Volunteer HOPE Counselors are young adults age 17-24 who serve as mentors, leaders, and cheerleaders for youth participants in our specialized programming for children exposed to domestic violence. This opportunity to build relationships with children and teens who have experienced trauma is life-changing for both the youth and the volunteers. HOPE Counselors contribute tremendously in our goal to end the cycle of violence by investing in the lives of youth exposed to trauma and forming special connections with them. We are looking for young adults who have a passion for working with youth, and who are energetic, patient, committed, encouraging, and fun!

Whether you are interested in volunteering as a mentor throughout the year, for the week of Camp HOPE, or both, apply to join us as a HOPE Counselor here! 

View printable flyer here.

This volunteer position supports victims of crime seeking services from the Guilford County Family Justice Center.  The FJC Volunteer Court Navigator Program is designed to: 

• Advocate and support clients in court by providing accompaniment, court education, and safety planning;  
• Inform clients of available FJC services and resources;  
• Offer emotional support and connect victims and their loved ones; 
• Promote the mission of the FJC within the community.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 18 years of age;
• A sincere concern for the well-being of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, and elder abuse;  
• The ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds; 
• Good verbal and written communication skills; 
• Professional approach and demeanor that set a positive tone and an ability to work collaboratively with other clients, staff, volunteers, and professionals.  

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to handle confidential information;
Strong written and verbal communication skills; 
• Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team and to communicate effectively with FJC partners, including law enforcement, court professionals, attorneys, staff, and other social service professionals; 
• Ability to build rapport and establish a respectful relationship with a client;
• Exercise patience, understanding, and compassion with clients and professionals; 
• Ability to maintain punctual, consistent attendance. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accompany clients to court proceedings; 
• Provide case-specific and general information about the criminal court process; 
• Inform victims of their criminal case status and their rights according to the law; 
• Connect victims with appropriate resources and referrals at the FJC;  
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the victim;   
• Advocate for the victim and necessary services when appropriate;   
• Maintain confidentiality of information received from victims and witnesses as required by the FJC. 

Requirements:

• Successful completion of application, background check, and screening process.  
• Successful completion of the FJC’s Volunteer Court Navigator Program Training. 
  • Training will include a one-day overview of the Volunteer Court Navigator Program and four (4) hours of courtroom observation.
• Commit to provide navigation in criminal district court for a three (3) hour block at least once a month.
• Morning availability is strongly preferred.

The next cohort for training is scheduled for January 2025.

Domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault impacts all of us, regardless of age, economic status, race, gender, religion, or education. Tens of thousands of women, men and children are affected in our community. Today, survivors are stopping these violent crimes and making Guilford County safer, one voice at a time. They are taking action and restoring hope. They are using their VOICE and reclaiming their lives. Through outreach and education, people of courage and strength are thriving and bringing about positive social change.

The VOICES Committee is comprised of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who volunteer their time and use their collective voice to help others through advocacy, education, and empowerment. The VOICES Committee works closely with the Guilford County Family Justice Center leadership to ensure FJC services and outreach efforts meet the needs of survivors and the committee’s mission.

If you are interested in joining the VOICES Committee, please complete the VOICES Committee Interest Form.

For more information, please contact: 336-641-7233 or email fjcinfo@guilfordcountync.gov.

Brenda White

In April 2012, my estranged husband attempted to kill me. I suffered multiple stab wounds and thus spent months navigating a pathway to healing both physically and emotionally. As a survivor, I now use my voice to advocate and motivate others to live free from violence and abuse. I am blessed to be able to share my story in hopes of being inspirational and supportive.
I am native of Blackstone, VA and a proud graduate of Bennett College. I spent my professional career working for the City of Greensboro for over 30 years until I retired because of the injuries I suffered at the hands of a domestic abuser. I am passionate about helping others and serve in a variety of volunteer roles including as a member of the City of Greensboro’s Commission on the Status of Women. I have a beautiful family which includes my daughter, son-in-law, 3 grandchildren and a host of supportive family and friends.

Murphy Sullivan

Murphy Sullivan uses her voice as a survivor to inspire recovery from sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Since 2015, she has been a Guilford County Family Justice Center’s VOICES Committee member, leading as Co-chair for the last five years.
As a trusted and engaged volunteer, Murphy serves on the NC Governor's Crime Commission STOP Implementation Plan Advisory Group and the NC Department of Justice Task Force for Racial Equity (TREC) Advisory Committee. She provides representation on the Alliance for HOPE International/National VOICES Survivor Advocacy Network.
Murphy’s experiences include a Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree, designation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), as well as recognition as a "Woman in Leadership" by the national CORO Public Affairs Fellow Program. She worked on the staff of notable political figures, including a United States President and Vice President. She is a graduate of Leadership Greensboro.
Murphy is a proud mother of two daughters, a plantswoman, a jigsaw puzzle lover, and a baseball fan. She is happily engaged to her partner of five years.