Become a Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter Volunteer!
The NWAWS has a variety of flexible volunteer opportunities for those who are passionate about being a part of the journey of restoration and healing for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Northwest Arkansas.
You can help shape the stories of survivors through various opportunities to serve. Volunteer opportunities include front office assistance, advocacy assistance, special projects, events, photography, committee members, and videography! Have another idea on how you want to get plugged in? Just let us know, we are happy to work with you to develop a volunteer position that fits your strengths.
How to Volunteer – In Shelter/Programs
- Be at least 18 years old if you want to volunteer
- Complete a volunteer application that includes three background checks
- Complete a tour of shelter and volunteer orientation
- Complete 5 hours of online training
- Complete a minimum of 4 hours of in shelter training
**Please note, as of 8/27/2022, some of our volunteer procedures, trainings, and requirements may be changing due to updates to standards established by supervisory organizations in the State of Arkansas. Please contact Amber at alacewell@nwaws.org before proceeding with trainings for in-shelter volunteering at this time.
Complete a volunteer application. Click here to apply.
Our Volunteer team will schedule a brief in-person or virtual interview after you submit your application to talk further about becoming a volunteer.
Complete and submit notarized background checks. (You can get forms notarized at your bank or anywhere a notary is). Please click the link below to fill our the three background checks:
Background Checks for Volunteers
Online training:
You will need to complete training to become a mandated reporter in Arkansas at ar.mandatedreporter.org.
Also, you must complete 4 trainings provided by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Please set up a time to talk with us about volunteering prior to completing these trainings.
Please send a copy of your certificates of completion to Amber Lacewell
Schedule a volunteer orientation and shelter tour pending passing all required online trainings and background checks.
Complete 4+ hours of in shelter training/shadowing with our program team.
Thrift Store Volunteers
Thrift store volunteers help with things like sorting inventory, pricing and tagging inventory, painting, cleaning, rearranging the store, creating end caps, dressing mannequins, and much more.
Volunteer Requirements for Thrift Store Volunteers
