Next Training Dates & Locations:
- January 18th & 19th, 2025 – Selkirk, MB
- February 1st & 2nd, 2025 – virtual
(trainees must attend all 4 dates)
To sign up for the winter 2025 training dates and become a SARAH Worker in the Interlake-Eastern area: download an application form
Return via e-mail to our SARAH Crisis Coordinator, Natasha, at Natasha@survivors-hope.ca.
We will get in touch to schedule an interview.
Any questions or for more information, please contact Natasha or call 204-753-5353.
The SARAH volunteer’s role is to provide support to individuals reporting a historical or recent sexual assault at RCMP detachments and emergency departments within Interlake-Eastern Manitoba.
SARAH Volunteers are scheduled in teams of two during weekend hours – 6pm Friday – 12am Monday (or 12am Tuesday on holiday Mondays). During these hours, volunteers are “on-call” and will be contacted if SARAH services are requested at a hospital or RCMP detachment. There is no minimum time requirement for volunteering and schedules are created with each individual volunteer’s availability in mind, typically on a two-month basis.
Our volunteers have varied life, education and work experiences, but all see the value of supporting survivors of sexual violence. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to deal with people in crisis in a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental manner, and have excellent communication and listening skills. The applicant must also have a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and be willing to travel in Interlake-Eastern Manitoba.
Read an interview with SARAH Crisis Coordinator, Natasha Van Dorp, on the Volunteer Manitoba Blog.
SARAH Volunteers support & empower survivors in hospitals and RCMP detachments in the following ways:
- “Sit With”
- Emotionally support and validate survivors’ experience
- Provide support & compassion for survivors’ loved ones who are present
- Normalize responses to trauma
- Provide information on medical & legal options, assisting survivors in making informed decisions
- Provide advocacy & empowerment, ensuring the survivor’s rights and needs are forefront
- Assess & document risk, including suicide/self-harm, child welfare, and harm to others
- Offer information on community resources and services available
- Respect and preserve privacy of personal information as required by Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
Survivor’s Hope supports our volunteers in the following ways:
- Comprehensive training on:
Trauma-informed care
Responding to sexual violence survivors
Suicide assessment & intervention
Harm reduction
Medical & legal options following a sexual assault
Third Party Reporting
Traditional healing practices
Child protection policies - Feedback, support, and immediate opportunities to debrief
- Facilitating monthly meetings with volunteer group for connection & further training opportunities
- Volunteer recognition & appreciation of commitment
Members of the Board of Directors bring unique abilities and backgrounds to Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre and help dictate the future of support for survivors of sexualized violence in rural Manitoba.
We strive for meaningful engagement with all of our Board Members, during monthly virtual meetings and annual general meetings.
To apply, fill out and return this application: Board of Directors Application Form
to executivedirector@survivors-hope.ca or contact for more information