Turning Point’s volunteer program connects the community and our mission by providing volunteers the opportunity to be part of the movement to end domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Volunteers’ time and unique skills improve our programs while extending our reach into Southeast Michigan. Turning Point has three pathways for volunteers: Second Hand Rose, Indirect Service Volunteers, and Direct Service Volunteers.
Volunteer Application Process
Our number one priority is the safety of survivors in our programs. Because of this, we have an intensive volunteer application and training process. We strongly encourage a one-year commitment for most of our volunteer opportunities.
- Understand the 3 volunteer pathways and read descriptions of current opportunities
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- The Volunteer & Intern Coordinator will reach out to you to schedule an interview and start the background check process
- If it’s a good fit, the Volunteer & Intern Coordinator will invite you to orientation/training.
Second Hand Rose Volunteers
Second Hand Rose is a local re-sale store owned and operated by Turning Point. Volunteers help the organization and survivors by supporting store staff. After application and interview, volunteers complete a 30-minute store orientation (held 2x monthly).
Indirect Service Volunteers
Indirect Service Volunteers support agency programs without working directly with survivors. After application and interview, volunteers complete a 3-hour training and orientation before placement.
The next Indirect Service Volunteer training dates are:
| Day | Time |
| November – TBD | TBD |
| Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Monday, March 31, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Friday, September 5, 2025 | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Direct Service Volunteers
Direct Service Volunteers work directly with survivors seeking services throughout the agency. After application and interview, volunteers complete 40-hour CORE training, plus any additional training required by our grant funders for their role.
CORE is a mandatory ‘New Service Provider Equivalency Training’ for all new staff, interns, and direct volunteers, offered 4 times each year:
| November Session (mostly mornings) | February Session (mostly afternoons) |
| Thurs., November 7, 2024: 9am-1pm Sat., November 9, 2024: 9am-5pm Mon., November 11, 2024: 9am-1pm Tues., November 12, 2024: 9am-1pm Thurs., November 14, 2024: 9am-1pm Fri., November 15, 2024: 9am-1pm Sat., November 16, 2024: 9am-5pm | Thurs., February 6, 2025: 1pm-5pm Sat., February 8, 2025: 9am-5pm Mon., February 10, 2025: 1pm-5pm Tues., February 11, 2025: 1pm-5pm Thurs., February 13, 2025: 1pm-5pm Fri., February 14, 2025: 1pm-5pm Sat., February 15, 2025: 9am-5pm |
| May Session (mostly evenings) | August Session (mostly evenings) |
| Thurs., May 8, 2025: 5:30pm-9:30pm Sat., May 10, 2025: 9am-5pm Mon., May 12, 2025, 5:30pm-9:30pm Tues., May 13, 2025: 5:30pm-9:30pm Wed., May 14, 2025: 5:30pm-9:30pm Thurs., May 15, 2025: 5:30-9:30pm Sat., May 17, 2025: 9am-5pm | To Be Announced |
Internships
To apply for an internship with Turning Point, review the opportunities available below and submit a resume and cover letter to the Volunteer & Intern Coordinator at cwhite@turningpointmacomb.org.
January 2025 One-Semester Internships
- Development Intern (one or two semester)
January 2025 Two-Semester Internships
At this time, we do not have any MSW openings for a January 2025 or Summer 2025 start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer at Turning Point?
A: Most of our volunteer opportunities have an age limit of 18 years or older. Volunteers ages 12-15 can volunteer at Second Hand Rose or at Turning Point events if accompanied by their parent or guardian. Volunteers 16-17 years old can volunteer at Second Hand Rose or at Turning Point events, with paperwork completed by their parent or guardian.
Q: Can I complete my high school community service hours at Turning Point?
A: Community service hours completed for high school requirements are primarily completed at Second Hand Rose. Volunteers follow the same application process as stated above for Second Hand Rose: interview, background check (if 18 years+), and 30-minute store orientation (offered 2x monthly). Due to this, it may take 3-4 weeks from applying to start your hours. A minimum commitment of 10 hours is required to complete community service hours at Second Hand Rose. Volunteers aged 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering. Volunteers aged 16-17 can volunteer at Second Hand Rose, with paperwork completed by their parent/guardian.
Q: Can I complete my court-ordered community service at Turning Point?
A: On a case-by-case basis, court-ordered community service may be completed at Second Hand Rose. Alignment with our mission will be considered by HR when screening background checks of prospective volunteers. Court-ordered community service volunteers follow the same application process as stated above for Second Hand Rose: interview, background check, and 30-minute store orientation (offered 2x monthly). Due to this, it may take 3-4 weeks from applying to start your hours. A minimum commitment of 10 hours is required to complete court-mandated community service hours.
Q: Do you have one-time volunteer opportunities?
A: Turning Point’s community awareness or fundraising events are one-time opportunities that use the support of many volunteers to succeed. Volunteer sign-ups for these events open 6-8 weeks prior to the event date and can be found in the event description page.
Q: Do you have group volunteer opportunities?
A: Due to our work and the training requirements for volunteers, Turning Point has limited group volunteer opportunities. Please reach out to the Volunteer & Intern Coordinator at cwhite@turningpointmacomb.org to see how your group may get involved at this time.