The Volunteer Advocate Team was created in response to the needs of grieving families after a traumatic loss. Unexpected deaths often leave families to pick up the pieces and navigate complicated systems without guidance. Volunteer Advocates serve their community by responding to scenes of unexpected deaths, assisting first responders with death notifications and providing information and support to surviving loved ones. Advocates are solely focused on the family of the individual that has passed- helping them to understand next steps, connecting them to resources, and ensuring that they feel as supported as possible.
Volunteer Advocates come from all walks of life. Though there are social workers and mental health clinicians in the group, experience in these or related fields is not required. No matter their background, the Volunteer Advocates are united by their desire to be of service to their community and a deep empathy for families experiencing loss.
The GRPD covers costs for uniforms, PPE, and training. Volunteers also have access to internal emotional support services as needed.