What You Can Do As a Volunteer

24-Hour Hotline
We receive a variety of calls on the hotline. Some people call for information about our services, others for support, and some call in crisis. Very often the hotline worker is the first, or only, person the victim tells about a sexual assault. This initial call is the first and most important step in the recovery process.

Volunteers answer our hotline at night and on the weekends. This can be done from the comfort of their own home. The hotline is routed directly to the volunteer’s home telephone line. The night shift operates from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Medical (Hospital) Calls
When an assault victim goes to the emergency room, the hospital and/or police call a medical advocate to come and talk with the victim. This is a very traumatic time, and very often the victim has no one there for support.

An advocate arrives at the hospital to provide crisis-intervention, information, and support. The unique aspect of an advocate is that she is there only for the victim. She does not represent the hospital, law enforcement, or state’s attorney’s office. It is the one person whose role is to work with and for the victim.

Booth Assistance at Fairs
One way to get the message about sexual violence out to the community is through information booths at health fairs and county fairs. Volunteers assist us by answering questions and providing information about sexual violence to the public at these fairs.

Fundraisers
Throughout the year we participate in a variety of fundraising events. Volunteers are needed to help organize these events or sell tickets to raise the funds.

All volunteers must complete state-mandated, 40-hour sexual assault training. Prairie Center provides trainings throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like more information, please call our Springfield office at (217) 744-2560 or Jacksonville office at (217) 243-7330 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.