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All Kinds Of Talent Needed To Fight Domestic Violence

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 1, 2007

DADE CITY - A volunteer position at Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. domestic violence and sexual assault center equals "an opportunity for volunteers and supporters to get involved in the mission to end domestic and sexual violence in our community," a news release stated.

How they accomplish this goal is entirely up to them.

"We have a variety of duties for volunteers, according to their interests," said Christina Bates, social change community organizer for Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. "We want to make this a positive experience for them, so they can do what they like to do."

Sunrise will host a volunteer orientation session Dec. 11 at its administrative office. At this session, participants can learn about a number of service opportunities available.

Those who wish to work directly with clients staying at the Sunrise shelter have a variety of options in the volunteer program.

They can be trained as mentors, interacting and attending support groups with those staying at the shelter. They also can participate in the Huggers and Rockers program, where they can read bedtime stories to shelter children.

People with administrative skills can help out by preparing organizational newsletters and mailing labels, filing, and faxing in the Sunrise office; those with culinary expertise can bake refreshments for Sunrise organizational meetings. Volunteers also are needed to work at the Sunrise thrift store.

People with a flair for public relations can join the Sunrise PR committee; volunteers also are needed to post promotional fliers across the community.

"We need people to get the message out," Bates said.

Those strongly devoted to the precepts of community service can join the Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Community Action Team.

"This is a countywide team devoted to social change," Bates said. "We investigate how we can prevent this violence from occurring, by promoting a new way of thinking and sending a positive message."

Young people in particular are being sought for a school-based Sunrise program; one that works to instill tolerance and healthy relationship ideals in children, and to prevent bullying and harassment in schools.

"We need youth leaders," Bates said. "Kids are influenced by their peers."

A volunteer opportunity with Sunrise of Pasco domestic violence and sexual assault center, according to Bates, also is an opportunity for anyone, regardless of his or her skills and talents, to have a positive influence on their community.

"This program is all about communitywide outreach," she said.

SUNRISE OF PASCO COUNTY INC.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sunrise of Pasco is, according to a news release, "currently in need of volunteers to aid in the provision of domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention services."

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: The Sunrise volunteer program, according to the release, allows community members "to get involved in the mission to end domestic and sexual violence in our community."

A LITTLE HISTORY: Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., according to www.sunrisepasco.org, "is a full-service domestic violence and sexual assault center providing a safe place for victims to heal and to plan their future.

"Established in 1982, this private, nonprofit organization provides a wide range of services to help victims and their children survive the aftermath of abuse and to move toward safe and enriching lives."

WHAT'S NEXT?: The volunteer orientation will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Sunrise of Pasco administration office, 12724 Smith Road, Dade City.

GET INVOLVED: Those interested should RSVP by Dec. 10; for information, call (352) 521-3358.

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