CASA Needs Your Help

If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity that will allow you to make a profound difference in people's lives, CASA may be the right choice for you.

The nonprofit is dedicated to ending domestic violence and works with victims, offering everything from advocacy to a safe haven.

The mission of CASA is to “raise our voices against violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change,” according to the website.

Due to the nature of the work involved, volunteers are required, depending on their positions, to complete trainings.

• Background check through a local law enforcement agency;
• Staff interview that includes a tour of the facility and a chance for CASA to get to know you and vice versa;
• FCADV Training. The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence has created a 24-hour course called core competency; volunteers must participate and complete it.

Organizers have put together a list of volunteer opportunities. The requirements are noted next to each position listed below:

• FCADV Certified Advocate: assist with job and school applications from participants; drive clients to and from appointments; answer phones for the crisis line; tutor and play games with children; maintain shelters; be a friend to participants; assist with support groups.
  Required: background check, staff interview and FCADV training.
• FCADV Certified Child Care Assistant: supervise children while parents are in support groups; tutor, play games, read to and assist on the playground.
  Required: background check, staff interview, FCADV training.
• FCADV Certified Crisis Line Advocate: assist crisis line callers and help with records keeping; day or evening shift.
  Required: background check, staff interview and FCADV training.
• FCADV Certified Legal Advocate: inform and educate survivors and their families who have entered the legal system for protection against domestic violence; day shift.
  Required: background check, staff interview and FCADV training.
• Life Skills Advocate: share personal knowledge through workshops that you have created with participants; topics include everything from financial planning to food shopping on a budget to sewing and job interviewing.
  Required: background check, staff interview and workshop curriculum approval.
• Community Education Advocate: spread the word about CASA’s mission at events like health fairs, conferences and seminars.
  Required: background check and staff interview.
• Thrift Shoppe Assistant: help shoppers find merchandise; sort and price items; assist at the checkout.
  Required: background check and staff interview.
• Thrift Store Merchandiser: create displays in the shop; dress mannequins, arrange books and clothing into categories; sort merchandise to display its potential.
  Required: background check and staff interview.
• CASA Administration Assistant: prepare fundraising mailings; sort donations; answer phones; day shift.
  Required: background check and staff interview.
• CASA Amigas: made up of community members; organize fund and friend raising events; perfect for someone with limited time.
  Required: background check and staff interview.
• Event Assistant: help with greeting and check-ins at events; set up and tear down event space.
  Required: background check and staff interview.

Call CASA for more details on how you can get involved, at 727-895-4912. Check out the agency's web page on volunteering, which lets people download an application form.