Volunteer with us
"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love...“
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sojourn’s programs are greatly enriched by the participation of volunteers. Opportunities are available in Sojourn’s 24-Hour Hotline Program, Support Groups, and Children’s Programs. Additionally, volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in Sojourn’s GROW horticultural therapy program, as well as assist with court accompaniment, donation sorting, fundraising, clerical work, and with everyday operations of our second-stage shelter.
Due to the nature of the volunteer opportunities, all volunteers must complete training and receive a certificate attesting to their status as Domestic Violence Counselor as outlined by California Evidence Code §1037.1. The role of a domestic violence counselor (victim advocate) is comprehensive and requires considerable training. To do competent crisis intervention, advocates must have thorough comprehension of the dynamics of domestic violence, the ability to understand and empathize with the mindset of a victim, and must be experts in the roles of all other interventionists, as well. Advocates are trained in law enforcement response; domestic violence law (criminal, civil, and family); mental health and substance abuse issues; homelessness; sexual assault; cultural competency; and working with persons with disabilities. In the course of an intervention, Advocates educate and speak up for the victim and provide various services relating to safety of the victim which include transportation, shelter, emergency food and clothing, restraining order assistance, in-depth lethality assessments, court accompaniment, and legal aid. In addition, advocates are mandated child abuse reporters.
The training is offered by Sojourn, twice a year, free of charge, to all volunteers. Volunteer opportunities with Sojourn may satisfy requirements for community service and undergraduate college credits. For information on how to become a volunteer, please call (310) 264-6646, Ext. 225, or download an application here.
Los Angeles Marathon
Sojourn is an official charity of the Los Angeles Marathon. As such, we are looking for runners, bikers and walkers to represent Sojourn and raise funds for our programs. Marathon events include a 26.2-mile walking/running course,and a 5K walk/run. All money raised by participants goes directly to Sojourn. Additionally, Sojourn seeks sponsors to help offset the cost associated with participating in the Marathon Expo. In exchange for a donation, sponsors receive advertising in various forms. Contact Emily Forsyth at eforsyth@opcc.net to learn more.