For 46 years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private nonprofit organization in Monmouth County, has provided support and advocacy for victims of sexual violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience with the assistance of its dedicated Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) volunteers.
The organization’s trained confidential victim advocates, in collaboration with countywide law enforcement and the Forensic Nurse Examiners program, provide emotional support and assistance to victims and their significant others during accompaniments for timely and sensitive hospital medical examinations, and police and grand jury procedures, according to a press release.
180’s volunteers also provide telephone support, which includes at the time of crisis, addressing medical and emotional needs, information regarding the justice system, and
referrals for services. They also provide support and advocacy for the survivor’s significant other and adult survivors of childhood sexual assault, according to the press release.
180 is conducting a mandatory 40-hour SART training course for new volunteers from June 7 through June 30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9:30 p.m. Weeks 1 and 4 will be at the organization’s office in Bethany Commons, 1 Bethany Road, Hazlet. Weeks 2 and 3 will be remote via Zoom.
Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be 18 years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process and submit to fingerprinting and background checks, according to the press release.
180 is committed to a socially and culturally diverse team to best serve the community. Bilingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of or training in sexual violence is not required.
To obtain an application, contact Kate Gerahty at kateg@180nj.org or call 732 264-4360, ext. 3308. The deadline to apply is May 31.
