GET INVOLVED

When it comes to a tough issue like domestic violence, many people don't know what to do to help or get involved. Many fear that they may say something wrong words, stare too long at a scar, or get too personal too soon. But don't let your fear of becoming too vocal or too bold for the cause stifle you that you don't speak out or step up at all. The River Valley Shelter offers several opportunities in which individuals, civic and professional organizations, community leaders, and corporate partners can join in our mission to empower hundreds of women and children who are escaping domestic abuse.

Donating your money and items is great to make a long-lasting impact on the operation of the shelter, but your time and talent is just as valuable as a volunteer, intern, or board member. Consider your availability and how much time, talent, and resources you would like to extend in an effort to hep support our cause - and then, decide exactly how you want to help.

Review the opportunities and make a commitment. If you have additional questions or concerns about how you can help, or if you have an idea that's not on the list, email us. We would love to talk to you and together discover how you can help us help!

Thank you for taking a step to learn how you can make a difference. We are thrilled to have you as our partner in this work. Below are some ways you can get involved.

Donate

Get Help

Make a Donation

The River Valley Shelter relies on generous contributions of people like you, businesses, clubs, churches, and foundations to sustain our work! Make a gift today!

Volunteer

Volunteers are integral to The River Valley Shelter's work. Whether by coming in regularly or one-time with a group of friends or coworkers, volunteers make a difference by helping our nonprofit in a wide variety of ways. Learn more about volunteering with us!

Host a Drive

You can help survivors as they transition into a new, violence-free life. Whether it's household goods, toiletries or other basics, we have lots of opportunities' for you and your coworkers, faith group, neighborhood, family, or friends to help provide survivors with the things they need. Check out our wish list and how you can organize a drive today!

Create Your Own Event

People loving getting together, especially when it's for a good cause. You can turn a regular get together, like a summer BBQ, concert, art show, or meeting into a fundraiser for The River Valley Shelter. We've put together some FAQ's and a Toolkit for you to get started today.

Attend an Event

Check out our event calendar!

Raise Awareness

One of the best ways we can end domestic violence is to talk about it. Silence allows domestic violence to thrive. The more we all know about this issue and how to support survivors, the closer we will get to our goal. We have many resources you can start using today!

Trainings & Workshops

You can request a training or attend a workshop on domestic violence to learn how to better support survivors. Whether you're in the medical field, HR, social service, or at a company and want to make sure your managers and employees know the warning signs of abuse, we can come offer training customized to your group. Learn more today!

"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader."
-Dolly Parton

Internships With The River Valley Shelter

Internships at The River Valley Shelter are a valuable way to get to know our programs and how our organization works. Many lifelong advocates and River Valley Shelter staff in leadership positions began their journey as interns. We are committed to fostering a culture of learning. Internship opportunities are a great way to get involved.

The River Valley Shelter internships are unpaid and availability varies throughout the year. Both graduate and undergraduate internships are available. If you are wanting to intern through a university or college, please let us know!

What is the Internship Volunteer Application Process?

The River Valley Shelter was established in 1984 and have served survivors of domestic violence not only from around Arkansas, but around the country and the world. Domestic Violence can affect anyone regardless of race, sexuality, gender, culture, religion, or socio-economic status. During this internship, you will become certified by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Domestic Violence Advocate and help us uphold our belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. At the River Valley Shelter, we believe that all survivors of domestic deserve a chance to live a violence-free life, and you will help us in that mission!

With this in mind, we will need the following information from anyone interested in an internship:

Intended Start Date
Hours Needed for Internship Completion
Class Schedule (if applicable)
A Detailed Resume
A List of References (We do call!)

After we receive this information, our Volunteer Coordinator, Zoe Merritt, will set up a meeting with our Shelter Manager, Karrie Bowden, to fill out some paperwork and your background check.

What to expect during your internship:

Completing all required training
Learning Shelter Policies and Procedures
Answer Hotline Calls
- You will be trained on how to answer hotline calls as well as shelter policies
- You will be trained on how to make referrals when on a hotline
Attending to Clients at Shelter Safe House
- Helping clients obtain resources
- Helping clients with their paperwork
- Helping clients meet goals while at the shelter
Helping clients to obtain resources
Managing Paperwork
- For the most part, this will consist of case management and maintaining a client's file. You will update information, make copies of paperwork for a client's file, and send paperwork to appropriate places.
- This can also be an Intake and Discharge of a client. When the shelter receives a new client, we review intake paperwork with them. This paperwork is very self-explanatory, and you will be trained on how to do this. Discharge paperwork is done when the client leaves our shelter.
Attending Outreach Events
- During your internship, The River Valley Shelter has several opportunities to attend outreach events. This will be an excellent opportunity to see how the shelter interacts in the community and a way to gain experience with on-the-spot questions.

Internship Testimonials

I had the opportunity to intern at a domestic violence shelter and it was a learning experience that I will always remember. I was able to witness the bravery and resilience of the individuals and families seeking safety from abuse. I was inspired by their courage, and I felt a sense of purpose in being able to provide a safe space for them.

The experience also taught me the importance of empathy and understanding when working with people who have been through trauma. It was a humbling experience, and I felt honored to be a small part of the healing process for these individuals and families.

Overall, I enjoyed my time at the domestic violence shelter because it allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. It was an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Internship Testimonial

This was not my original placement for internship, but I am so grateful that I ended up here. I had to complete a 450-hour internship. On my first day I knew I was going to feel right at home here. The other advocates welcomed me in with open arms and were always willing to help me learn. My supervisor was
also very understanding of personal issues and had no problem accommodating with me. I was able to not only get a lot learning hours through my online training, but I believe it also prepared me for the work I was going to be doing during my time there. I learned all about domestic violence, ethics, client
interactions, hotline calls, safety planning, and so much more. My time in the shelter was an amazing experience. I was able to get a lot of one on one time with the clients and learn about them, so that I can figure out the best way to help them. I was able to learn about case management and put that to
use with clients. I was taught how to take hotline calls, which was very scary at first. If I did not have the support from the advocate I was working with, I do not think I would’ve been able to take calls. By the end of the three months being there, I was answering hot line calls like a professional. I was also able to
complete some hours outside of the shelter. I went and did some outreach events at ATU campus and some schools with Zoe. I felt like being able to attend those events helped me gain hands-on-experience. I am so glad that I was able to do my internship at the River Valley Shelter, I would
recommend it to anyone that has a true passion for helping others in this field. I truly loved the three months I spent at the shelter. I am actually now the transportation advocate because I loved it so much!

Internship Testimonial

I started my internship at the domestic violence shelter, and I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could. I worked closely with the staff and clients, and I gained valuable experience and knowledge about the inner workings of the shelter.

Over time, I became more confident and proficient in my work, and I was promoted to a full-time position as a shelter manager. This was a huge milestone for me, as it meant that I was able to make a bigger difference in the lives of our clients. It was a huge responsibility, but I was up for the challenge.

Being a shelter manager has had a profound impact on me. It has allowed me to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. I have seen firsthand the impact that domestic abuse has on individuals and families, and I have also seen how powerful and life-changing our services can be.

Working as a shelter manager has also taught me the importance of self-care and balance. I have learned how to prioritize my own needs while still being there for our clients, and it has also given me a deeper understanding of the importance of boundaries and self-preservation.

Overall, my experience as a shelter manager has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank You, Allies!

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We'd like to thank the businesses and corporations that have allied with The River Valley Shelter to invest in our continuous and historic commitment to ending the cycle of domestic violence in the state of Arkansas and beyond.

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