Turning Point, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is looking for volunteers, specifically in the Afton area, to help cover the 24-hour crisis hotline and advocate for their clients.
“Volunteering can be all types of different things,” Kim Anderson, Crisis Advocate, said. “It could be taking calls with the 24-hour crisis hotline, maintaining the building, cleaning the shelter, sitting in the office answering the phone, assisting clients and going to court and following them through the process from beginning to end, and being an advocate for them.”
Anderson said as she’s personally helped some of the clients she’s noticed how they feel supported because of the services Turning Point provides to them.
“A lot of people don’t know what we do and once we start working with a client that is not familiar with our services, they’re amazed with the support they get throughout the process,” Anderson said.
She said to become a certified volunteer, the state requires a 40-hour training which is provided by Turning Point, whether it be through their office, over the phone, or the internet.
After the training, it’s up to the volunteer how often they’d like to help, Anderson continued. They do ask the volunteers to help at least three days per month, but they are very flexible with them and the provided service hours are based on the volunteers’ schedules.
Kiley Taggart, Turning Point Executive Director, said they provide several services to their clients as well as services to educate the community.
“Turning Point works with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sometimes with child abuse,” Taggart said. “We meet the victim where they’re at and help them with what they’re needing whether it be emotional support, transporting them to a different area where the client may have more support, or walking them through the court process.”
Taggart said they also provide prevention education throughout the community and in the schools, as well as working with community partners to try and find people where their resources would be needed.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Turning Point, visit their website at www.turningpointlincolncounty.org and click on the volunteer opportunities tab.
You can also visit their Facebook page, The Turning Point.
If you’re a victim suffering from domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse, call Turning Point’s 24-hour crisis hotline. If you’re near the Afton location, call 307-885-9491. If you’re near the Kemmerer location, call 307-877-9021.
