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Volunteers
The Center utilizes volunteers in all areas of operation. The following four volunteers have contributed so much time here at The Center that you will probably see them as much as The Staff.
Cynthia Higgins – Came through The Center’s Fall 09 Volunteer Training class. Since she became certified in 3/15/10 she has contributed an impressive 402 hours serving our clients through crisis line and direct counseling services to clients here at The Center. Thank you Cynthia, we couldn’t have accomplished the increase in clients we have served over the past quarter without you!
Pat McErlane has been a Legal Advocate with The Center for ten years and has become an experienced and integral partner in accompanying and advocating for clients at court; and through exparte and restraining order hearings, custody trials, and mediation hearings. It has been a pleasure working with Pat over the years.
Bob Hamilton became certified with The Center Spring’07 training class. Bob has been directly involved with public safety for many years and contracts with the California State Firefighters’ Association in providing services in many areas of proficiency. Bob became aware of the need for intervention services in our domestic violence program, and has been a facilitator of our men’s batterers group, M.A.A.P. for a year and a half. Last volunteer training session Bob spoke about the rewards of the work he does, described as a Win:Win situation. He feels the reward of personal enrichment by helping in this capacity and according to the men, the program really works. We have received accolades from the men of how much the non-violent communication skills they learn have helped keep their marriages healthy.
Luanne Chittenden currently serves at the safe house for the women and children who have escaped their violent households. Luanne completed volunteer training in 2003 and was working on the crisis line. Employment time constraints played into having to take a time out from volunteering. Now she is back and has been volunteering since 2008 at the Shelter. She brings her many skills to The Center, particularly her ability to work with clients in an environment where she can directly help clients build lasting life skills. Her employment related experience in working with mental health issues is particularly appreciate at this time in our community and we are honored to have her dedicated to volunteering.
