Volunteer
Volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors by working directly with clients, contributing their professional skills, or helping with administrative tasks.
Currently, we have no volunteer positions available. If you would like to share your interests with us, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form (below) and send the completed form to Beth Wickum, Director of Volunteer Services via fax at 612-436-2600 or mail: Beth Wickum, The Center for Victims of Torture, 717 E. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455
There are still many ways you can play a significant role in helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Host a “Get to Know CVT” Event
Invite a CVT representative to your home, place of worship, office or any other location that is convenient for you and your guests. We will provide a compelling overview of our work including stories about the men and women we care for. Contact Rachel Hughes at 612-436-4859 or rhughes [at] cvt [dot] org.
Organize a Collection for Torture Survivors
Many people have organized with friends to make meaningful contributions to the torture survivors who seek help at CVT. Some ask their place of worship to hold a special collection for CVT once a year. Others ask friends and family to contribute to CVT in lieu of birthday or anniversary gifts. College students have held events on campus to talk about CVT’s work and collect monetary donations.
Collections can be contributed directly to CVT or gift cards can be donated. Grocery and convenience stores that are easily accessed by CVT survivors include Cub Foods, Target, and Rainbow Foods. Metro Transit bus cards (serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul area) help survivors get to and from appointments in the Twin Cities. Riding the bus also promotes independence and helps survivors navigate their new home city.
Organize a tour with friends
Organize a group of friends to take a one-hour informational tour of our St. Paul Healing Center to learn how CVT rebuilds the lives of torture survivors in Minnesota and around the world. View upcoming tour dates here.
Host a Quilting Bee
Queen and full-sized quilts are welcome to bring warmth to their homes.
Organize Baskets for Torture Survivors
Many of the torture survivors we serve are applying for political asylum, so they do not qualify for any public services. Simple baskets with specific items support men, women and families as they struggle to rebuild their lives in a new country.
Specific Items Needed include:
Laundry Basket
A laundry basket with laundry detergent, dryer sheets and quarters
Toiletry Basket
Towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and lotion
Food Basket
A food basket with these staples: Peanut butter, cans of tuna and small bags of rice
Luxury Items
Scented soaps, nail polish, nail polish remover and cotton balls are appreciated by many female survivors.
