DeKalb’s Safe Passage, Inc. shelter is looking for a few good volunteers to help adult abuse victims and their children.

About 20 volunteers are needed to help at the not-for-profit shelter, said volunteer coordinator Cheryl Graham. Volunteers can choose either direct or non-direct service.

Volunteers who work directly with clients either at the shelter or on the 24-hour abuse crisis line must complete 40 hours of training before working two four-hour shifts a month with a more experienced volunteer, Graham said.

Training sessions will be held on weekends, Sept. 21, 22, 23 and Sept. 28, 29 and 30. Those interested in volunteering should call Graham at 756-7930 for the location. Exact session times will be available later

“We’ve always had a really good response from (NIU) students,” Graham said, adding many have worked at the shelter for years. Volunteers in all areas of study are welcome, she said.

Part of the volunteer experience is education about domestic violence, said Executive Director Pam Wiseman.

“Part of the problem is most people think domestic violence is a husband, wife and a couple of kids on the wrong side of town,” but abused clients come from all walks of life, she said.

The 40-hour training for volunteers is required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and includes discussion on the cycle of violence, program philosophy, crisis intervention, phone procedures and confidentiality, among many other topics.

Non-direct volunteers must complete four hours of training in the dynamics of domestic violence and agency history, as well as whatever training is necessary for their particular job.

Non-direct volunteers can help out with everything from office work to fundraisers and special events. Non-direct volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Safe Passage provides temporary shelter, along with food, personal items, counseling and advocacy in legal matters.