Get Involved with
Southern Valley Alliance
Whether you support us with your time, talent or treasure, your partnership helps victims of domestic violence and their families in Scott and Carver counties. Together, we can create communities where violence in relationships no longer exists.
Volunteer or Intern
Join us in supporting domestic violence victims and their families. View opportunities to help.
Give in other ways
Help with in-kind donations, holding a fundraiser or donate by mailing a check.
Donate online
It only takes a moment but the impact lasts - every dollar counts!
Volunteer
Make a difference by volunteering and supporting victim-survivors in Scott and Carver Counties.
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Hover over each Volunteer Role below to learn more.
The crisis line advocate answers SVA’s Crisis Line during the weekday evening hours. You do not need to be on site for this position; it is done remotely through your cell phone. Our crisis line shifts start at 5pm and go to the following morning at 8:30am. On a typical shift, volunteers may receive anywhere from 0-2 calls. Most volunteers just keep their cell phone up at a louder volume and go about their normal activities when they’re on-call.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
Must be 21 years or older
Meet OJP/VOCA Background Check guidelines
Completion of online training courses
We are always looking for volunteers to help laminate and prep crisis line posters, scan and shred documents, and other miscellaneous projects around the office. Some projects must be done in office and others can be take home projects.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
If under 18, parent or guardian signature must be provided on application
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required (if transporting SVA materials)
During community events this person would represent SVA and SVA’s mission in support our victims at our table by answering questions or directing where more information can be found within our organization. Greet all who approach our table seeking information. Offer brochures and information. Ask “new” people to sign our email list and/or volunteer list!
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
If under 18, parent or guardian signature must be provided on application
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required (if transporting SVA materials)
We are always looking for volunteers who want to stay in the loop about new and special pop up projects we have going on throughout the year! These projects may include donation or promotional material pick up/drop off, tabling event swag prep, maintenance and yard work, packing and moving equipment, etc.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
If under 18, parent or guardian signature must be provided on application
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required (if transporting SVA materials)
The Court Advocate provides accompaniment and emotional support for clients at civil and criminal court hearings for Order for Protections (OFP), Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO), and criminal court proceedings resulting from domestic violence (completion of online course training required). NOTE: You do not need a legal background for this role – this is an emotional support role.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
Must be 21 years or older
Meet OJP/VOCA Background Check guidelines
Completion of online training courses
Volunteer with Southern Valley Alliance by assisting in the set up and tear down of event materials at community events throughout Scott and Carver Counties. This job may involve lifting 35lbs+. This is a great job for someone who is looking to volunteer but isn’t necessarily interested in community outreach or client engagement
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
If under 18, parent or guardian signature must be provided on application
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required (if transporting materials)
Our Support Group Facilitators provide support for clients and structure to Support Group meetings (completion of online course training required). Facilitators are provided training and curriculum to encourage engaging and supportive conversations. We have both virtual and in-person meetings.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
Must be 21 years or older
Meet OJP/VOCA Background Check guidelines
Completion of online training courses
This position offers a fun, safe, welcoming environment for children while their parent attends our weekly support group (completion of online course training required). The groups are located in Shakopee on Monday evenings 7:00pm – 8:30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 1 meeting a month.
Requirements:
Must not be an active client or within 12 months of receiving services from SVA
Must be 21 years or older
Meet OJP/VOCA Background Check guidelines
Completion of online training courses
Ready to learn more?
Fill out Volunteer Info Request Form to request more information, and our Volunteer Manager will be in touch with you!
Click here for Court Ordered/Community Service Volunteering
Intern
Student interns work alongside SVA advocates and staff to provide critical services to victims.
Hover over each Intern Role below to learn more.
Download SVA’s internship application and submit the completed application to officemanager@svamn.org to apply.
Current Internship Positions
The Advocacy and Community Outreach Intern works closely with SVA advocates to serve victims of domestic violence through legal advocacy, emotional support, and support groups. After completing SVA training, interns will shadow staff to learn crisis intervention and advocacy skills. Interns will also work with the Community Engagement Coordinator to assist with community events and raise awareness of domestic violence.
The Community Outreach and Development Intern will work closely with the Community Engagement Coordinator and Executive Director. The development team at SVA exists to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individuals, businesses, and foundations interested in supporting the mission of SVA. The internship will provide substantial experience in nonprofit fundraising and development at a community based social service agency.
The Development Intern will work closely with the Community Engagement Coordinator and Executive Director. The development team at SVA exists to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individuals, businesses, and foundations interested in supporting the mission of SVA. The internship will provide substantial experience in nonprofit fundraising and development at a community based social service agency.
Other Ways to Donate
Send a check
If you prefer to send us a check, please mail it to:
Southern Valley Alliance
103 3rd Ave E
Shakopee, MN 55379
Corporate Gift Matching
Many companies offer gift matching programs, making your donation go twice as far.
SVA is thankful to receive matching donations from a number of the following Corporate Matching Programs:
Target
United Health Group/Optum
Centerpoint Energy
Toro
General Mills
3M
Polaris
US Bank
CommScope, Inc.
Medica
Ecolab
Wells Fargo
If you see your employer listed above, please inquire with them about their gift matching program.
Don’t see your company listed? Check with your employer about corporate and/or volunteer matching programs.
In-kind donations
SVA frequently assists victim-survivors with essential needs through grocery, restaurant, fuel only and general gift cards.
For a current list of our donation needs, visit our Amazon Wishlist.
For a current list of our donation needs supporting our Transitional Housing Program, visit the Transitional Housing Wishlist.
Estate Planning
If you would like to make Southern Valley Alliance a part of your charitable giving legacy, please consider including our organization in your estate planning. If you choose to do so, here is some sample language for a bequest to guide you and your attorney:
“I give, devise and bequeath to Southern Valley Alliance, a Minnesota non-profit corporation _____ (insert sum, percentage, or description of property) to be used for (general purpose or details of specific purpose).”
In order to avoid any possible question that your gift is intended for our organization, please include Southern Valley Alliance’s federal tax ID number: 41-1483575.
If you have questions about including SVA in your will, please contact
Christie Larson at executivedirector@svamn.org or (952) 873.4214.
Please complete the Declaration of Intent form and mail back to us.
Host a drive
Drives are a great way for individuals, businesses and organizations to get involved and help the community! Drives help raise awareness about domestic violence and help collect much needed items for the people we serve.
For more information on how to host a drive, download our donation drive toolkit or reach out to us at officemanager@svamn.org
Donate Stock
When you donate stock to charity, you'll generally take a tax deduction for the full fair market value. And because you are donating stock, your contribution and tax deduction may instantly increase over 20%.
Other Ways You Can Help
Interested in more ways to help in your daily life and community? Here are a few ideas:
Challenge attitudes and beliefs that promote a culture of violence and victim-blaming or shaming
In personal situations, hold the abusive person, not the victims, accountable for their abusive behaviors
Raise awareness about domestic violence through the use of local media, community groups, schools or other forums
Educate young people in your life about abuse, violence prevention, and how to build healthy relationships
Support legislation that offers greater protections and assistance for victims and increases accountability for abusive partners
Donate money or requested items
Keller Williams volunteers
Shakopee High School students helping the cause
Donate
Your donation will have a direct impact and help us to further our mission to assist victims of domestic violence in Scott and Carver County, Minnesota. Your support truly matters.
Southern Valley Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that relies on a wide variety of funding sources to advance and support our mission, both private and corporate—thank you for your generous support.
