In these days of too much to do and too little time, why do people choose to volunteer? Some do it because they have a good life and feel an obligation to help those less fortunate. Others are asked by friends or family to assist with a specific fundraising event. Perhaps they want to set a good example for their children or they have a particular affinity for the organization’s mission.

Most nonprofits readily admit they depend on the support of volunteers to round out their paid staff and administer their programs and services.

Henderson House, a nonprofit agency, is dedicated to providing emergency shelter and long term support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is no secret that founder Mary Henderson lived in a violent marriage for 26 years and felt passionate about providing an emergency crisis shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her determination resulted in the creation of Henderson House.

Hundreds of volunteers, including Mary, have given countless hours to keep the doors open. From our earliest days, women and men from all walks of life have been moved to help victims and their children in times of crisis and beyond. Today, we recognize that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault have issues that go far deeper than an immediate need for shelter.

To rebuild their lives, clients need a combination of services. These include affordable housing, child care, job training and placement, financial assistance, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, a community of caring friends and support groups. With support, they learn new patterns of response and ways to build and maintain healthy relationships. Many generous supporters in this community give money; many more make regular donations of food, toiletries and clothing.

Domestic violence affects us all. In this country, one in six women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence affects the victim and her children. It affects the classroom where those children go to learn and the workplace where the victim works. It affects the rates we all pay for health insurance; it affects our economy with diminished productivity through work missed due to violence and injuries.

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are more likely to have drug and alcohol issues as well as mental and physical health issues. They are more likely to need social services, which are usually funded by tax money.

We all have a stake in eradicating domestic violence and sexual assault. Perhaps you grew up in a violent household. Maybe you are shocked to learn that the costs of intimate-partner rape, physical assault and stalking exceed $5.8 billion each year, and nearly three-quarters of that is for direct medical and mental health care services. Maybe you are incensed that innocent children cower in their beds at night while their father beats their mother, screaming obscenities all the while. Maybe you somehow managed to escape any vestige of violence in your own life and want to help other people with your own sense of well-being and happiness.

Perhaps you are willing to become involved and just need to know how you can help. Guess what? We can use you.

We need you because you bring something no one else can. You bring yourself, with your unique talents, gifts and perspective on the world. We need volunteer advocates, community outreach educators, fundraisers, mentors, board members, donors and donations processors. There’s a fit for almost everyone.

Henderson House is funded by federal and state department of justice money as well as private individuals, businesses, churches and colleges. Government money comes with a requirement for matching funds; we can use volunteer hours for the match.

Nobody wants to think about domestic violence. It’s not pretty, it’s not a high-profile charity cause and the successes are gradual. It takes time for a survivor to rebuild her life, to heal from what may be a lifetime of hearing messages that she is not worthy or that she deserves what she gets. It takes years for children from violent homes to develop into adults with healthy relationship skills.

As a volunteer, you’ll need to suspend judgment about the victims themselves. You’ll have to be willing to lend your support and your strength to people who may be very unlike you in many ways. Yet their common humanity is the most basic of all. They deserve dignity and lives free from violence and fear.

Doing whatever is necessary to empower survivors and work toward eradicating pervasive violent patterns is some of the most important work we can do. It matters for all of us.

Register now for direct service volunteer training. After training, we ask volunteers to commit to at least a year’s worth of time to our program. Options include advocacy, transportation, child care and answering our 24-hour crisis line on weekends. The fall class will graduate in mid-October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

When you join us, you will be working with your hands, your head and your heart — and there’s nothing to satisfy your heart like knowing you’ve helped a fellow human being in a time of deep distress. You’ll feel honored to share such a deeply personal time in someone’s life, and you’ll have the joy of celebrating each milestone on the path to a brighter future. Please consider becoming involved — there are people out there who really do need you.

Guest writer LLynda Wiegan is resource development director for Henderson House. She lives in McMinnville and has an active volunteer life. Interests include floral design, belly dancing and dreams of creating elaborate fundraisers for her favorite causes.

Advocate training

What: Free training to become an advocate for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault

When: Monday, Sept. 15

Where: Henderson House Advocacy Center, 610 S.E. First St., McMinnville

Telephone number: 503-472-0244

E-mail address: develop@hendersonhouse.org

Website: www.hendersonhouse.org