January 5, 2024. Although the deadline for applications for the Winter 2024 class has passed, please feel free to submit your application for consideration. It may still be possible to join the class and get started as a Centre Safe volunteer!
• The volunteer coordinator will then contact you to schedule an interview to discuss the program in detail and answer any questions you may have.
• Shortly after the interview you will be notified of acceptance.
• Volunteers must obtain FBI clearance; Centre Safe will facilitate criminal history and child abuse clearances.

We do not charge a fee for the training; however, we do require that trainees make a one-year commitment to the program, during which you agree to take at least 4 shifts per month for those 12 months. These shifts can include in-person or remote work.

We realize that many community members would like to assist in the work of Centre Safe but cannot make the time commitment or are not interested in becoming a certified Counselor/Advocate. To learn of other volunteer needs please contact furrutiasmith@CentreSafe.org.