Volunteers are needed to train as Advocates for Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine’s (SARSSM) 24-hour Crisis & Support Line serving Cumberland and York counties. Working on the Crisis & Support Line is not the easiest job, but it is one of the most rewarding. As an Advocate you will directly impact a person's life in a positive way. Advocates  listen, provide emotional support and offer resources to victim/survivors and their concerned others.

We provide a comprehensive training program that prepares volunteer advocates through an interactive learning experience. There are flexible shifts to fit your schedule and we offer many volunteer appreciation events throughout the year. Volunteering as an advocate is an opportunity to give back to the community you live in, and is satisfying on both a personal and professional level. 

The next training session will begin April 10, 2013 and will run through May 6^th. Graduation will be celebrated on May 8^th. Training times will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m. and on Saturdays April 20^th and May 4^th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Applications are currently being accepted.

Volunteers choose their own weekly shifts that range from 7 - 9 hours. We ask volunteers to make a one year commitment to take one shift per week and that once a month their weekly shift to be on a weekend. Volunteers must complete our agency's comprehensive advocate training program, "Help in Healing", offered in Portland, be at least 18 years old and be aware that the agency will conduct background checks on all trainees. Our on-call system provides advocates with back-up support from a seasoned advocate and a staff person. Please consider this volunteer opportunity.

Click Here to view our Crisis & Support Line Advocate Training Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

Click Here to download a Crisis & Support Line Volunteer Advocate Application.

Click here to watch a video of our advocate, Elaine Riesenberg, who won a WCSH Channel 6 2009 "6 Who Care" Award. She talks about her experience as an advocate and why it her volunteer work is important to her.