Volunteer makes lives easier for domestic violence survivors
Since opening last fall, Emmaus House staff have relied on
volunteers such as Valerie Hollars to make life bearable for the
women and children living in the shelter.
Volunteer makes lives easier for domestic violence survivors
Since opening last fall, Emmaus House staff have relied on volunteers such as Valerie Hollars to make life bearable for the women and children living in the shelter.
And with October designated as Domestic Violence Awareness month, Emmaus House staff used the opportunity to sing Hollars praises.
Hollars has been volunteering at the shelter for just one-and-a-half months, but during that time she has developed relationships with the women and children at the shelter, and for some she is a needed source of transportation.
“Most of the women are so modest and don’t want to impose,” Hollars said. “I tell [Alma Sanchez, Emmaus House manager and head of the volunteer team] to tell the ladies I’m happy to drive them anywhere they need.”
The clientele at the Emmaus House is very young and the children are adorable, which makes it fun to be around, Hollars said.
Hollars has also assisted the shelter by transporting overnight clients to job orientations in Prunedale or when they move out of the shelter to new housing.
She got involved after she found out through her church that the women’s shelter was seeking volunteers.
“I thought it could be a great experience and might be something I’d like to be involved with,” Hollars said. “I’m a big believer in the philosophy that you have to get involved in creating the type of community you want to live in.”
In addition to driving, Hollars also helps around the shelter. She even made a birthday dinner for one resident last month, though she is very modest about her involvement.
Additionally, one night last month some of the staff from the Emmaus House attended domestic violence training in San Jose and in their absence Hollars managed the house operations and call center.
“The attention and compassion she shares makes our families feel wanted and empowered,” said Peggy Huffstutler, house/program manager.
The Emmaus House is looking for volunteers to help with babysitting during meetings, mentors for the children, advocates to sit with the women during court hearings and assistants to help the kids with homework. Huffstutler said the shelter could also use volunteers to help with decorating around the holidays and help with their garden.
