2025 New Peer Support Volunteer Training
Job Opportunities at Kara
December 5, 2024
2024 Appeal for Hope
December 8, 2024
We are excited to announce that we will conduct new volunteer training in early March 2025 for those interested in becoming a Kara peer support volunteer. Volunteers are needed to provide compassionate grief support to children, teens, and adults grieving the death of a significant relationship. Due to the diverse populations we serve and various types of loss we support (from death by suicide and cancer, to the death of a sibling and spouse), we are seeking individuals who can accompany another through their unique grief journey, either in person and/or via tele-support. All interested individuals must attend an Informational Meeting Session.
Note: This application and training are for individuals looking to volunteer in Kara's Peer Support Programs, this is not for Kara's Clinical Therapy Program. Thank you.
Informational Sessions (One Required)
Three sessions are being offered as listed below. These meetings will provide details about Kara programs, the training, and volunteer commitments. Applying to become a volunteer requires attendance to an informational session to ensure a clear understanding of the volunteer commitment and expectations. To register for an Informational Session, click on one of the following links:
Our training is designed in an intentional way that honors both the sensitive and powerful nature of grief and the participants taking part. To ensure that participants receive adequate support throughout the training process, our volunteer training cohorts have size limitations. Due to these size limitations and the reverence for grief, we utilize an application process. Unfortunately we often receive more applications than we have participant slots available in the training, therefore please note that applying to volunteer does not guarantee entry into training.
Below is a summary of our application process to allow for clarity and transparency for interested applicants. If you have questions or need support please contact us at training@kara-grief.org
The Volunteer Application Process
- Service Expectation - A minimum of at least a one-year commitment (more preferred) is required following the successful completion of the training. This is to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of our clients. Prior to applying, please reflect on your availability and the sincere commitment to the bereaved that we expect.
- Informational Meeting - Attend ONE session to further understand the work that we do and the programs we offer.
- Complete the Volunteer Application - If you need assistance, please contact us. Applications are due by January 27, 2025.
- Application Acknowledgement - If an application is completed you will receive a phone call of acknowledgement and application status update.
- Volunteer Candidate Interview - Conducted in the month of February, either in-person or virtual. Following this final step (concluding at the close of February), training roster and participation will be finalized.
Training Dates
The scheduled training dates for Adult Services and Youth and Family Services are provided below. Please note those wishing to volunteer for Camp Kara have additional dates in June.
| Date | Time | Programs | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 7, 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm | Adult Services and Youth and Family Services | In Person |
| Saturday, March 9, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm | Adult Services | TBD |
| Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10:00am-4:00pm | Youth and Family Services | In Person |
| Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Adult Services | Online via Zoom |
| Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Youth and Family Services | Online via Zoom |
| Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 9:00am-5:00pm | Adult Services and Youth and Family Services | In Person |
| Thursday, June 26, 2025* | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Youth and Family Services (Camp Kara) | In Person |
| Saturday, June 28, 2025* | 8:00am-1:00pm | Youth and Family Services (Camp Kara) | In Person |
To download this information as a pdf document, click here.
Applications accepted through January 27, 2025. Sign Up Here to Receive Email Updates About Upcoming Volunteer Training Opportunities.
