VOLUNTEER

As a Helpline Advocate, you take calls from your home to assist those calling our 24/7 Helpline. Coverage is typically done in day or night shifts (8:00am to 5:00pm or 5:00pm to 8:00am), though the actual start and end times may be modified to fit a your schedule. Most calls involve listening and safety planning, and there is ALWAYS trained back up staff to assist you. This volunteer position is our greatest ongoing need.

Work with NextStep staff and our legal team to accompany clients to court in Ellsworth, Machias, and Calais for civil matters. You may assist in obtaining protection orders (PFA/PFH), divorce mediation, and parental rights and responsibilities. As a Court Advocate volunteer, you will be asked to attend select office meetings and workshops. Court Advocates are needed weekdays during court hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Give parents and guardians peace of mind as a volunteer Childcare Provider. Watch children at NextStep’s centers while their parent or guardian attends court or support group, speaks with an advocate, and tends to other related activities. Opportunities for childcare are during the day and in the evening.

We have various outreach and awareness events in Hancock and Washington Counties scheduled throughout the year such as the local festivals, health and job fairs, legislative sessions, and fundraisers. We have needs for one-time commitments (such as handing out water at the Blueberry Run or assisting at a presentation) and longer-term commitments such as organizing events or providing education and awareness in our communities.

If you want get involved with NextStep on an organizational level, serving on our all-volunteer Board of Directors may be the right fit for you. We are interested in talking to people dedicated to our mission who have backgrounds in domestic violence or social service programming, nonprofit governance, advocacy and policy-making, finance, fundraising, and marketing. Our full board meets every other month, with other committee work in between.