Haven House seeks volunteers, orientation Feb. 6

Haven House, Inc., of Poplar Bluff will hold its annual Volunteer Orientation at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, The annual orientation is a time for those interested in volunteering to learn about the shelter, its services and what being a volunteer entails.

In 2019, Haven House served over 245 residents and their families. Volunteers help in all areas of the shelter and may choose from many opportunities and schedules to serve.

“We work around anyone’s schedule,” states Melody Ducote, Haven House Volunteer Coordinator. “We understand that people have lives outside of the shelter so we make accommodations, when we ask someone to do a specific task.”

Opportunities range from answering phones, preparing meals, teaching a special skill or craft to the residents, transportation, childcare, support groups, assisting with fundraising through annual events and providing time to help the outreach coordinator.

“Volunteering at Haven House is so uplifting,” says volunteer Becky Stockwell. “There are times when you see some sad things but there is also joy and laughter as well in the shelter. You witness transformation of lives, and that is what makes it so rewarding.”

Stockwell was nominated by executive director Mary Ann Allen for Difference Maker of the Year in 2019 for her consistent volunteer efforts at the shelter. In one year, she has donated an average of 13 hours per week. However, Becky is not the norm for a Haven House Volunteer, Allen said.

“The majority work an average of four to six hours per month,” Allen said.

Haven House has a family who has kept pets for residents seeking emergency shelter due to domestic violence.

“The fear of something happening to a family pet is very real,“ Ducote said. “Knowing they can have a safe place to stay while their pet is being cared for can mean the difference in a decision to leave their abusive relationship.”

Ducote reiterates anyone can volunteer.

“We have a variety of backgrounds and experience within our volunteer group. Each of them contributes something unique to our organization,” Ducote said.

Ashley Carr is a working mom who is expecting her third baby in just a few months.

Ducote said, “Ashley has been so helpful this year. She steps in and answers phones, writes correspondence and handles some of our drop off donations. We are excited to have her on our volunteer team.”

Jessica Middleton has shown up consistently twice a month for more than three years providing haircuts for women and children at the shelter.

“I know what it is to be abused and feel you have no value, that no one cares and I wanted to make a small difference in a woman’s or child’s day. My goal as a hair stylist is to always have a person leave my chair and feel better about herself and know she is special and she matters. I got so much more from serving these ladies than I thought possible. Knowing some of them had never had a professional cut their hair, I felt it was a privilege to be their first experience. I just love it,” says Middleton.

Marilyn Martin, retiree, recently began volunteering at Haven House during the holiday season.

“Marilyn spent two days wrapping gifts and assisting outreach coordinator Amanda Gown as she gathered gifts for 92 women and children,” Ducote said.

Haven House has two registered nurses on the volunteer list who help with support groups and have assisted with hospital advocacy when needed.

For more information or to register for the orientation, contact Ducote at Haven House, 573-686-4873 or by email at havenhousemelody@gmail.com.