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 their 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 volunteer spotlight focuses on Tracy Williams. Tracy teaches an art class for the children staying at the Hubbard House Emergency Shelter which provides them with an artistic outlet for their healing.
Why did you decide to volunteer at Hubbard House?
I recently attended a training program with A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) in Venice Beach, California. The training was funded by Wolfson Children’s Hospital. AWBW is an art based program that provides services to survivors of domestic violence.
What made you get connected with Hubbard House?
I’m able to use the training I received through A Window Between Worlds with child survivors of domestic violence and victims of dating violence in my work as an art therapist at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, but I wanted to provide services through community outreach. I felt that Hubbard House was the perfect place to do this.
What has your volunteer experience with Hubbard House taught you?
I enjoy working with the kids at Hubbard House. They love making art and it gives them a way of getting their feelings out. Sometimes, it’s easier to get things out through art rather than find the right words. Kids are so close to their creativity and they usually dive right into art projects. It’s great to see the kids smile and be proud of their art.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities available at Hubbard House please visit www.hubbardhouse.org/help/volunteering/ 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 hot-line 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.