Empowering People with Options and with Empathy

Meet Emily, HARP Volunteer

Emily Cook has been volunteering with Doorways for three years. She came to Doorways to provide support to survivors during forensic exams as a Hospital Accompaniment Response Program (HARP) volunteer. As an advocate, she’s learned firsthand: “Survivors are unimaginably resilient and strong.”

“Sexual violence has plagued our communities since their inception, but the bravery and courage we’ve seen throughout the Me Too movement has shined a powerful light on its prevalence across backgrounds, across genders, and within our inner circles,” Emily said. “I volunteer with Doorways to help advance equity for marginalized communities, offer an empathetic ear and hand to hold, and restore power and control to those it’s been ripped away from.”

“By helping mothers, children, and families escape cycles of violence, poverty, and homelessness, Doorways is working to combat many of the root causes of issues in our community,” said Emily. “By supporting Doorways, you are helping mothers, children, and families escape cycles of violence, poverty, and homelessness. You are helping combat many of the root causes of issues in our community.”

Emily’s favorite things about volunteering are that “Doorways empowers people with options and with empathy, and always without judgment,” and that “Doorways creates stepping stones to independence and drives long-term impact.”

How? “Doorways teaches people to fish, providing programs that improve clients’ lives for the long-term, not just the immediate challenge,” she said. “Doorways helps clients meet their foundational needs—safety, security, and shelter—so that clients can improve their lives in the longer-term—stable housing and employment. By supporting Doorways, you’re empowering the future of the community to be stronger and more resilient.”

Considering volunteering? “Volunteering with Doorways is an incredible opportunity to both serve your community and learn so much more about it,” Emily said. “The intensive training curriculum spans the unique challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community, the mental and physical impacts of trauma, the cyclical nature of violence, the role our systems and language play in slowing equity, and the power of cultural humility. Volunteering at Doorways will help you be more mindful, open, and empathetic so you can show up stronger and with more compassion for your community.”

Learn more about volunteering at Doorways here, and please contact us with any questions.