Alachua County Trains Volunteers to Help Violence Victims

Volunteers in Alachua County, Florida are stepping up to help their neighbors find safety and healing through a new Community Ambassador Program.

The Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers who want to make a real difference in violence prevention. Community Ambassadors will staff outreach tables at local events, create educational displays, and help connect residents with support services that could change or even save their lives.

The program offers 15 hours of training starting May 20, followed by hands-on shadowing with experienced staff. Volunteers commit to just two hours of community outreach each week for six months. Applications are due May 18.

"Our Community Ambassadors help us show up in the community in meaningful ways," said Bethan O'Connor, who supervises the program. "They bring the energy and connection that allows us to better support and serve others."

The training covers interpersonal violence prevention and how to share information about available resources with compassion and clarity. Ambassadors learn to answer questions at community events and help people take the first step toward getting help.

The Ripple Effect

When someone volunteers to support violence prevention, they're creating waves of positive change that extend far beyond a single conversation. Every person who learns about available resources becomes someone who might recognize warning signs in a friend or family member. Every community event with an Ambassador present is an opportunity for someone to find the courage to ask for help.

These volunteers are building a safety net made of human connection. They're showing neighbors that support exists and that no one has to face violence alone.

The center also offers additional volunteer opportunities, including helpline counseling for those interested in deeper involvement. Interested residents can contact Bethan O'Connor at 352-264-6765 or boconner@alachuacounty.us to learn more.

Two hours a week could help save a life in your community.