Pleasantly surprised! My experience as Pretrial Support Volunteer Navigator.
Wondering what I might be getting myself into, I signed up to volunteer as a Pretrial Support Navigator, a new UUCC ministry funded through the Sue McKimm Fund for Congregational Advancement. Before beginning with referrals from the Public Defenders Office, I got “trained up” by our amazing trainers, with a lovely group of fellow volunteers.
To date, I have been assigned to two people. My role is NOT to interact with the legal situation, but to be a friendly, positive resource to accomplish two goals: 1. Provide reminders/support to attend any upcoming court hearings, and 2. Offer linkage to community supports for needs such as housing, transportation, jobs, health insurance, etc. I connect with people primarily by phone, sometimes with follow-up texts.
I worried about either being an unwelcome intruder on their lives, on the one hand, or having more contact initiated by people than was appropriate. To my pleasant surprise, neither of those worries happened. Even more, I did not seek nor expect gratitude from people, but that is what has been expressed to me, for my minimal support. The relationship is more about supporting fellow human beings in a tough spot than anything else.
More trainings are coming up later this month. If my short description is sparking your interest, I encourage you to sign up for the trainings. It does not obligate you to take referrals. We are a learning community and welcome you to join us.
Navigator Laurie Albright
