Show Up For Survivors
We're grateful for the many volunteers who keep this work running — and we've found there are many more ways to help than people realize. Pick the one that fits your time, skills, and energy. We'll handle the rest.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers support survivors through crisis services, pantry maintenance, donation drives, administrative support, events, and special projects. Opportunities depend on current program needs, schedules, training capacity, and fit.
Direct Client Service
California-mandated 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor training (CA Evidence Code 1037.1). Background check. Completion does not guarantee placement.
Crisis Hotline Support
Front Desk Support
Housing Support
Court Accompaniment
Court Advocacy
Non-Direct Client Service
A 2-hour basic Domestic Violence training for most roles. No 40-hour training required. Most opportunities can start once you have been interviewed by the program coordinator.
Food Pantry/Toiletry Pantry Upkeep
Food Donation Pick Up/Deliveries
Event Support
Administrative Support (as needed)
What does the process look like?
Attend New Volunteer Orientation & Learn about Both Non-direct and Direct Program Opportunities.
Schedule 1:1 Interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
Schedule the Appropriate Training.
Complete New Volunteer Paperwork Depending on the Volunteer position.
Complete Monthly Volunteer Timesheet
Meet with any relevant program staff for additional training and ongoing supervision.
Stay informed through our Volunteer Newsletter and opportunities sent by the Volunteer Coordinator.
FAQs
Answers to common questions.
No. Many roles do not require prior experience. We provide orientation and role-specific training; direct-service roles have additional requirements.
The best way for groups to support NDS is to host a drive. We have one or two projects per year for groups. Our Winter Open House offers a great time for groups to help out.
Volunteer work requires being on-site.
No. Placement depends on current needs, fit, schedule, screening, and staff capacity. We are deeply thankful for the work our 40-hour trained volunteers do with NDS.
Host a drive, donate, share our news updates, request a presentation, sponsor an event, or introduce NDS to your workplace or community group.
Host a Drive
Bring your workplace, school, faith community, neighborhood, family, or civic group together to collect new items survivors and families need. We will help you choose a current priority, share clear guidelines, and plan delivery.
Gift Card Drive
$25 gift cards from Target, Walmart, or Safeway are our most urgent year-round need. Monthly gift card sponsors are especially helpful.
Hygiene Items Drive
Collect new, full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads or tampons, disposable razors, and lotion. Full-size items are most useful because many survivors are relocating permanently.
Winter Open House Holiday Drive
From September through mid-December, collect new books, stuffed animals or plush toys, and Safeway, Target, or Walmart gift cards for our December Winter Open House, which serves about 250 survivor families.
Wishlist and In-Kind Donations
New goods and gift cards help us respond to immediate needs and support families as they establish safety and stability.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are among the most flexible and useful donations. Current priorities:
- Safeway
- Target
- Wal-Mart
Toiletries
New, unopened, full-size items are always needed:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Lotion
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Menstrual products
- Culturally appropriate hair-care items
Survivors are often leaving their homes so trial sized items are less practical.
Pantry Items
Shelf-stable, unexpired food is welcome. Please consider protein-rich items.
Shelter Needs
Regular needs include:
- New bedding
- New towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Children’s items
- Household basics
Because the shelter location is confidential, all deliveries go through our main office for in-person delivery or shipping.
Shop Our Registries
Prefer to shop online? Send essentials straight to us through our Target or Amazon registries.
Interested in Applying to Join Our Board of Directors?
Our Board of Directors is a volunteer governance board that provides financial and strategic oversight and supports fundraising for NDS. We recruit year-round and look for a mix of lived experience, professional skills, and community ties.
Commitment
8 hours per month mostly made up of bi-monthly meetings and committee work.
Meetings
Full board meets bi-monthly. Each member serves on at least one committee.
Expectations
Annual support at a meaningful level. Participation in at least one fundraising event per year.
Seeking
We seek a mix of diverse backgrounds, lived experience, community ties, and understanding of nonprofit organizations, along with expertise in fundraising, communications, and other areas needed by the Board.
Lived Experience
We encourage those with lived experience as a survivor, or friend, family member, of survivors to apply.
How to Apply
Submit a short statement of interest and resume. A virtual interview with the Nominating & Governance Committee, followed by a meeting with the Executive Director. Fill out our form to start the process.