What is a Life Skill?
A life skill is a skill that could benefit a survivor and prepare them for their future outside of Safe Passage. Life skill activities can include learning to build a resume, how to create a budget, how to job search effectively, a book club, self-care, children's educational activities, etc.
Other group activities can be done with a volunteer group of 4-5 individuals that include game nights, movie nights, or baking/cooking classes with the shelter residents.
Purpose: To provide the necessary tools for survivors to become self-sufficient and provide fun and educational activities for adults and children
Responsibilities:
- Facilitate the life skills program
- Assist in the research and development of materials necessary to supplement the curriculum
- Communicate with staff regarding client progress, problem solving and monitoring
- Tutor and mentor clients when necessary
- Enhance current curriculum to include volunteer services and outside educators
- Develop and provide materials for the program
- Attend quarterly meetings of volunteer staff
- Contact supervisor regarding mandated reports of child abuse or suicide attempts
Qualifications:
- Must be 18
- Competition of 15 hours of volunteer training program
- Completion of shadowing of shelter staff and other staff members/volunteers
- Ability to remain non-judgmental and non-directive
- Passion for teaching and mentoring adults and children
- Compassionate yet empowering survivors to take control of their lives
- Signing and adhering to confidentially pledge
- Advocacy skills for victims in crisis
- Access to reliable transportation and phone service
- Adherence to the philosophy, goals, and policies of Safe Passage
- National child abuse and criminal clearances
Learning Opportunities:
- Receive working knowledge of services provided to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse at Safe Passage
- Gain experience in working with children and adults who are survivors of abuse
- Learn how to manage a classroom and teach a diverse community
- Develop familiarity with responsibilities of victim service providers
- Network with community partners
- Work to create a culture of change pertaining to violence against adults and children
Time Commitment: Minimum two to three life skills courses per month (can be virtual)
Availability: Scheduled on a monthly basis. Classes have better attendance between the hours of 6pm and 9pm Monday through Thursday. Weekend life skills and activities can be arranaged.
