Hostess position

Location: WINGS Domestic Violence Safe Houses, which are in an undisclosed location in Midway Airport area or in Northwest Suburban.

Time: Most volunteers come once a week for a 3- 4 hour shift between 11am-1:30pm Lunch or 4pm-6:30pm dinner time, weekly. Occasionally, some other timeslots may be available. Additional time is required in the beginning for training.

Commitment: Requires willingness to commit to volunteer for at least three (3) hours a week for at least one (1) year.  

Additional Requirements: 

- Completion of the 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training   The class is usually offered three (3) times a year.)

Description: 

Assist in the daily meal times at the Safe House by: worming up, setting out and putting away a previously prepared lunch for clients and workers at the Safe House.

- interact with clients during meal times to promote constrictive and friendly conversation with and between the clients.

-Promote positive enviroment by leading a listening ear to someone who wants to talk, engaging more hesitant clients

in conversation to help them feel welcomed and confortable.

 Assist in the daily meal times at the Safe House

by: warming up, setting out and putting away a previously prepared lunch or

dinner for clients and workers at the Safe House.

-  Interact

with clients during meal times to promote constructive and friendly

conversations with and between the clients.  

-  Promote a

positive environment by lending a listening ear to someone who wants to talk,

engaging more hesitant clients in conversation to help them feel welcomed and

comfortable.

-  Help

clients with daily living tasks, including: explaining kitchen and dining room

chores, assisting clients with cleaning up after themselves and their children.

-  Organizing

and sorting weekly food donations in both the Safe House walk-in fridge and

pantry. Hostess volunteers also make sure that clients have enough food items

(milk, butter, cereal, etc.) in the communal area and restock if needed.

-  Other duties are assigned to Hostess volunteers

based on volunteer interest and current shelter need (Examples include:

suggesting or facilitating simple activities (such as a card game or new toy)

to adults or to parents trying to entertain children,).

This may be a good fit for you if:

- You enjoy helping people find a way out of difficult situations.

- You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that provides direct service to our clients.

- You are a good listener and able to give empathy and options without giving advice.

- You are able to stay calm, even when others become upset or emotional.

- You are able to listen to a caller’s story and from it, accurately determine whether a person is appropriate for our services or would be better helped by a referral.

- You are committed to providing a safe, non-judging environment where you are willing to support people in their choices, even choices you may not agree with (example: a woman choosing to return to her abuser.)

- You feel comfortable working with people in a diverse environment in regards to social-economic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion.

• You are comfortable with varying levels of activity. (Sometimes the phone is very busy, other times it can be very slow.)
• The environment can be active which makes this a great opportunity for those who can multi-tasks and are not sensitive to noise.