Volunteer Opportunities
Funding for NOVA’s free services comes from county, state, and federal grants, along with foundation, private donor, and United Way contributions. Demands for NOVA services are increasing as governmental support has been cut over the last few years and NOVA relies on dedicated volunteers to fill the funding gap. In FY 2017, more than 100 hotline, board, administrative and thrift shop volunteers provided 17,468 hours of support and services to the agency.
Volunteers with NOVA have the special satisfaction of knowing they have contributed to making a victim feel a little less alone, a little stronger. Whether you choose to work directly with victims, or wish to help with other agency activities, your contributions are needed…and priceless.
Available Volunteer Opportunities:
NOVA Thrift Shop
Volunteers will find a fun atmosphere at one of Bucks County’s best thrift shops, located at 2116 Broad Street in Hilltown Township. If you like helping customers, sorting, pricing and displaying the donated treasures, NOVA Thrift is the spot for you. Why not form an Adopt NOVA Thrift team with your friends, neighbors, congregation, or community group members to share the joy of working together a few hours a week or month. Read more about the NOVA Thrift Shop.
Hotline Volunteer
As a Direct Service Volunteer, you will help to respond to the needs of crime victims and others in need of support. Volunteers must be 18 & over and complete a 45 hour training course to prepare to help staff NOVA’s 24-hour Hotline and provide accompaniment for victims in local hospital emergency rooms or during police interviews. In FY 2017, hotline counselors provided 5,483 hours of support to victims on NOVA’s hotline.
Community Volunteer
In order to be a Community Volunteer, willingness to help is all you need! Some of the activities you can join are listed below. Training is provided.
- Work on a committee to provided support for NOVA’s special events such as the Annual Auction, NOVA’s NO BULLying Run or Coach Bag Bingo to benefit the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center, a project of NOVA.
- The Speakers Bureau: Train to present NOVA’s agency overview to community groups and organization in Bucks County.
- Staff NOVA information tables at community-wide events and fairs.
Administrative, Clerical & Accounting Projects
Help with mailings, data entry, basic bookkeeping and other administrative tasks.
Technical and Professional
Help with computer support and Newsletter Writing & Design. In addition we have opportunities in Grant Writing, and Event/Meeting Planning.
Arbor Garden Maintenance & Handyperson & Maintenance
Gardeners needed to help maintain the gardens at the Victims Commemorative Arbor in Core Creek Park in Middletown Township with occasional clean-up and planting days. Handymen and women also needed to help NOVA keep its offices in top shape with occasional repairs, painting, and other maintenance.
Cell Phone & Printer Cartridge Collection Project
Recycling old cell phones and used printer cartridges provides another revenue source for NOVA, and helps the environment, too. You collect the cell phones & printer cartridges, NOVA sends them to Shelter Alliance, a non-profit that handles the re-cycling and NOVA gets a donation for each cell phone or cartridge donated. Its an easy way for members of your workplace, school or community group to help support NOVA.