Reach Counseling provides crisis intervention and emotional support 24/7 to survivors of sexual assault and their friends/family with the help of Volunteer Victim Advocates. Volunteer Advocates are on call during shifts of their choosing and can be over nights, on weekends, and holidays when the Reach office is closed. We are additionally seeking volunteers to help respond to crisis calls during daytime hours between 7am-5pm.
Volunteer Advocates are trained to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, information and resources to survivors of sexual abuse and assault in Winnebago, Outagamie, and Calumet Counties. Advocates provide these services over the phone or in person at a local hospital. Advocates work alongside medical and legal professionals to ensure survivors are supported while navigating these processes, reducing further trauma and re-victimization while tending to a survivor’s emotional needs.
Advocates will work with nurses and law enforcement to provide wrap-around, compassionate care while a survivor receives a forensic exam and/or gives a statement to the police. Advocates respond to Aurora Medical Center and Mercy in Oshkosh, ThedaCare and St. Elizabeth's in Appleton, with the option to sign up for Calumet County Hospital in Chilton coverage as well. Volunteers choose which regions (Appleton, Oshkosh, Chilton) they would like to cover when on call.
Advocates must have a driver's license, car insurance and vehicle while on call. Advocates take calls through their own phones and never have to be at the Reach office while on call. Advocates must be aware they will hear details of sexual abuse and assault and should know how hearing these stories will impact them. Advocates are in charge of how many and which shifts they take and the schedule is very flexible. Advocates, whether staff or volunteer, are not allowed to provide transportation for clients.
