Volunteers are the heart and soul of La Casa’s fierce advocacy, and we’re excited to highlight two people who are bringing our mission to life. At La Casa, we know it takes all of us to prevent domestic violence. Thank you to all of you--over 450 individuals this year--giving your compassion, time and skills to break down cycles of violence and create a culture in which healthy, safe relationships are the norm.
Hallie Roth, Text Support Line Volunteer
What inspired you to want to volunteer at La Casa?
I was inspired to volunteer with La Casa for a few reasons. I had witnessed the mental impact of domestic violence in my own community and recognized just how critical a female support network is for recovery. As someone that moved to the Bay Area as a young adult, it was also important for me to give back to my new community in an impactful way. I then found La Casa and was inspired by the way the organization supported survivors. I have always been passionate about ensuring access to resources for women, and La Casa became the perfect place for me to do that.
What has been a meaningful part or your favorite part of volunteering at La Casa?
The most meaningful part of volunteering is having the privilege to hear someone’s story and hold space for survivors. Often, survivors are sharing their experiences for the first time with La Casa volunteers. It is always a meaningful experience to feel that you have helped somebody in their journey to healing. The people at La Casa, and their dedication to ending violence in our communities, also make volunteering feel so special.
La Casa’s text line serves as an alternative way to reach out for support and resources when calling may not be an option. Will you tell us about a day in the life of a text line volunteer and why you think it is an important resource for survivors?
The text line is an amazing resource for survivors and folks reaching out on behalf of survivors. Survivors will often reach out to La Casa for help having never spoken to anybody about their situation. Some survivors are more comfortable with the text line because it gives them the ability to share privately or quickly if they are not ready to make a phone call.
A text line shift can vary from survivors needing safety planning to needing specific resources or shelter. Sometimes all a survivor needs is someone to acknowledge their experience with a few texts. I often volunteer after business hours, which is a great way to support survivors who cannot find the time to call during the workday.
What would you say to a new volunteer or someone considering volunteering their time to La Casa?
I would give them the nudge to go through La Casa’s Domestic Violence Advocate Training to support survivors directly. Working with La Casa and survivors in the community has been an incredible experience. Dedicating even a few hours of your time during the week is meaningful. I am always here to answer questions from both survivors and prospective volunteers!
Learn more and read the Spotlight as it appeared in La Casa’s Fall 2021 Newsletter.
Mohabat Barikzai, Community Education & Outreach Volunteer
What inspired you to want to volunteer at La Casa?
When I first found out about La Casa, I wasn’t aware that centers like this existed and I was impressed by the different resources and programs supporting survivors of domestic violence. Gender equality is something I am passionate about, in particular empowering women! I was raised in a single-parent household by an immigrant mother who worked tirelessly to provide the best possible life for herself and our family, all the while caring for two young children.
My passion for women’s rights resulted from witnessing the abuse my mother endured in her marriage. During this time, she didn’t have a clear understanding of domestic violence and access to resources available for survivors through organizations like La Casa de las Madres. Domestic abuse is very prevalent in the Afghan community and as a result this takes a huge toll on the well-being of our women and children. I was inspired to volunteer at La Casa through my personal experiences and in hopes of being more informed to know how to respond to different situations when hearing about an abusive person rather than being afraid to help.
What has been a meaningful part or your favorite part of volunteering at La Casa?
For me, it’s been wonderful to work with others that are so passionate about helping others and working towards a shared goal--ending domestic violence. With a community that is so determined, I am always motivated. A particular moment I felt really encouraged was when a close friend of mine felt comfortable enough to reach out to me and ask me about resources for help around domestic violence. I believe that as more people raise awareness, we can create a culture of healthy relationships.
As a recent graduate, how has your volunteer experience helped guide you towards possible career paths?
In the future I plan to pursue a Master of Public Health in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. La Casa has helped me put my passion into action by being able to share resources with my own community and empower young women to be familiar with concepts such as the power and control wheel, the cycle of abuse, and especially red flags in relationships. I would love to continue being an advocate for women and see myself working at crisis shelters. While volunteering, I also engaged in discussions with the Afghan community about domestic violence and I found that many of us weren’t familiar with what healthy relationships looked like. I’m inspired to conduct more research on domestic violence in my community, to continue raising awareness about abuse and to be an advocate for safe and healthy relationships for all.
What would you say to a new volunteer or someone considering volunteering their time to La Casa?
La Casa provides unconditional support through any projects you take on. As I was still learning about the different languages appropriate to use when discussing domestic violence, I never felt that I would be judged or looked at differently for not knowing. Every moment was a learning experience, and I found myself continuously growing as I asked more questions that were applicable to my own experiences. I would recommend to anyone considering volunteering at La Casa to always ask questions! No question is wrong, and we only learn with continuous curiosity.