Volunteer
There are several ways for volunteers to support our organization. Whether it is for a few hours, a few days, or for the long-term, we appreciate your interest and involvement.
Here's how you can help:
YWCA owns and manages two social enterprises:
- YWCA Shop for Good, a women’s resale boutique at 1107 Central Avenue in Wilmette
- YWCA Crowded Closet, a women’s consignment shop at 820 Dempster Street in Evanston
100% of proceeds from both shops support YWCA’s domestic violence and economic empowerment programs for women.
We welcome you as a volunteer!
Volunteers help the paid staff, working on displays, unpacking donations, selling, or doing whatever is needed. Volunteers are needed both for special sales events or on a regular basis. If you have a sense of fashion and skills in retail customer service, please consider interviewing to join our volunteer team!
Contact us for more information:
YWCA Shop for Good
Marko Djurovic, Shop Manager
847-853-8888
ywshop@ywca-ens.org
YWCA Crowded Closet
JoAnn Sylvano, Shop Manager
847-475-1135
crowdedcloset@ywca-ens.org
Financial coaches work one-on-one with someone to help them reach their financial goals. The program, called The Advancement Project, combines financial education, financial coaching, and peer-learning to empower adults to accomplish a specific financial goal of their choosing. Our goal is assist participants in creating a positive financial habit that will lead to improved confidence about managing their money and the ability to plan for their financial future. Learn more here.
Interested?
To become a volunteer financial coach, register here for Volunteer Financial Coach Training or contact Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Director Shannon Callahan at scallahan@ywca-ens.org or (847) 864-8445 for more information.
Evanston Swims! is a community partnership program that provides second grade children in Evanston public schools with free swim lessons and classroom water safety instruction. Volunteers are needed to help in the water during swim lessons, as swim instructors, as classroom water safety instructors, or as adult chaperones – preferably families from District 65 schools.
Time commitment
Program volunteer shifts are usually once a month on Wednesday afternoons between 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm throughout the school year. Volunteers must complete a training session and clear District 65 background checks.
For more information about volunteering, please contact Evanston Swims! at evanstonswims@ywca-ens.org.
Direct service volunteers have the opportunity to work first-hand with our domestic violence clients and their children in a number of vital roles. Volunteers are required to complete a 40-hour DV training, available at YWCA Evanston/North Shore several times each year.
Children’s Program Volunteer
Children’s Program Volunteers typically work in teams and help facilitate children’s activities. Volunteers must follow the shelter guidelines regarding non-violence and facilitate non-competitive play that fosters effective problem solving and communication skills. Volunteers are needed to assist with homework, arts and crafts, recreation, music, discussion groups, and more.
Time commitment: Program volunteer shifts are as follows: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; 5:45 p.m. – 7:15 pm Monday through Thursday with the most help needed on Monday and Wednesday nights. Children’s volunteers must commit to at least one 1.5 hour shift per week for a period of a year.
Crisis Line Volunteer
Volunteers conduct “crisis intakes” for women who are seeking shelter or services and orient new residents once they arrive at the shelter.
Time commitment: Shifts consist of three hour increments beginning at 9 a.m., i.e. 9-12, 12-3, and 3-6 p.m. Crisis Line volunteers must be able to commit to one 3 hour shift per week for a period of one year.
Court Advocate Program
Volunteers assist clients in obtaining Orders of Protection, help with paperwork and filings, and accompany clients to court.
Time commitment: Shifts consist of a half day or full day, Monday – Friday. Volunteers must commit to at least one 3 hour shift per week for a period of one year.
Violence Prevention Education Program
Volunteers assist the Prevention Education Coordinator in teaching a social skills and violence prevention program to elementary children at various grammar schools. They also assist the Prevention Education Coordinator in high schools teaching teen dating/violence prevention.
Time commitment: To be determined with Coordinator. Volunteers must commit to at least one 3 hour shift per week for a period of one year.
Are you interested?
Volunteers are required to complete a 40-hour DV training, which is available at YWCA Evanston/North Shore several times each year.
If you have completed training, please email Hillary Douin, Director, Domestic Violence Program, or call 847-864-8445 for volunteer opportunities in our Domestic Violence Services programs.
Men’s Leadership Training helps men build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to discourage, prevent, or interrupt an incident or potential incident of gender harassment or violence, and creates opportunities for men to mentor young men into healthy masculinity and educate the community on how they can help end gender violence. Learn more here.
We need volunteers year-round to help plan and staff events, including:
If you are interested in volunteering for an event, please email Special Events Coordinator Dena Stamatelos.
If you or your group have special skills, please consider donating your time and services to YWCA. We are in need of support in the following areas:
- Child care
- Administrative support
- Legal Services for our Domestic Violence Services clients
- Gardening and landscaping
For more information about volunteering your services, contact Dena Stamatelos.