Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance announces fall hotline training

The Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance has scheduled  its next hotline training for both Piscataquis and Penobscot

counties to begin Sept. 21. If you are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity please consider becoming a trained advocate to provide support services to victims of domestic abuse and to assist in answering the 24-hour hotline.  

All hotline workers, paid and unpaid, must successfully complete a 40-hour training in order to assist with direct service to victims of abuse.  Advocates will speak with callers on the phone, from home or from one of the resource centers. They will meet with victims in person at a resource centers, at one of the outreach locations, or at court when accompanying them to a hearing. Lastly, advocates will support and validate a caller’s feelings, identify and explore options, make referrals and assist with safety planning.  

Training topics include dynamics of domestic abuse, elder abuse, effects of family violence on children, relevant legal and social issues, safety planning and crisis intervention.  Upon successful completion of this training four CEU’s will be available from the University of Maine. The training is offered free of charge with the expectation of a volunteer commitment.  

Please contact Ginger at 564-8166 or email ginger@wmncare.org if in Piscataquis County or Catherine at 945-5102 or ckurr@sprucerun.net if in Penobscot County for training details — or check out www.sprucerun.net.