Why Volunteer?

Did you know that volunteering is actually beneficial to your own mental health? It is proven to not only strengthen social skills but combat loneliness and social isolation (with positive long term effects on brain function AND your immune system).

Volunteering can also help to develop emotional stability, depression, self esteem and depression!

Actively participating in giving back to your community is important for many reasons. Most often you are helping people in need, a community effort, or another worthwhile cause. You have the opportunity to change your life and the lives of many others.

 

This is what one of our volunteer has to say….

“I volunteer at The Family Counseling Center’s domestic violence program. I work two to four hours a week, as my health allows. I find volunteering very fulfilling and that I very much enjoy being a Volunteer Peer Advocate. As an older person, with multiple medical problems, I feel like I still have something to offer as a domestic violence warrior. This includes putting on my war paint, my make-up, which I tend not to do when I stay home.

I was a victim of domestic violence for over 30 years. At the time, I did not even know that DV programs existed. Even now, years later, I still feel the effects of my domestic violence from my past life. Thankfully, now, I have supportive family who helps me cope.

Still, I felt I needed more. So, several years ago, I started attending the weekly Wednesday support group and learned a lot about DV. I found that it helped me build my confidence to face the world. I was also told that my comments in the group seemed to help other younger victims understand what they were going through and that there was hope. So, about a year ago, I was asked to train to become a Peer Advocate. This was a life goals that I thought was beyond my abilities to realize. I felt I did not have the education to maintain such an avocation. Luckily for me, Amanda took me under her wing and showed me my potential. I returned the favor when I taught her how to not kill plants.

I now believe that my primary contribution to other victims of domestic violence is because of my past history and what I have learned that helped me. Given my medical problems, if I can come out of my house three times a week, younger victims, no matter their age, can come out at least once. It’s never too late.

I chose to volunteer at DV despite multiple chronic health issues. I never know if I am going to have a bad day. So, volunteering gives me flexibility, plus I have very understanding bosses. For me, volunteering is a way to give back to others. I believe I am paying forward my current good fortune.
If everyone volunteered, I believed the community would be a much better place to live.” 

Cindy Vittucci, Domestic Violence Advocate

 

Want to volunteer with us?

Start by filling our a volunteer application. Please email your application to Tonya, our Human Resources Director at, THarris@thefamilycounselingcenter.org.

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be called for a screening interview. Once you have successfully met the requirements, including a reference and background check, the placement process will begin.

We look forward to having you as a valuable addition to The Family Counseling Center. Please note that the process of becoming a volunteer may take some time, but it is worth it!

For questions regarding the volunteer application process, please contact Tonya Harris at (518) 725-4310.

 

We may not always have immediate volunteer openings, but here are some great local volunteer opportunities to check out…

Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties

Regional Animal Shelter

Fulton County Office for the Aging

Habitat for Humanity

United Way of Fulton County