Volunteer

Make A Difference

Become A Volunteer

YWCA York's mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all starts with folks right here in our community.

By volunteering with YWCA York, you’re providing invaluable care and services to the people in our community who need it most. We have volunteer opportunities available in both direct service and indirect service, making it easy to find a way to volunteer that works for you and your lifestyle. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and requirements below.

If you are interested in volunteering, Click the button below to complete the Volunteer application.

Required Training

Advocate Training

YWCA York provides a 70-hour advocate training for victim services staff, volunteers, and interns who are going to be working directly with individuals who have been affected by gender-based violence and other violent crimes.

How is training conducted?

This is a 70-hour training utilizing both in-class sessions and online modules for anyone who is employed by a victim service provider, volunteering in a direct service role, or working as an intern.

How much does training cost?

FREE for staff, volunteers and interns! The training session is PCADV and PCAR approved and grants Confidentiality Privilege to those that complete the training and work/volunteer/intern at a local center under the supervision of PCADV and PCAR. This privilege allows protected communications between a survivor and an advocate. Training must all be completed before direct service work can begin.

What Topics Are Covered?

Intro to DV/SA/HT
Trauma Informed Care
Values & Oppression
Cultural Competence
Confidentiality & Privilege
Ethics & Principals in Advocacy
Impact of Violence on Children
Skill Development
Functioning within Systems
Local Center Information & Services

Our Work

Making an Impact

At the age of 31, I enrolled in the beginner swim class at YWCA York to help conquer my fear of drowning.

I’m thankful that I had one of the best swim instructors to learn from. She was kind and patient, and taught in a way that was easy to understand. She encouraged me to try different techniques in the water, but did not force me to do anything I was uncomfortable with.

I recently traveled to Mexico and swam in a 5-mile underground river. I also swam with dolphins. I felt confident doing this and swimming in the ocean because of the YW.

I put in the effort, and I’m happy to say that I can now swim!

Everyone deserves to feel

Be a part of the change. Together, we can make a difference for the most vulnerable in our community and beyond.