(Posted 2023 July)
Meet Julie Collins, Hotline Volunteer
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background? I’m a Fairfax County native. I am a project manager on a global health project funded by USAID. I currently support programs in Colombia, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic that are working to integrate migrant populations into the health systems of those countries.
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I love watching movies and listening to music. I like to listen to podcasts and learn new things. I love to travel, both for work and to visit new places.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others? I have been a hotline volunteer for six years, since 2017. After the 2016 election, I wanted to do something that would support my local community.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services? Since my work supports people internationally, I was interested in supporting people closer to home, especially those who experience domestic and/or sexual violence.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge? The most challenging part of volunteering is not knowing what happens to callers after you hang up. I continue to overcome this challenge by reminding myself of the role of the Hotline and doing the best I can during calls.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience. The best part of volunteering is meeting other volunteers who are also passionate about the work we do.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn? I don’t know that I have a favorite training, but I learn something new at every training I attend. I really appreciate the opportunities to refresh my knowledge of how to handle calls on the Hotline.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others? My greatest strengths are my calmness in intense situations, my empathy, and my attention to detail. I try to rely on these whenever I am on a phone call. Calls can be difficult but staying calm and holding space for the humanity of the person on the other end of the line, especially because they are often in crisis, is critical to providing the help they need.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer? For anyone considering becoming a DSVS volunteer, it is important to be realistic about the challenges of taking on difficult calls, but also to keep in mind that sometimes what people need is a friendly, calm voice to talk through their situation. Sometimes callers feel like they are alone, and learning about the options they have can provide them with an opportunity to have control over an aspect of their lives.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer? I don’t think I wish I could do anything more, but I’m always striving to provide the best support to callers during every Hotline shift.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).