When a client walks through the doors at The Center for Family Justice, they could meet Catherine, Alex or Lisa – our crisis navigators.
Crisis navigators are volunteers who greet walk-in clients at CFJ. They provide compassion and comfort as they take clients through their intake forms, communicating in a trauma-informed way so as to put folks, at one of the darkest times in their lives, at ease.
All crisis navigators go through training – both through CFJ’s 40-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Certification course and further “on-the-job” shadowing.
Kerri – who until recently was also a crisis navigator – trained new volunteers and will continue assisting CFJ at events. Lisa, our newest crisis navigator, has been volunteering at the center for a year, helping out at events as well as organizing the food closet and other donations.
Please take a moment to meet our team, and consider joining us!
KERRI – I grew up in an abusive household as a child. My mother gathered enough courage to leave her abuser and raise 3 young children on her own. It wasn’t easy but she did it. Although growing up this way had a huge impact on my self confidence and self worth, I went to college to become a nurse and have had a successful career in all different aspects of healthcare.
I always knew that I wanted to give back to my community. I went through the crisis navigator training in 2021 because I wanted victims and survivors to know that you do not have to continue the cycle of abuse. We can break the cycle and go on to have a successful and happy lives free from abuse. I have been so impressed by CFJ as well as all the advocates and my role here has been incredibly rewarding.
ALEX – After watching the TV series “Maid” I was compelled to do something to help a family at the holidays that might be struggling financially as a result of domestic violence.
I found CFJ in a google search and decided to “adopt a family” for the holidays. But I wanted to do more. Buying socks and gloves wasn’t enough.
I inquired if I could volunteer more time and learned about the Crisis Navigators. After 40 hours of training, I was certified to interact with clients. I have also learned so much from being around the staff and attending all the events. I love being at CFJ because I feel that even in a small way, I am helping people in my own community.
CATHERINE – Following a relocation from the UK in August 2022, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands! With a non-profit sector background, I was keen to get to know local organizations and volunteer. I wasn’t sure where to look initially, but I narrowed my search down to the area I was most interested in, which is supporting children and families.
I did some research online about organizations that support these groups and I soon discovered The Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport.
I’ve been volunteering as a ‘Crisis Navigator’ for nearly a year now. The role makes a difference in the day to day workload of advocates who juggle managing a client caseload with walk ins. For me it is rewarding to know that I have helped someone at the beginning of their journey of support for the hardships they have experienced.
There’s also an opportunity to volunteer at fundraising and client events throughout the year. especially enjoyed the Trunk or Treat Halloween event for families!
LISA – I learned about CFJ through a friend who volunteers with you and praises the organization. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
As a crisis navigator, I feel valued by CFJ and appreciate the opportunity to support your clients in crisis who need our help.
There are several ways you can volunteer at The Center for Family Justice, but we do have a special need for more crisis navigators. The work is very rewarding for the volunteers and the help it provides to those in crisis is immeasurable.
For questions about current volunteer opportunities please call Volunteer Coordinator Julie Banks at (203) 334-6154, ext. 128 or email [email protected].
