At Safe Harbor, the volunteers and interns who staff our 24/7 Help Line are an integral part of our mission to support survivors of domestic violence. Our 24/7 Help Line serves as the main entry point for Safe Harbor’s shelter and community services and provides referrals, emotional support, and safety planning to those seeking support. This summer we were fortunate enough to have a wonderful group of interns join our team. They shared with us their experiences and lessons learned from their time on the helpline.
"I joined Safe Harbor as a helpline intern. I spent my time here taking calls and filling out intake forms. I am very grateful for the semester I spent on the hotline. I learned so much from talking to the survivors and researching the different resources that are out there. Safe Harbor is filled with great staff who care about what they are doing. My fellow staff members made coming in all the more enjoyable. I know I will come back to Safe Harbor as a volunteer.“
Interns at Safe Harbor are not just observers; they are active contributors to our mission of providing safety, support, and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence. Our interns become part of a supportive, compassionate, and dedicated team that works tirelessly to create positive change. After receiving intensive training and passing background checks, interns and volunteers assist with answering calls to our Crisis Line, organizing caller files, updating our referral database, and other tasks that support the overall function of the Help Line.
“My time at Safe Harbor was such an amazing experience that I had trouble figuring out how to put my experience into words. I have never done crisis work before and I was nervous coming into this position as an intern. The training, comfort, and togetherness of the staff made this place feel like home. One thing that I have learned through this experience is how Safe Harbor values its interns, volunteers, staff, and clients. I have learned so much about domestic violence through this position but the biggest thing that I have learned is how I am not the hero, these women are. Safe Harbor truly has opened my eyes to the diversity of domestic violence and the part we get to play in this rewarding work. I recommend Safe Harbor for those seeking safety and shelter and those who want to play a part in this important journey of seeing women empowered and safe. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you, Safe Harbor.”
Through their dedication, compassion, and willingness to learn, interns are instrumental in creating a bright and safe future for survivors. If you're passionate about helping others and want to aid survivors taking the first step in their healing journey, consider joining us as an intern at Safe Harbor. Together, we can continue to influence a culture in which all people feel safe and valued in their relationships.
If you're interested in an internship or volunteering with Safe Harbor please fill out the internship application here https://www.safeharborsc.org/internship-application or the volunteer application here https://www.safeharborsc.org/volunteer-application.
