Volunteers founded Hubbard House in 1976, and today our volunteers continue to serve a vital role in every aspect of the agency.
Why are volunteers so important to Hubbard House? Volunteers contribute their time and energy, their ideas and ideals. They increase our visibility in the community, expand our capacity to provide services, and send a strong message of caring to our clients.
It is because of the support and generosity given by Hubbard House volunteers and donors that we are able to provide services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually and ensure that their hope for peace, dreams of tomorrow, and strength for their children are not lost.
This month’s volunteer spotlight focuses on the Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. More than 35 members of the group held a pampering day for the women staying in the Hubbard House Emergency Shelter and a field day with pizza and ice cream for the kids.
Jamila Pope Chestang, a key coordinator of the recent volunteer effort, gave insight about Delta Sigma Theta’s relationship with Hubbard House.
Why did Delta Sigma Theta Sorority decide to donate their time and resources to Hubbard House? Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an organization that supports and fights for human rights and equality. Domestic violence is an epidemic and can affect anyone in the community regardless of ethnicity, class, or status. We wanted to raise awareness of the issue and provide support for those families whose lives have been altered.
What made your group get connected to Hubbard House? Hubbard House is considered to be one of Jacksonville’s local heroes for those affected by domestic violence. It was only fitting that our organization would partner with Hubbard House to help provide services for those affected by domestic violence in our community.
What did the volunteering experience mean to your group? We knew that families affected and displaced by domestic violence have good and bad days. So, we wanted their experience with us to be great! We wanted to impress upon them our love and support and encourage them to know that there would be brighter days ahead. Our interaction with everyone while volunteering made us ecstatic to know that we were able to put a smile on someone’s face and bring some joy into their lives!
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities available at Hubbard House or contact Tracy Knight at (904) 354-0076 ext. 251 or tknight@hubbardhouse.org.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE: Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.