Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance will hold hotline training

By Ginger Hutchins 
Volunteer Program Coordinator

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Beginning Monday, Nov. 10, the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance will offer its 40-hour hotline training in Piscataquis County. The training includes 12 three-hour sessions, as well as homework, and is tentatively scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. We can revisit these dates and times the first night of training and make any adjustments that would better suit the group if need be.

    About a year ago Womancare and Spruce Run merged in the hopes of continuing to provide consistent and quality services to those affected by domestic abuse in both Piscataquis and Penobscot counties respectfully. The need for volunteer advocates remains great in terms of answering our combined 24-hour hotline. The hotline is answered part time in Bangor and part time in Dover-Foxcroft. After hours — evenings, weekends and holidays — the hotline is answered from the home phones of volunteers or staff. We need both in office and after hours assistance with our hotline.
    Advocates support and validate a caller’s feelings, identify and explore options, make referrals for other services and do safety planning. Training topics include dynamics of domestic abuse, effects of family violence on children, relevant legal and social issues, safety planning and crisis intervention. Upon successful completion of the training four CEU’s from the University of Maine will be available. The training is offered free of charge with an expectation of a volunteer commitment.
    The Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance is a great place to volunteer. We provide a comprehensive training program and there is always staff back up available. Please consider volunteering for this great agency. Call (Ginger Hutchins) at 564-8166 or email ginger@wmncare.org. for more information or to register for this volunteer training opportunity. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community or to test the field for a possible career. I would really love to talk with you.