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Due to the nature of our work, our volunteer process is comprehensive and may take up to a month to complete. The steps involved include attending orientation, filling out an application, undergoing an interview with our Volunteer Manager, further interview with department manager, passing a background check, and finally, commencing your volunteering activities. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we ensure the safety and suitability of all volunteers for our organization.

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities with no direct client contact.

Non-Direct

Donation Center

Donation Center


Volunteers receive, sort, tag, and process donations for our resale stores and clients. Volunteers can also lead group team building events.



Age Requirements:
13+ years old

13-17 years:
Requires adult supervision

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week or 8 hours per month, with a three-month commitment requested.

Resale Stores

Resale Stores



Resale Store volunteers play a vital role in daily operations and supporting our mission. Ideal for those passionate about customer service and thrifting.



Age Requirements:
16+ years old

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week or 8 hours per month, with a three-month commitment requested.


Office

Office


Support our team behind the scenes with data entry, filing, and general office tasks. No experience needed—your attention to detail helps keep our organization running smoothly and focused on serving the community.



Age Requirements:
16+ years old

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week or 8 hours per month, with a three-month commitment requested.


Special Events

Special Events



Special Events volunteers play a vital role in our major fundraising events like the Brighter Futures Luncheon, Golf Tournament, and Gala. Your enthusiasm helps create memorable experiences and raise essential funds.



Age Requirements:
13+ years old (requires parental supervision)

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 special event shifts, with a calendar year requested.


Involves direct client work and requires 40 hours of Domestic Violence training.

Direct

Children's Dept

Children's Dept


Help create a safe, joyful space for children while their parents receive services. Support fun activities like art, games, and tutoring, and help keep the space clean and welcoming. This role is perfect for creative, patient, and playful volunteers.



Age Requirements:
18+ years old

Special Requirements:
Completion of a 40-hour DVAT course

TB test results must be current completed within the last two years.

Must complete 3 months of general volunteering

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week, with a six-month commitment requested.

Case Management

Case Management


Support our Case Managers by helping keep client resources up to date through outreach to local agencies. Volunteers may also assist with Life Skills workshops as needed—ensuring clients receive the most accurate and helpful support.



Age Requirements:
18+ years old

Special Requirements:
Completion of a 40-hour DVAT course

Must complete 3 months of general volunteering

Commitment:
Minimum of 4 hours per month, with a six-month commitment requested.


Shelter Support Assistant

Shelter Support Assistant


Support our shelters by helping care for residents and daily operations—preparing rooms, organizing supplies, and distributing donations to ensure a safe, welcoming space.



Age Requirements:
18+ years old

Special Requirements:
Completion of a 40-hour DVAT course

Must complete 3 months of general volunteering

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week, with a six-month commitment requested.


Crisis Hotline

Crisis Hotline



Be a lifeline for those in need as a trained hotline volunteer. Answer crisis calls, offer compassionate support, share resources, and help connect callers to life-saving services.



Age Requirements:
18+ years old

Special Requirements:
Completion of a 40-Hour DVAT course

Must complete 3 months of general volunteering.

Commitment:
Minimum of 2 hours per week, with a six-month commitment requested.


Other

Opportunities

Next Steps

Attend orientation, fill out application, interview, pass background check, start volunteering!

The next step is attending our Volunteer Orientation. This session introduces you to Laura’s House mission, values, programs, services, and volunteer opportunities. While attending the orientation doesn’t confirm your volunteer status, it’s an essential step in the process. The orientation fosters community, sets expectations, and equips you with vital knowledge about our organization and your potential impact.

Laura’s House Volunteer Orientation
What are the age requirements to volunteer at Laura’s House?
  • Ages 13–15: May volunteer only in our Donation Center and at special events with a parent or guardian present during the entire shift. 
  • Ages 16–17: May volunteer independently with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian in our Donation Center, Resale Stores, and at Special Events. 
  • Ages 18+: May volunteer independently 

Previous clients must wait 2 full years from the last date of service to apply as volunteers.

Direct Service Volunteers are trained individuals who have completed the State-Mandated 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training. They may work directly with clients alongside our staff, providing essential support and services.

The training schedule is a set 5 day, Friday and Saturday schedule from 9am-5pm. The 40-Hour Domestic Violence Advocate training gives basic knowledge from which to build expertise and experience of options available to battered individuals, understanding of the dynamics of battering, and a philosophy of empowerment. The goals on the training include understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, becoming familiar with the resources and procedures, and develop a realistic attitude towards helping those affected. This is achieved through lectures, films, group activities and Q&A. Laura’s House offers the training three times a year. Please see our 40 Hour Training page for training dates and times.

After completing 40 hours of training, graduates shall receive a Certificate of Completion that will enable them to pursue volunteer and employment opportunities working directly with survivors of domestic violence in the state of California. For more information: https://laurashouse.org/40hr-training

Yes, certificates from other agencies and schools are accepted. Human Options and Radiant Futures are two agencies in Orange County, California, offering this training.

Any of our Direct-Client Service Roles: hotline, house coordinator, case management, transitional living, legal advocate, outreach & education, front desk relief, and childcare

Volunteer positions are limited, and completion of the training does not guarantee a position.

Shifts are typically scheduled weekly or biweekly, including mornings, afternoons, and limited evenings. Weekend shifts are available for certain roles.

Opportunities are available at resale stores, donation centers, social media, office and special events

Yes, volunteering in various roles is encouraged.

To become a volunteer, you’ll need to attend an orientation session. Following that, you’ll be asked to fill out an application. Once your application is complete, you’ll have an interview with the Volunteer Manager. After that, you’ll interview with the department manager. If everything goes well, you’ll then undergo a background check. Please note that volunteer positions are not guaranteed as space is limited and we want to ensure that the volunteer role is a good fit for you. Upon successfully passing the background check, you can begin your volunteering journey!

Currently, these are the only volunteer positions available. However, if you have a skill that you believe would be beneficial, our Volunteer Manager would love to connect with you.

Yes, Laura’s House collaborates with scouts for projects including clothing drives, fundraisers, and more.

Yes! Please email volunteer@laurashouse.org to coordinate a group volunteering event in our Donation Center. We can accommodate groups of up to 15 people per shift. Youth groups aged 13+ must have 1 chaperone per 5 youth individuals. 

Although we don’t offer virtual volunteer opportunities at this time, there are still great ways to get involved from afar. You can support us by hosting a donation drive, shopping at our resale stores, or making a financial contribution—every effort makes a difference! To learn more, please reach out to volunteer@laurashouse.org