The YWCA Northcentral PA is looking for individuals who are passionate about helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through Wise Options’ direct volunteer training program.

Potential volunteers are required to go through 80 hours of direct service training, which begins at an initial training from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 29 at the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St.

Wise Options staff members Heather Reeder, Direct Services Supervisor, and Erin Scholl, Advocacy and Education Supervisor, will lead the intense day-long training. Both have many years of experience in Wise Options working directly with clients and training volunteers.

By having rigorous training, volunteers will be properly prepared to handle the day-to-day work of helping victims in crisis situations.

The program offers direct and indirect training opportunities depending upon the volunteer’s interest.

Direct service involves answering the Wise Options crisis hotline, serving as an advocate and being with a victim in the emergency room or at a district magistrate’s office.

Often times volunteers will be called to the emergency room to help a victim through the process of how a sexual assault nurse will help them. They will also inform them of the options they have after the fact such as the lifesaving programs available at the YWCA. They can receive counselling, shelter services or legal counsel.

Indirect service volunteers serve on the Wise Options Committee, attend health fairs and educate the public about Wise Options.

To register to attend the training please contact Reeder at hreeder@ywcawilliamsport.org or Scholl at escholl@ywcawilliamsport.org or by calling our Wise Options crisis hotline number, 1-800-326-8483.