Julie Dugery, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Outreach at Network of Victim Assistance, announces that registration closes the end of February for NOVA’s upcoming free volunteer training session.

“While our next training session begins March 5,” says Dugery, “we need volunteers to register in advance so our staff members have time to process each registrant.”

The 7-week, 45-hour specialized training qualifies participants to volunteer, answering crisis calls on the hotline and providing a profoundly important service to victims of sexual assault, stalking, physical abuse, elder abuse and other serious crimes in Bucks County. Crisis Hotline volunteers take calls during evening and weekend hours; flexible shifts of 2, 4 or 6 hours per week are available.

“The comprehensive training in crisis counseling, presented by our professional staff, not only provides volunteers with the skills and information to appropriately respond to hotline calls,” Dugery adds. “Just as significant are the skills that allow volunteers to support victims during emergency room visits or police interviews.”

The training is held at NOVA’s Jamison office with evening classes 6-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To register or for more information on this training and other volunteer opportunities with NOVA, please call Julie Dugery at 215.343.6543, or email JulieD@NOVABucks.org or go to www.NOVABucks.org.