ST. JOSEPH — The Sexual Assault Response Team in Berrien County is currently seeking advocate volunteers to assist specially-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in providing around-the-clock care to sexual assault survivors.

Advocates help begin the healing process and give survivors the support they need to live full, satisfying lives. Advocate volunteers must successfully complete a comprehensive four-day training program to ensure they’re properly equipped to work with sexual assault survivors.

The next training session will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9, 10, 16 and 17, in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, 1234 Napier Ave. Applications are due by Monday, Aug. 21, in order to attend.

“The Sexual Assault Response Team in Berrien County consists of counselors, social workers, law enforcement officials, physicians, SANE nurses, the Safe Shelter, and the Children’s Advocacy Center – all who are committed to helping survivors and ending sexual abuse in southwest Michigan,” said Teresa Yoakum, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P/AVAS Coordinator, Lakeland Health. “Advocate volunteers are crucial in assisting this team, by providing emotional assistance and support to survivors of abuse and assault during the initial examination process.”

Advocate volunteers must be able to serve for a minimum of 24 hours per month (six hours per week). On-call shifts will be assigned on a rotational basis, and volunteers who are “on-call” must respond if a call occurs during their shift.

Ongoing education and training will be provided to advocate volunteers to further develop and enhance the appropriate skills and compassionate support services they provide to patients.

For more information or to obtain an application, call (269) 687-1880, email tyoakum@lakelandhealth.org or visit lakelandhealth.org/sane.

Lakeland Health is a nonprofit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 3,800 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 500 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org.