Last week, REACH hosted its second Summer Training Institute for new staff, volunteers, and domestic violence providers from other agencies. This 40 hour training, which we typically offer over a seven-week period in evening sessions, was done in a one-week intensive format. This schedule allowed for more professionals, volunteers who prefer daytime hours, and summer interns to quickly complete the required training and orientation.
16 people participated in the series. Participants received training on domestic violence in its many forms, trauma, cycles of violence, impacts on children and teens, mental health and addiction, safety planning, and how to best support survivors. REACH had the honor of being joined by Safe Havens Interfaith Partners to lead a new session on Faith and Domestic Violence.
When participants reflected on their experience, a common theme emerged – every person was dreading the intense number of hours and fearful that the week would drag on, but by the end of training, folks could not believe how quickly the time had passed.
REACH offers this intensive training series three times per year. The next opportunity to join our team as a volunteer will be this fall, beginning on September 9, 2019.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with REACH, please visit the Get Involved page of our website.
