A History of Volunteering
Since 1970, VCS Inc. of Rockland County, New York, has pioneered the innovative use of community lay people to do high-level counseling for clients with a wide range of social problems. In 1970, a group of family court judges in New York State expressed concern that many families seeking aid through their courts appeared to be in need more of counseling assistance than of judicial remedies. Child abuse, domestic violence, parent-adolescent conflict, and post-divorce problems were only some of the difficulties for which the judges were asked to provide solutions. For decades, volunteers carried the torch of counseling at VCS. In recent years, “counseling” has become a professional field, and VCS established its MHOTRS Clinic in 2015 to create a space for licensed professionals to provide therapy and counseling. Staying true to the roots of the organization, volunteer-led programming is still an essential piece of VCS. Today, trained volunteers help clients in our Older Adults Programming and through Wellness Coaching, continuing the tradition of having community members care for and support one another.
Who We Serve
VCS provides therapeutic and psychiatric services to all people ages 10 and up, regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. VCS also works with people who are struggling with issues of aging, caregivers of the elderly, parents who are abusive or neglectful of their children, and people with reactive anxiety. You do not need to have health insurance and do not need to be a US citizen or documented to receive services. Clients come to VCS for all types of reasons, and often are able to make significant changes in their lives – leaving a marriage, changing jobs, going back to school, developing a talent or interest, risking new relationships, or simply being more present.
How Wellness Coaching Volunteers Further Our Mission
People of all backgrounds and skills can be successful volunteers at VCS – you do not need any type of experience in mental health, though an interest in the field is encouraged. The profile of a typical volunteer has changed over the years. In 1970, many volunteers were women at home raising school-age children. A recent training group included two psychiatric nurses, a child care worker, the assistant to a college dean, a real estate broker, a lighting technician, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a veterinarian's assistant, two homemakers, and a teacher.
These volunteers bring in their own expertise and world knowledge, and are trained in the VCS Wellness Coaching Model to help clients succeed in reaching their goals.
If you are interested in the VCS counselor training please complete and submit the form below.
You will receive a call back with more details.