WCH Volunteer Information

Women and Children's Horizons mission is supported by many community volunteers. Volunteers are an essential component of WCH and we value the contributions of time and effort of each one of our volunteers.

WCH Volunteer needs

Women and Children’s Horizons has many different volunteer needs. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like more information regarding volunteer opportunities please contact WCH Volunteer Coordinator Linda Baumeister at 262.656.3500 ext. 102 or email Linda at lbaumeister@wchkenosha.org.

Volunteer Oscar Awards Night 2008
WCH recently held its 2008 Volunteer Oscar Award Night to show its appreciation to the many Volunteers it has.

Click here for photos of the event.

Youth and Family Volunteering to support WCH

WCH offers programming and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our residents and children are without food, homes, and many times clothing and grooming items. Due to confidentiality issues, juveniles cannot volunteer within the shelter. Click here for some ideas that you and/or your family can do to help victims.

Children Volunteering to support WCH

Women and Children's Horizons recognizes the value and importance of children learning to volunteer and share at a young age. We are always amazed and inspired by the creativity and genuine dedication to service these young people have. For stories of children's volunteerism to WCH click here.

WCH Direct Service Volunteer needs:
Women and Children's Horizons, Inc. (WCH) is looking for volunteers to provide advocacy for survivors, families, and children who have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Volunteers are wanted to assist clients at hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, assist children who are in shelter by providing care, tutoring or chaperoning for outside activities, or simply by being there to listen to a child; and to assist shelter staff by interacting with families. WCH will provide training. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Linda Baumeister, Volunteer Coordinator, at 262-656-3500.

On Call Advocates
The volunteer On Call Advocate works directly with victims and families. They provide information, support, and referral for follow up to victims, family members, and friends. The On Call Advocate responds to the hospital and law enforcement agencies during evening, weekend, and holiday hours and will assesses the safety of the victim. If needed, Shelter services are offered. The On Call Advocate completes intake information and forwards it to the Administration Office the next business day for follow up. Shifts are divided and a volunteer is requested to complete a minimum of three shifts per month, along with attending a monthly volunteer meeting.

Shelter Advocates
WCH operates a 24/7 shelter for victims and families. A volunteer Shelter Advocate assists staff in support services to residents. This would include:
• Teaching nutrition
• Child care
• Answering telephone
• Gathering and giving information
• Referral
Shelter Advocate hours are flexible, and include day, evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Training for Advocate positions: Required 26 hour training is provided by Women and Children’s Horizons.

Child Care Activities
Volunteers work to provide child care during resident groups, help tutor, interact with, and read to school age children during their daily “quiet time”, facilitate groups for children witnesses of domestic violence. We will train in group curriculum and encourage volunteers to become involved with our staff.

Volunteers are also needed to help tutor, interact with, and read to school age children during their daily “quiet time”.

Parenting is a struggle in crisis situations. WCH offers weekly parenting groups facilitated by volunteers. If you have the knowledge and ability in this area, please consider becoming involved.

Monthly field trips are taken by our children. Adventurous, positive role models are needed to accompany these children on field trips.

Donation and Clothing Organization
The people of this city are very generous, donating food, clothing, and household items throughout the week. Volunteers are needed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 p.m. to help organize the donations we receive.

Winter Wraps Assistants
Every year Women and Children’s Horizons participates in Holiday House by picking up, sorting, hanging and giving out children’s coats. We have maintained a policy that no child will be cold. This process begins in August and continues through Christmas. Volunteers are needed for two to four days a month to assist in the sorting and organizing of the coats.

WCH Outreach Volunteer and Special Events Assistants' needs:

Throughout the year Women and Children’s Horizons participates in outreach events and fundraising activities. Information is shared at churches, fairs, expos, parades, vigils, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October). Outreach volunteers hand out informational brochures and answer basic questions regarding WCH's services.

Volunteers are also needed to help with our major fund raising events throughout the year, such as the annual Mardi Gras, and the annual Horizons' Golf Outing, with activities such as selling raffle tickets, helping with silent auction items and soliciting donations. WCH will provide training.

If you are interested in learning more about WCH's upcoming outings, contact Linda Baumeister at 262.656.3500 ext. 102 or email Linda lbaumeister@wchkenosha.org

Volunteer Maintenance needs
We have two buildings where volunteers are needed for continual grounds maintenance which would include snow shoveling in the winter, grass cutting and bush trimming in the summer. Volunteers are also needed for light building maintenance. Could you give us some hours each week to do general maintenance, replace light bulbs, fix leaky faucets, and do light repair work? Are you a handyman or woman with a few hours to give?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Linda Baumeister, Volunteer Coordinator, at 262-656-3500.

WCH Volunteer of 2007- Karie Bourke

Karie Bourke became a volunteer for Women and Children's Horizons in 2006. Since that time Karie is found almost anytime, anywhere volunteering for WCH. At Mardi Gras 2007 she worked behind the scenes in her blue jeans and T-shirt, and later emerged in her evening gown to continue her volunteer work throughout the night. She had enough energy to stay and help with clean up after the event.

In 2006 Karie completed advocate training and is one of the first to take extra shifts when needed. She also volunteers at the shelter working with children and families on a weekly basis.

Karie is always willing, always smiling and always has a kind word. She has endeared herself to the clients and staff of WCH!
Thank you Karie!

Mission Statement
"The mission of Women and Children's Horizons is to provide support, education, training and healing for victims of sexual and domestic violence/abuse."