Restorations Second Stage Homes

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Activities involved

Companion/Visitor Mentoring Outing Assistant Peer Support Social Work

Skills required

Mentoring Sharing Personal Experience Visiting

Requirements:

Interview
References
Resume
Vulnerable Sector Search

Also required for this position: • Mentor applicants must be female or female identifying. • All volunteers must undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Check as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of those we serve. While a clean record is not necessarily a requirement, criminal record backgrounds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the nature of any past offenses and steps towards rehabilitation. • A valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle is an asset.

Volunteer Mentor for Survivors of Human Trafficking and Exploitation at Nancy's House

Burlington, ON [map]

2-4 hours / weekly

At least 1 year commitment

Restorations Second Stage Homes (“Restorations”) exists to support survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking by providing long-term residential housing (at "Nancy's House") and survivor-led peer programming.

Nancy's House is the first of its kind second-stage, long-term transitional home for survivors of trafficking and exploitation in Burlington, Ontario. Providing a safe home for 3 survivors of human trafficking and through a trauma informed and strengths-based approach, Restorations builds and nurtures trusting, long-term relationships between survivors of sexual exploitation and staff, volunteers, and the wider community as a foundation to recovery, healing, empowerment, and success.

Mentors play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and mentorship to residents, fostering a supportive environment conducive to recovery, healing, and empowerment. Taking a holistic care approach to address physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, mentors are responsible for providing emotional support, listening actively to residents' concerns, and mentoring and encouraging residents through life’s challenges and celebrations.

Mentorship can take on various forms through various activities based on the current needs of residents as well as the interest level and/or availability of the volunteer. Opportunities and responsibilities could include:
● Developing a relationship of fellowship and mentorship, providing opportunities for residents to extend their personal support networks.
● Assisting residents with meal preparation, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and supporting them in developing healthy eating habits.
● Engaging residents in at-home creative art activities to promote self-expression, relaxation, and personal growth.
● Encouraging residents in their recovery and sobriety and accompanying residents to recovery meetings. (Lived experience of addictions and active recovery required.)
● Transporting residents to programming activities and other essential appointments in the wider community.

Competencies
Essential Skills and Abilities:
● Strong empathy and compassion, with the ability to connect with individuals who have experienced trauma.
● Knowledge/familiarity of human trafficking and social service systems.
● Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to identify, set, and model healthy boundaries.
● Comfortable working either one-on-one or in group settings.

● Lived experience of substance use, a commitment to modelling sober living, and willingness to share personal experiences of active sober life with participants to serve as a source of inspiration and hope is an asset.

Supervision and Reporting
● The Volunteer Mentor is supervised by the Program Manager.

NOTE: the location of Nancy's House is confidential to protect the safety of residents; the exact address will be shared upon successfully completing Restorations’ volunteer onboarding process.