Live Violence Free serves the needs of so many in the South Lake Tahoe community. This organization is vital to educating community members about non-violence. Domestic Violence is a humanity issue, not just a family issue. I am grateful for the every person who works to promote non-violence.
Live Violence Free is an incredible asset to the community of the Tahoe area. The staff and volunteers are always working to do the best they can for every single client. I have been with volunteering for a year for the organization and I have seen nothing but compassion and commitment in everything that they do.
I have worked as a social worker for over twenty five years with Child Protective Services. After retiring from CPS, I came to work for live violence free in the Parent to Parent program and then moved to being a volunteer. I have completely enjoyed volunteering for, Live violence Free. I have always enjoyed working with families but since working here I have come to know the staff and other volunteers and really like working with them. Everyone seems to want to help not just the clients but also each other. I witnessed the advocates, attorney and counselors as well as support staff working together in the best interest of the clients. I feel I am still learning the different programs but all of the training I have received has been informative to how this agency works. I have also learned so much about myself. If I had to define how Live Violence Free treats everyone who comes through the door it would be “compassion”.
Five Stars for all the work the staff and volunteers have accomlished during the month of October, nationally known as Domestic Violence Awarness Month. From Galas to straw hats on Ranch Day, the calander has been full of activities to bring awareness to Domestic Violence in the home. As a volunteer I was lucky enough to be apart of some of the activities and look forward to to upcoming ones. Not only in October, but through out the year. (Please look at the calander @ liveviolencefree.org). LIve Violence Free ( formally known as The Womens Shelter) is a huge part of making the iquity of violence known in the South Lake Tahoe area and neighboring areas. But volunteering is much more than speaking with clients and their familys. LVF is out in the community with Food Programs and clothing Prgrams. You become a part of not only Live Violence Free but your community too.
Volunteering at Live Violence Free has let me know that it is not hard to become a part of a legacy, even if it is a small part. You do feel like your making a difference. And with the support of the LVF staff, you are encouraged to use your talents and skills to give to the organzation and clients. You are able to keep your automony just as much as the clients. While volunteering at Live Violence Free I was able to obtain a sense of pride in myself. A feeling of accomplishment, it does not matter if I am doing paper work or answering the crisis line. You start to realize that it is feasible that you and a group of people who care can make a change. I learn something new everyday, when I answer the phone, when I sit in a group meeting, when I read a book to a child when the parent is in with an advocate.
I looked for a very special place to volunteer and as soon as I spoke to someone at Live Violence Free. I knew that I had found the right place to volunteer after looking at several organzations.. If you have a need to volunteer, I would hope you bring your talents to Live Violence Free. You will be welcomed.This gives me a chance to thank all the staff, volunteers, and the Board for letting me be a part of this wonderful organzation. I thank the staff for all the hours they took with me to teach me to be an advocate and making a newcomer a part of the community, I hope to be able to do the same with any new volunteer advocate. I find myself very lucky and as a volunteer you would too.
Having been involved with LVF for less than a year, I am amazed at how far the arms of this organization reaches to help so many people. We live in a small community with, unfortunately, a large need for the services provided by LVF. The staff is extremely professional and committed to providing the best counseling and support possible.
