Opportunities From: New Hampshire's Volunteer Hub

Volunteer Shelter Helper Advocates will provide support to shelter staff and guests at our confidential shelter through assisting with the necessary tasks and being a positive presence.

Service Responsibilities:

Assist shelter staff with organizing food and item donations, ensuring expired food is taken care of and storage area is easily accessible. Assist shelter staff with turning over rooms for new guests. This task includes light cleaning; supplies will be provided. Provide empathetic, non-judgmental, survivor-centered communication when interacting with guests. Maintain accurate and confidential records of tasks completed and volunteer hours logged through emailing the volunteer coordinator within one week of shift completion. Participate in ongoing training and supervision with the volunteer coordinator to enhance skills and well-being. (Training requirement listed below) Adhere to Thrive NH policies and confidentiality guidelines; specifically providing culturally competent and trauma informed services to all clients and guests of Thrive. For the right candidate: conduct workshops and/or classes with guests (art, yoga, etc.)

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years or older and reside in the state of New Hampshire. Must be able to pass NH Criminal Background Check. Must have vehicle insurance. Must have access to a private phone and/or laptop; basic computer skills needed. Must be able to lift up to 30lbs and climb stairs. Strong commitment to confidentiality and client privacy is critical. Those with past lived experience (a minimum of 2 years ago) and/or those who are members of marginalized groups (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrant/refugees, etc.) are encouraged to volunteer to help us better represent those we serve.

Required Time Commitments:

PRE: Participate and complete thirty (30) hour preservice confidentiality training. POST: Complete six (6) hours of continuing education annually. ANNUALLY: One (1) full year of service. MONTHLY: Commit to a minimum of 6 hours per month total.

Want to make a difference? When you volunteer at Thrive Survivor Support Center, the effect on you may be as great as the impact you have on survivors. Volunteers are integral to Thrive and play a critical role in all aspects of our organization! We appreciate the many volunteers who dedicate their skills, passion and expertise to help us support survivors of violence and the Merrimack County community.

As an Ambassador Volunteer, you will serve as representatives of Thrive during outreach, education, and fundraising events. Ambassador Volunteers play a vital role in advancing our prevention education programs and spreading our mission during community events like Market Days, Franklin Fall Fest, and Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. All Ambassadors are required to complete a short training in order to be properly prepared for potential questions/scenarios while volunteering with Thrive.

Outreach Ambassadors help Thrive build community awareness about violence and educate through prevention! Outreach is essential to our mission because it spreads the word that survivors and those who love them are not alone, it educates the community that domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking are a community issue, and it builds a sense of Thrive as a resource to the members of our community including law enforcement and other social services.

In this role, you will talk to those interested in learning more about our mission and getting involved with Thrive. Opportunities include representing Thrive at resource tables at community events and fairs, distributing targeted outreach material in a variety of ways, gathering information for potential volunteers, donors, and other supporters, assistance with fundraising events, and more!

Skills & Experience Needed:

Open attitude Comfort speaking with community members about sensitive topics Passion about the issues of domestic and sexual violence

Education Ambassadors support our Youth Outreach Advocates with prevention and education within the community. Thrive works with high schools and higher education throughout Merrimack County. Prevention education play a unique role-there is an impact on the children, the parents, the teachers and the schools as a whole.

Skills & Experience Needed:

Experience working with teens and young adults Comfort with public speaking Teaching/child experience preferred Good sense of humor Passion about the issues of domestic and sexual abuse

Fundraising Ambassadors are a vital part of the successful fundraising events that Thrive NH hosts. Activities such as event planning are great options for a shorter-term opportunity that has a substantial impact on survivors. This can include participation in large events such as Walk a Mile in Their Shoes or fundraising appeals to current constituents with our twice-yearly mail stuffing event.

Skills & Experience Needed:

Experience working in a group setting Ability to maintain organization in a fast-paced setting Previous experience with nonprofits preferred Passion about the issues of domestic and sexual abuse

Do you want to help support those who support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Merrimack County? Do you enjoy tidying up and other basic office tasks? This opportunity may be for you! Thrive Survivor Support Center is looking to invite a volunteer to help out at our office to assist with the day to day housekeeping tasks.

