The Turning Point is looking for volunteers and another part-time worker. Anyone interested must contact The Turning Point with resumes, or may reach out with any questions. PHOTO/ADOBE STOCK

The Turning Point Shelter is grappling with critical staffing shortages, which have resulted in its underutilization. While the organization is unable to reveal specific circumstances due to confidentiality, there is an immediate need for volunteers to help with daily operations.

Currently, the shelter cannot accommodate clients without a trained staff member on site, making the recruitment of volunteers essential. Bobbie Orcutt emphasized, “We are doing everything we can to support the entire Lincoln County area, but our limited staffing makes it challenging to respond to emergencies, especially in outlying regions.”

In addition to volunteers, the shelter is also seeking to fill a part-time staff position. Volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuation of vital services. Interested candidates must commit to a 40-hour training program, pass a background check, and undergo a review of the child abuse registry. Furthermore, candidates must have been free from any domestic violence or sexual assault situations for over two years.

Volunteering at Turning Point requires a strong commitment. Applicants must be 21 years or older to volunteer or apply for part-time positions. Volunteers can expect to be on call at all hours, often confronting the emotional difficulties of situations that many prefer to avoid. The comprehensive training can be intense, making the realities of the role feel overwhelming and contributing to high turnover rates.

Building a strong volunteer base is crucial to ensure timely support for individuals in crisis. If the community comes together, shared responsibilities can help prevent volunteer burnout and maintain consistent assistance for those who need it most.

Statistics underline the urgency of this situation: nationally, over 20,000 calls are made daily to domestic violence hotlines, with more than 10 million adults experiencing domestic violence each year. In Wyoming, the lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence is alarmingly high, affecting 33.9% of women and 30.5% of men.

Turning Point is appealing to community members to step up as volunteers. Your involvement can profoundly impact the lives of those seeking safety and support.

For those interested in volunteering or for more information about the open part-time staff position, please send resumes or questions to wyopoint@gmail.com or call Turning Point at 307-877-6834. Individuals in need of assistance can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.