Ways to Help

Volunteer

We at DCAC strongly believe that Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Center’s ongoing growth and success in providing assistance to underserved children and families. We also believe that the opportunities for volunteering are endless in our Center.

DCAC has three distinct type of volunteering opportunities. A detailed description of such opportunities follows. For information about these or other volunteering opportunities, please contact: JoAnn Howe, Office Manager, at 303-825-3880.

Family Advocate Volunteer

Reports to: Executive Director
Purpose of position: To provide support to parents and other family members whose children are in treatment at DCAC.

Responsibilities of the position:

1. Provide a safe and stable environment to the non-offending parent and other family members
2. Provide information and referrals to families regarding their rights as victims of crime, Victim Compensation, and other resources that are available in the community. Assist the family with the completion of Victim Compensation forms, when necessary
3. Provide guidance and education to the non-offending parent and family members regarding different issues related to trauma in children. An example might be to support and educate the parent in specific parenting skills that will help set limits for a sexually acting out child, an overly aggressive child, etc.
4. Participate in the special functions of the Center and training opportunities that are made available.

Knowledge and Experience: Parenting experience and knowledge of normal child development. Knowledge and experience of diverse populations and ability to work with a wide variety of people and cultures. Ability to converse fluently in Spanish a plus. Knowledge and/or experience about the criminal justice and child protection systems are helpful, as is knowledge about child sexual abuse and domestic violence in families. Previous experience in law enforcement, teaching, nursing, social work, victim advocacy, and/or parenthood may provide a solid basis for this volunteer role.

Qualifications: Commitment to victims of crime and their family members. Genuine interest in people and the ability to listen empathically to their stories, needs and dreams. Ability to set personal limits, be consistent in order to build trust, and follow through on commitments to client families and to DCAC.

Administrative Volunteers

Reports to: Volunteers Manager

Administrative Volunteers have a vital role in the ongoing growth of the Center. They fulfill different duties from helping with files, running errands, developing new forms, answering the telephones, updating DCAC mailing list, etc.

Special Projects Volunteers

Reports to: Executive Director

DCAC always has wonderful projects in the works like the annual fundraising event; the Holiday Season’s party; DCAC open house that requires the need of volunteers.

Special Projects Volunteers can also be involved in any of the following projects:

1. Finish up the renovation of our Center. We need volunteers to paint and decorate children's therapy rooms
2. Organize storage areas
3. Provide seasonal cleaning of the Center
4. Develop and implement projects, which require special skills. For example, a person with skills in carpentry may assist in fixing parts of the parking fence at the Center; a person with artistic skills may paint a mural in one of the rooms; a person with computer skills provides assistance with entering of data

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming involved with us, please give a call to JoAnn Howe at 303-825-3880. JoAnn would be pleased to walk you through the entire application process.
Thank you! Muchas Gracias! for your interest in DCAC.