Time Commitment: 5-10 hours per week during business hours (8:30am-4:30pm)

Key Responsibilities:

Maintain a clean and organized office environment (tidying common areas, wiping surfaces to disinfect)Assist with restocking supplies in areas such as kitchen (snacks) and bathrooms (toilet paper, feminine products)Greet visitors and help with donation slips if neededPrepare meeting rooms, ensuring they are set up for staff meetings and events

Skills/qualifications:
Comfortable performing routine office maintenance tasks
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to support our team
Desire to help support survivors of domestic/sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking

Benefits:
Be part of a passionate, mission-driven team
Gain experience in office administration within a nonprofit setting
Play a vital role in supporting survivors with us

Clear background check and sex offender registry check needed in order to move forward. 

Given the environment of this service role, volunteer must be outside of 18-24 month timeframe of most recent activation due to past related trauma and/or 18-24 months post receiving services from Thrive NH.

Volunteer Support Group Advocate Service Description 2025

Volunteer Support Group Advocates will co-facilitate support groups for individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Merrimack County. The Support Group Volunteer will work collaboratively with the direct service team and volunteer coordinator help create a safe, empowering, and supportive environment for survivors to connect, share their experiences, and foster healing.

Service Responsibilities:

Assist with the planning process and screening paperwork to ensure a safe and welcoming group dynamic.Co-facilitate regularly scheduled support group sessions for survivors, either in person or virtually, as needed. Work collaboratively with staff to plan and implement group activities and discussions that align with the needs and interests of survivors. Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the group, ensuring all participants feel safe, respected, and heard. Model empathetic, non-judgmental, and survivor-centered support, encouraging peer support and connection among group members. Assist participants in accessing information and resources relevant to their healing journey, including referrals to community services when appropriate. Maintain accurate and confidential records of group attendance and any relevant observations, adhering to Thrive NH policies. Participate in ongoing training and supervision with the volunteer coordinator to enhance group facilitation skills and understanding of trauma-informed practices. Adhere to Thrive NH policies and confidentiality guidelines; specifically providing culturally competent and trauma-informed services to all clients and guests of Thrive.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years or older and reside in the state of New Hampshire. Must be able to pass NH Criminal Background Check. Experience leading/facilitating difficult group conversations is required.Background in social work, mental health/psychology, women's gender studies strongly preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and group facilitation abilities. Ability to maintain a calm and supportive presence in a group setting. Excellent organizational and collaborative skills. Strong commitment to confidentiality and client privacy is critical. Those with past lived experience (a minimum of 2 years ago) and/or those who are members of marginalized groups (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrant/refugees, etc.) are encouraged to volunteer to help us better represent those we serve. Given the nature of this service role, volunteer must be outside of 18-24 month timeframe of most recent activation due to past related trauma and/or 24 months post receiving services from Thrive NH.

Time Commitment:

PRE: Participate and complete thirty (30) hour preservice confidentiality training. POST: Complete six (6) hours of continuing education annually. ANNUALLY: One (1) full year of service. MONTHLY: Minimum of 20 hours of service per month (with flexible combinations)

Want to make a difference? When you volunteer at Thrive Survivor Support Center, the effect on you may be as great as the impact you have on survivors. As a volunteer advocate, you will work directly with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, providing crucial support in their strongest moments. Volunteer advocates are trained to connect the survivor to resources, assist with safety planning process, and provide emotional support to assure the client they are not alone.  

In the volunteer advocate role, you will be required to complete a 30-hour training that will prepare you to provide confidential advocacy and support. You are not required to have any previous training in crisis work, only a strong desire to help those in need of services and passion for making a difference for survivors. The 30-hour training includes self-paced modules, synchronous Zoom sessions, and an in person session to review and complete onboarding paperwork. Trainings are scheduled as needed. 

Volunteer advocates will be available on an on-call basis. Volunteering for the hotline is a remote opportunity that can be done from your home or wherever you may be, as long as you have access to a private space to provide all of your attention to the survivor.

Hotline shifts are available from 7pm-7am Mon-Sun, 7a-7p Sat-Sun, and 4p-7p Mon-Fri. While shifts are available during these times, it is not required for volunteers to sign up for the entire 12 hours. 

Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older and reside in the state of New Hampshire. Must be able to pass NH Criminal Background Check. Must participate and successfully complete 30-hour preservice training. Must commit to one (1) year of service. Must commit to 24 hours of service per month (with flexible combinations; we work around your schedule) Must have access to personal phone and/or laptop.Given the nature of this service role, volunteer must be outside of 18-24 month timeframe of most recent activation due to past related trauma and/or 18-24 months post receiving services from Thrive NH. If providing in-person support, volunteer advocates must have access to individual transportation and live within 45 minutes of Merrimack County.