Common Ground Volunteer Training

July 6 – 29, 2024.

Volunteer training is approximate 36-hours and takes place on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. In addition, 10-hours of observation is required.

Requirements to be considered for volunteer training: Individuals must be at least 18-years of age, high school/GED graduate, pass a screening and background check, be open-minded, non-judgmental and ready to learn. No prior crisis training necessary but welcomed.

Contact Brooke Seagraves for more information: Brooke: bseagraves@cghelps.org or fill out a short volunteer form: Volunteer Form

Additional trainings will be offered this fall and winter.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:

Crisis Support Liaison: This position consists of helping individuals waiting to be served in the front lobby of the Resource & Crisis Center in Pontiac, MI. These duties may consist of providing crisis intervention to individuals seeking services from Common Ground, providing crisis intervention for loved ones who have accompanied persons served, assistance with paperwork needed for CG services, as well as providing care by serving individuals snacks and drinks in the lobby.

VAP Volunteer Advocate: Options for this position include providing emotional support and appropriate referrals to individuals with victimizations, assistance with criminal justice system and provide court accompaniment, assisting victims in person at community sites (hospitals, police stations), provide assistance with Personal Protection Orders, provide assistance with applying for Crime Victim Compensation, and provide referrals to other needed community resources and supports.

VAP Personal Protection Order Specialist: This position involves assisting individuals while filling PPO paperwork at the courthouse. Schedule is flexible within the hours of 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Volunteers are required to stay until the PPO has been submitted.

Community Outreach: Participating in various events throughout the community to raise awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, as well as services Common Ground provides for the community. This includes assisting at Common Ground events (the Birmingham Art Fair, Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, etc.) and/or setting up a table at outreach events as a CG representative.