Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for The Nord Center. Take a look at our opportunities below to help us accomplish our mission.

Frequently Asked Question about Volunteering

I want to help people. Can I volunteer on your hotline?
We appreciate your interest. We are not able to use volunteers on our hotline as it is staffed by trained mental health crisis personnel.

 

I am interested in an internship at your agency. Can you use me?
Generally the interns we are able to accommodate are pursuing clinical degrees such as social work or counseling. If you are interested in applying, visit the Careers page and complete the Internship Application. This will get your information into the hands of those who need to see it.

My company or organization would like to help. What opportunities do you have?
We can set up volunteer projects with you for specific days and times. The areas we often need help with are yard work around our main facility or possibly our other properties.  We also can connect you with our wish list if you are interested in hosting a donation drive. To initiate either one please contact Betsey Kamm at bkamm@nordcenter.org or 440-204-4185.

 

What is going on with your volunteer program in view of COVID?
As we are able to welcome more people into our building again, there are additional opportunities that we will have such as helping with our revolving library called the Book Nook.

Join the Board of Directors

Are you passionate about mental health? Would you like to help make a difference in the lives of those in Lorain County with mental health issues? Become a member of our Board!

Qualifications:

  • A strong commitment to the organization’s mission of providing comprehensive and effective mental health services to residents of Lorain County
  • Effective interpersonal relationship skills including leadership and communication skills
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of those we serve
  • Ability to attend monthly board meetings as well as periodic or related committee meetings

Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

  • Establishing policy and direction for the organization
  • Acting as an ambassador for the organization
  • Guiding and advancing the mission of the organization
  • Selecting and guiding the Executive Director
  • Working with the Executive Director to create a strategic plan to guide the organization
  • Providing financial oversight for the agency, including setting and approving the annual budget
  • Board Members are asked to serve a 3-year term, and are eligible for re-appointment for up to two additional terms
  • The Board typically meets from 4:00 pm -5:30 pm on the 4th Wednesday of each month at The Nord Center’s main facility on S. Broadway in Lorain (currently meetings are taking place remotely.)

 

To be considered for this opportunity, please forward a cover letter and resume to Dee Bermudez, Board Nominating Committee, at TCommunications@nordcenter.org. Please highlight the particular skills and experience you will bring to the Board in your cover letter.

Volunteer with the Sexual Assault Services Team

Volunteers enable the Sexual Assault Services (SAS) program to provide essential services to survivors of sexual assault and to those who support them, on a 24-hour basis, at absolutely no cost. No prior training or experience is necessary – just a desire to help those in crisis.

SAS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Outreach Advocate: Must have transportation to our Sexual Assault Care Unit to support the survivor, in person, through the nurse’s interview and exam.

Hotline Advocate: When a phone call from a survivor is received after hours, by our 24-hour Nord Center Emergency Crisis Line, the advocate returns the call to the survivor and helps them through their crisis and supports them over the phone.

Community Outreach: Participate in health and wellness fairs throughout the year, and may also present Rape Crisis services presentations to businesses, schools and universities.

Staff Support: Help the Rape Crisis staff with administrative duties, special events, fundraisers, surveys and assistance with the preparation and organization of survivor materials.

SAS Volunteer Requirements:

General requirements to become a volunteer are:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Attend a pre-volunteer screening interview
  • Complete a criminal background check, drug test and fingerprinting
  • Successfully complete our 40-hour training program
  • A commitment to one or more shifts a month
  • Hotline Volunteers need access to a phone during their shift
  • Outreach Volunteers are required to have transportation during their shift
  • Mandatory attendance at quarterly reviews and training meeting
  • Maturity, dependability, sensitivity and a desire to help others
  • Adherence to The Nord Center policies and procedures

Prospective SAS volunteers must attend an extensive training program to prepare them for the demands of this position. The 40-hour training is offered twice a year, in fall and early spring. It is only through the dedication and strong commitment of our volunteers that we are able to serve so many people.

If you are interested in becoming an SAS volunteer, please contact Kayla Gelb at 440-204-4207 or e-mail volunteer@nordcenter.org.

Click here to view our informational flyer