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Volunteer at Palomar

Imagine yourself rushing into a strange building, children in tow. You are scared, hurt, and have no place to rest or find safety. Then, instead of walking into a gray, gloomy building, you open the door of Palomar to find a calm, reassuring voice and a safe space to sit and rest. Someone offers you coffee, and a volunteer offers to show your children the playroom. All of a sudden, getting help seems a little less frightening, and there is a glimpse of something you did not believe you would ever find again: HOPE.

Palomar has positions for individuals seeking all different time-commitments and interactions with our mission to support survivors. Intern and volunteer onboarding occurs 3 times per year in January, May, and August. This page outlines all existing positions. 

Program Goals

The goals of our volunteer program are to match each volunteer with a fulfilling area of service and to provide volunteers with the training and support they need to assist those affected by domestic violence. Some of our volunteer goals include:

  • Provide current and frequent training to volunteers on domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking issues, including best practices in working with clients and the community.
  • Provide a variety of tasks and opportunities for volunteers to become involved in assisting Palomar clients.
  • Have volunteers available to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for clients.
  • Maintain a friendly hospitality area for guests.

AVAILABLE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Front Desk & Phone Hospitality

  • Answer Palomar’s main phone line
  • Check-in incoming clients
  • Direct clients to the appropriate reception areas
  • Provide administrative assistance to the direct services team
  • Manage common areas to ensure a warm and welcoming environment for survivors

Children's Sanctuary

  • Offer direct supervision of children of all ages who have experienced trauma
  • Observe and learn Trust Based Relational Intervention practices
  • Provide age-appropriate play and learning

Emergency Services Shop

  • Support clients with locating items in the shop
  • Check clients out utilizing the square application
  • Stock the racks and shelves
  • Process and intake incoming donations

Special Projects & Community Events

  • Staff community events and trainings
  • Support various research projects
  • Offer specialized services to the agency
  • Provide administrative support to the engagement team

Spiritual Care Program

  • Provide connections to faith-based community resources when requested
  • Host healing circles, bible studies, and other interfaith opportunities for survivors

Animal Advocacy

  • Sort & organize donations for the pet pantry 
  • Connect clients to the pet pantry & other resources
  • Spread awareness about the animal advocacy program at community events
  • Provide administrative support to the the director of the animal advocacy program

Camp HOPE Mentoring

  • Attend Palomar’s annual Camp HOPE as a mentor (ages 18-24)
  • Participate in year-round camper reunions 
  • Provide emotional support to campers
  • Gain knowledge about evidence-based practices that support trauma-exposed youth

Palomar Legal Network

  • Review legal network applications alongside an attorney
  • Provides administrative support at VPO clinics, Legal Q&A Days, & other community initiatives
  • Gain exposure to court proceedings

When applying, please be sure to select all areas of interest. Palomar’s Volunteer & Engagement Manager will reach out to interview and coordinate training opportunities. 

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