Volunteer
I want to donate my time to help people in my community affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
Volunteer of the Month
Grace
Featured Volunteer of the Month: October 2026
Volunteer Start Date: August 2025
Time Served: 203 Hours
Grace is a graduate student at Chico State, studying Marriage and Family Therapy.
Grace says she was drawn to volunteering at Catalyst by her desire to help community members who are struggling. “Catalyst specifically interested me because of the organization’s determination to keep domestic violence and sexual assault survivors safe and supported, and its empowered staff.”
Grace enjoys volunteering at HAVEN, our Emergency Shelter, supporting hotline callers over the phone, and tabling at community outreach events like Chico Pride.
Her favorite part of volunteering is connecting with families living at HAVEN and helping create a welcoming environment for them. Grace has also helped staff with various cleaning projects around HAVEN and in the transitional housing cottages.
Thank you, Grace, for choosing to volunteer with us! You have such a kind heart, and we appreciate all your hard work.
Fun Facts: Grace enjoys taking yoga classes and spending time outdoors by the creek. Her favorite food is ice cream. She enjoys posting YouTube videos, and her favorite way to spend her free time is relaxing in the comfort of her home. She’s also a big fan of Gilmore Girls, loves cats, and has a creative, artistic side!
We love our volunteers!
Summer 2026 Class of Volunteers
Next Training Opportunity:
Winter 2027 – Evenings & Weekends (dates and times to be determined)
In-person, Chico, CA
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Crisis intervention on the 24-hour hotline;
- Direct support to participants in our housing programs and drop-in offices (Chico and Oroville);
- On-call Sexual Assault Forensic Exam accompaniment;
- Assistance in the Children’s Program;
- Legal advocacy and court accompaniment;
- Educational groups for HAVEN residents;
- Providing information at community events;
- Administrative assistance.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- A minimum commitment of 6 service hours per week for no less than 6 months (volunteers are
welcomed and encouraged to continue with the program after 6 months); - Completion of 65-hour domestic violence and sexual assault counselor training (CA Evidence Codes 1037.1 & 1035.2);
- Completion of screening and background check;
- Participation in 8-hours continuing education per year offered by Catalyst.
If you are interested in volunteering with Catalyst, please review the Volunteer Job Description and the Volunteer Training Schedule, then complete the online application by clicking the link below. Please note that during the application process, you will be prompted to agree to the responsibilities listed in the job description and to the training dates listed in the schedule.
Training is required for all new volunteers, interns, and staff. Class space is limited to 20 total participants. Apply as soon as possible. Interview is required.
