VOLUNTEER And INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Since 1975, Catholic Charities Maine Refugee & Immigration Services (RIS) has been the primary provider of resettlement services to refugees in Maine. Realizing that many of these clients arrive in Maine with few possessions, and often have suffered trauma and loss of family members, our staff works with them to access housing, English skills, jobs, and medical and mental health services that will allow them to begin a new life here and become part of the community in which they live.
Responsibilities:
The Case Aide Volunteer will help staff with a variety of direct service and administrative duties for new refugee arrivals. Activities will typically include: helping to secure and prepare housing prior to a refugee's arrival; meeting/greeting arrivals at the airport and assisting in their transportation to their accommodation; helping clients to access services at DHHS, assisting in the enrollment of adults in adult education classes and children in school; helping clients to register for Social Security; accessing medical appointments, and pursuing opportunities for employment. Case Aides will be active onsite at RIS offices, as well as at local service agencies and as needed at client homes. Additional research projects and activities in support of clients can be developed with interns according to their particular interests.
Qualifications:
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Maturity, initiative, sound judgment, dependability
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A valid current driver’s license and a clean driving record
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Self motivated and able to take initiative and work independently
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Excellent interpersonal skills
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Experience and/or interest in working with diverse populations and a multicultural staff. Must be comfortable in dealing with staff and clients of all nationalities.
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College degree (or working toward degree) in International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, or related field is preferred
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Solid computer skills – web, database, Microsoft Office, etc.
Volunteer Schedule: Schedule can be flexible but will likely be approximately 20 hours each week.
Compensation: This position is unpaid, but the Volunteer will gain valuable experience working in fast-paced, dynamic, and multicultural environment
Location: Catholic Charities Maine Refugee & Immigration Services, 250 Anderson Street, Portland
Contact: Hillary Weimont at hweimont@ccmaine.org
St. Louis Child Development Center – Naptime Monitor
Volunteer To Be A Naptime Monitor! We need your love in working with children and your compassion to help out the St. Louis Child Development Center. St. Louis needs 5 volunteers to help in the classrooms from 12:00pm-2:00pm as a person who aides with naptime responsibilities: helping children fall asleep, keeping a quiet atmosphere and lending a hand to projects that are planned for the day (cutting/sorting/etc.). You will have the ability to pick the day/days that you would like to volunteer. We REALLY could use your help! Please call 282-3790 to find out more about this wonderful opportunity. Note: The St. Louis Child Development Center is a program of Catholic Charities Maine. It provides the highest quality child care available. It is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It also is a proud participant in the Early Reading First curriculum.
St. Francis Recovery Center - Volunteer Drivers
Catholic Charities Maine St. Francis Recovery Center in Auburn is in need of volunteer drivers for our agency vans to transport the Extended Shelter clients to local AA meetings. We are seeking drivers between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 and 9 p.m. on weekends. Please contact Janine Champagne, Program Manager, via email: jchampagne@ccmaine.org or by phone at 784-2901 Ext. 7884.
SEARCH Program
(Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope)
SEARCH Program (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) has volunteer opportunities to assist elderly and disabled people in Androscoggin County. Our program offers a rewarding way to spend a few hours a week or month bringing joy to someone else. Our mission is to enable the frail, vulnerable elderly and those with disabilities to remain independent and connected to a caring community. Volunteers can help by providing transportation to assist with grocery shopping or other errands, checking in with the elder by making phone reassurance calls, or just visit with them and be a companion. If you are interested in volunteering for this rewarding and wonderful program please contact Wendy Russell, Program Director, via email:
wrussell@ccmaine.org or by phone at 784-0157.
Child Care Volunteers
Catholic Charities Maine owns and operates 2 nationally accredited child care centers: St. Joseph’s in Auburn (782-2711) and St. Louis in Biddeford (282-3790). We are seeking people who have special enrichment skills and talents that can be shared with young children. Can you provide painting or art activities? Can you teach yoga or creative dance? How can you enrich our children’s lives with music or exercise? Can you bring your love of reading to the ears of our young children? We want people who can bring their creative passion to one of our centers. Please call the appropriate center above to see how you can utilize your talents with toddlers and preschoolers.
Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network
Volunteer opportunities to help the elderly in the Greater Bath and Brunswick area.The Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network strives to help elders remain in their homes by connecting volunteers and elders to work together.Volunteers may help with transportation to scheduled doctor appointments, assist with grocery shopping, play cards, take the elder for a drive, or just sit and enjoy each other’s company.If you are interested in volunteering for this wonderful program, please contact Martha Cushing, Greater Bath Outreach Network Coordinator via email: mcushing@ccmaine.org or via phone: 837-8810
