- Internships are 10 weeks.
- The stipend for 2008 is $3000.
Summer Internship Program
Safe Passage
Organization's Mission:
Safe Passage is a non-profit agency that provides a variety of support and advocacy services for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Since 1977, Safe Passage has empowered women who have experienced domestic violence to make informed decisions for themselves and their children. Our services include: one-on-one counseling or group support; advocacy on housing, welfare, medical and education issues; assistance in developing personal safety plans; advocacy and support for children who have witnessed domestic violence; specialized services and support for women with disabilities; services for immigrant women; and a confidential, toll-free 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention and emotional support.
Safe Passage also offers a shelter program, which provides services to families fleeing immediate danger from domestic violence. Program services include provision of food, clothing, emergency funds, and other basic necessities. Staff, volunteers and interns provide support and advocacy for resident families.
Internship Description:
Interns at Safe Passage are essential to our efforts to end domestic violence. Below is a sampling of some of the internship opportunities available at Safe Passage. If you have other areas of interest, specific project ideas or talents to share, we are interested in working with you to activate them.
Shelter Programming: The shelter program at Safe Passage provides services to families fleeing immediate danger from domestic violence. Program services include provision of food, clothing, emergency funds, and other basic necessities. Interns assist staff in advocating on behalf of families while forging unique relationships with the survivors residing in our shelter. Intern responsibilities and tasks at the shelter include: assisting in case management and advocacy on behalf of women and their children; reading and playing games with children; providing childcare and helping organize children’s programming; providing transportation; and assisting with house maintenance and upkeep.
Children’s Advocacy: Safe Passage provides counseling and advocacy for children of all ages who have experienced and/or witnessed domestic violence, including individual and group counseling for children; parenting groups; and community outreach. Interns support children and teens impacted by domestic violence by providing childcare; assisting in the facilitation of support groups and other programming geared towards children, teens, and parents; helping with outreach to schools and community groups; and aiding in promotion, publicity, and education.
Hotline Advocacy: Safe Passage’s hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Women call our hotline for emotional support, help during a crisis, safety planning, to review their options, or for information and referrals. Interns
act as a crucial link between survivors reaching out for help and the resources that they need. Interns learn how to calmly intervene in a crisis, provide non-judgmental support, develop a safety plan, perform a shelter intake, and empower survivors while they sort through options and reclaim control of their lives.
Office Projects/Support: Interns support agency staff while learning the behind-the-scenes work required to sustain an effective non-profit agency. Intern tasks include: conducting research; managing databases; designing materials; coordinating special projects, event and fundraisers; projects, events and fundraisers; translating documents; performing administrative tasks; answering the administrative line; and ensuring the accessibility of our services to women with disabilities and speakers of other languages.
Community Education and Outreach: Interns provide education and outreach to local communities and the organizations that serve them; assist staff in designing and updating outreach materials; table at community events and gatherings; assist in educational presentations, trainings, and talks; promote events and services; and help recruit new volunteers. Must have a flexible schedule, as opportunities will vary from week to week.
Skills Needed:
No specific skills required. All interns and volunteers must go through a comprehensive training before they can begin to intern/volunteer with Safe Passage. This training provides information and tools to work with victims of domestic violence. Interns with computer skills and programming knowledge are a great help.
