YWCA - Daybreak Shelter / Greater Worcester Confidential Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter

Updated 08/2015

YWCA - Daybreak Shelter / Greater Worcester Confidential Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter http://www.ywcacentralmass.org/domestic-violence/program-history Shelter location must not be disclosed prior to, during or post Internship

Staff Contacts: Suzanne Uncapher (primary contact) Supervisor of Residential Services [email protected] 508-793-9661 – Office 774-314-1435 – Cell

Evelyn Cabrera Director of Residential Services [email protected] 508-793-9661 – Office 978-407-8778 – Cell

Organization Description: The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Emergency domestic violence shelters are safe, confidential sites that serve women and families fleeing imminent danger. The Daybreak Shelter is the only confidential shelter in Worcester. Staff provides support, advocacy, counseling, and individual case management and advocacy. The shelter’s goal is to stabilize the lives of women and their families and to assist them in rebuilding for the future.

CBL Opportunities: Students will have an opportunity to shadow our staff members, receiving a well-rounded view of the advocacy services provided to our participants. This will include case management and advocacy, counseling, family support issues, healthy living, budgeting, applying for housing, etc. Students will also have the opportunity to shadow hot-line calls. Thirdly, students will be involved in the day-to-day upkeep of the shelter. This will involve assisting with any tasks that need to be done including facility maintenance, cleaning, etc. This is not glamorous work, but it is very important work! There is some flexibility in what hours students attend, but they should plan to be on-site for two hours each week. Students will also have the option to check-in and check-out with Suzanne each time they are at the shelter. This is very important, as some things may be triggering for volunteers. In these brief meetings, students will have the opportunity to talk on-on-one or to write down any feedback they want Suzanne and Evelyn to have about their experience. Students completing this will be able to better shape their experience at the shelter.

Pre-Service Requirements: CORI form, Confidentiality Agreement, Volunteer application, Volunteer Orientation (at Holy Cross)

Number of Volunteers Needed: 4-5 Updated 08/2015