Volunteer Skills Development

What is the Volunteer Skills Development Program?

Are you looking to gain valuable experience, expand your knowledge, and contribute to your community—all in a supportive and inclusive space? The Volunteer Skills Development Program at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC) offers a unique opportunity to do just that.

Why Volunteer with Us?

At the VDRC, volunteers don’t just lend a hand—they become part of our vibrant peer-led community. All of our staff live with one or more disabilities, and our office is built on a foundation of empathy, mutual respect, and understanding. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside people who “get it”—who understand the value of lived experience and the importance of creating accessible, welcoming spaces for everyone.

What You’ll Gain

Knowledge & Awareness
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of disability and accessibility, working in an environment where disability is not only accepted—it’s celebrated. Learn from staff, peers, and community members who bring lived experience and real-world insight to everything we do.

Employability & Life Skills
Whether you’re new to the workforce or returning after time away, this program can help you build key workplace skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Many of our volunteers have gone on to find paid employment after their time with us.

Personal Growth & Confidence
We foster a space where people can learn at their own pace, ask questions without judgment, and grow in confidence. Volunteering can be an important step toward building a positive routine and learning to balance life and work.

Community & Connection
Give back while getting connected. Our volunteers often tell us they found not only new skills but new friends and a sense of belonging. It’s more than just volunteering—it’s joining a family.

And Yes, It’s Fun Here!
With a great sense of humour, a few wagging tails (yes, we’re a dog-friendly office!), and a team that knows how to make each day enjoyable, the VDRC is a genuinely fun place to be. Volunteering with us is fulfilling, meaningful—and never boring.

How to Get Involved

We welcome volunteers with all types of skills and backgrounds. Whether you want to help at the front desk, support program delivery, lend your tech skills, or simply see where you might fit in—we’d love to hear from you.

Email or call the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@drcvictoria.com or 250-595-0044 ext. 102

Or fill out this Google Form and we will contact you!

What are Volunteers Saying About the Volunteer Skills Development Program?

“I got really good training for re-entering the work force here at the VDRC. At the VDRC, there are very specific tasks to do, you complete transactions, handle money, deal with customers—all really useful experience to prepare you for a real job. When you’ve been absent from the work force for a long time due to an injury, just the idea of going out to look for work is daunting. Job opportunities can come up, but you have to be ready for them. Volunteering at the VDRC was for me a safe place to get in gear again.” ~ Anonymous

“If you are like myself and need office experience, but are stuck in the loop of needing experience before you get experience, I highly recommend volunteering at the VDRC! My time at the VDRC has taught me many employable skills, of which I firmly believe have helped me get the job I have now. At the VDRC, you learn how to organize digital and hardcopy files, the basics of proper phone etiquette, how to transfer and hold calls, and how to use general office equipment like a fax machine. You come to understand and appreciate the importance of attention to deal, empathy, active listening, and probing for and handling sensitive information, all to ensure service users have their needs met. You also learn to not be afraid to ask for help when you do not understand something, and the staffs’ patience makes this easy!” Caroline

“The Victoria Disability Resource Centre has been a great place for me to volunteer. I have been empowered to make choices, take actions to live life to the fullest, and to identify and remove barriers (real or imagined) that were preventing me from participating fully in life. The believed in me and my abilities even when I was unable to believe in myself. As a new volunteer, trust was built and shared. I worked with peers (volunteer and staff) who could relate from their own experiences and understood what I was going through. I was invited and supported to become more involved in groups, sessions and activities. This empowered me to step outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself to accomplish more. The well-balanced training and continuous unwavering support and encouragement lead to me accepting an offer of full time employment in a job I truly enjoy.” Kevin

“Volunteering was a very special experience for me with the VDRC. I had just come from a place where I started to struggle daily with my health and confidence. I was treated with nothing but kindness and respect while learning new tasks. I do believe that this experience has changed my life and I can’t thank them enough for coming into my life.” Anonymous

Supporters of the Volunteer Skills Development Program

Supported by the City of Victoria’s Strategic Plan Grant

First West Foundation is proud to provide grants through the Island Savings Community Endowment

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.