Volunteer
Put Your Passions into Meaningful Action
Alexandra House relies on volunteers to provide essential services to victims of domestic and sexual violence. We offer a variety of one-time and long-term volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to give their time and talents. Download a copy of our Volunteer Opportunities.
Alexandra House has a team of dedicated volunteers working in virtually every program. For prospective volunteers interested in working directly with program participants as advocates or childcare providers, we offer a 50-hour training program that prepares individuals for the challenges of direct-service volunteering. For prospective volunteers interested in working behind the scenes in our kitchen or facility, we provide a quick orientation that allows volunteers to make a difference without extensive training.
All individual volunteer opportunities require a completed Volunteer Application, background check, and a personal interview. For more information, contact Mollie, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 763-795-5452 or by email.
Volunteer Training
Alexandra House hosts its 50-hour volunteer training biannually. This training presents a unique opportunity for community members to learn critical skills when working with victims/survivors of domestic, sexual, and relationship violence and abuse in later life. Whether working in our shelter, as hospital advocates, or as childcare providers, volunteers are indispensable to Alexandra House’s work. There is no substitute for a reassuring voice and a steady hand in an emergency.
Individuals completing this training will be certified in Minnesota as sexual assault victim advocates if working or volunteering for a Minnesota victim-services agency. The training is a mix of theory and skills training comprised of ten individual (mandatory) sessions that cover topics that range from legal matters to the specific needs of survivors and their families. Interactive sessions, guest speakers, and the most current research help prepare volunteers for the sensitive nature of this work and hone appropriate responses to crises.
Along with a desire to help Anoka County families, an ideal candidate must have excellent communication skills, heightened cultural awareness, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Additionally, candidates must be over 18, have a valid Driver’s License, pass a background check, be able to make a one-year commitment, and attend meetings and trainings as needed.
Fall 2024 Advocate Training Dates
WEEK 1
• Tuesday, October 1 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• Thursday, October 3 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
WEEK 2
• Tuesday, October 8 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• Thursday, October 10 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• Saturday, October 12 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
WEEK 3
• Tuesday, October 15 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
WEEK 4
• Tuesday, October 22 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• Thursday, October 24 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• Saturday, October 26 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
WEEK 5
• Tuesday, October 29 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
For more information, download our Fall Advocate Training Flyer.
Volunteering as a Group
Alexandra House welcomes groups from corporations, faith communities, sororities, and other social groups to help us with various projects on a one-time or ongoing basis. Group sizes can vary depending on the project, but we typically can accommodate 3-8 people. If your group wants to complete a one-time or ongoing volunteer project at Alexandra House, check out our Group Volunteer Opportunities. Contact Mollie, Volunteer Services Coordinator, with questions at 763-795-5452 or by email.
Volunteer Projects
- Prepare and serve a meal
- Children’s Activity/Party
- Conduct a donation drive
- Tie blanket-making project
- Seasonal switch over
- Assist with special events (Hope Gala, HopeFest, Holiday Shop)
Apply to Volunteer Now
Want to volunteer at Alexandra House? Fill out an online application at the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- We request that former Alexandra House program participants wait one year (from the last date of receiving services) before applying to volunteer in direct service and 6 months for non-direct. After this waiting period, the Volunteer Services Coordinator will meet with the volunteer candidate about possible placement into our Volunteer Program.
- Alexandra House staff’s family members are not eligible for ongoing volunteer opportunities. These individuals can, however, volunteer for special events, projects, or group volunteer opportunities.
- Direct service volunteers must fully complete the state-mandated sexual and domestic violence trainings and become certified.
We currently have many volunteer positions available. We have positions open in kitchen and facilities, childcare, shelter advocate, and on-call hospital advocate. Plus one-time opportunities such as preparing meals, sorting donations, or activities with the youth in the shelter.
For direct-service positions, you must be 18 years of age or older. For group activities, including weekend cooking, you need to be at least 15 years of age. Those who are under age 18 must always be supervised by an adult.
Yes, male volunteers are accepted into all volunteer positions.
No, we don't.
We do have opportunities for groups of individuals to get involved with Alexandra House. Opportunities include preparing and serving a meal, children’s activities, cleaning and organizing, sorting donations, and more.
Group sizes can vary depending upon the project, but we typically can accommodate groups of 3-8 people.
Yes, some of our volunteer activities can be scheduled during evening hours or on the weekend. Preparing and serving a meal is a perfect group opportunity that easily can be done evenings or weekends.
YES! To maintain the safety and security of our clients, staff, and volunteers, a criminal background check is required for individuals to volunteer on an ongoing basis with Alexandra House. If it is a one-time volunteer project, individuals will be supervised by a staff person.
Safety and security are top priorities at Alexandra House’s Emergency Shelter! We have security cameras, an extensive alarm system, secured entrances, as well as fully trained staff.
We do have limited internship positions available, however, they are not paid. For more information on positions, requirements, and deadlines for applying, please visit our Intern page.
The first thing to do is to fill out a volunteer application. After review, an interview is scheduled where you will complete various forms (background check, confidentiality, volunteer agreement, etc.) Depending upon the volunteer position, you may be required to go through our 50-hour volunteer training to become certified (this applies to direct-service positions). All positions have an orientation prior to starting.
That really depends upon the position. It can take a few weeks if it is a non-direct services position or up to six months if you need to attend our 50-hour volunteer training.
Please contact Mollie Ziebart, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 763-795-5452, or via email.