Volunteers of America works to solve America's most pressing social problems. What better place to start, than with our young people. Volunteers of America believes in programs that promote the positive development and well-being of children, adolescents, and their families. By establishing effective partnerships with government, businesses, churches, and community organizations, Volunteers of America is able to strengthen its capacity to address the unique challenges facing children and youth in the community. Our programs are:
Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. (Police Officers Striving To Create And Re-enforce Dreams) is a week long, residential, coed camp serving more than 150 deserving children from all 16 counties of Maine. The program celebrated its fourteenth anniversary and is a partnership with the Maine Sheriffs’ Association and the Maine D.A.R.E. Officers Association.
Lewiston-Auburn Homeless Youth Intervention Program offers assistance to youth who are at risk of becoming homeless. It is designed as an outreach program to connect youth with a safe place to stay and the necessary resources for stability in the community.
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Program (JDAP) is a collaboration between Volunteers of America Northern New England and Youth Alternatives. This state-wide program reduces the likelihood that young people will commit additional crimes, and will maintain community safety while simultaneously reducing the need for costly secure pre-trial detention.
The Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program works with youth ages 8-15 who are children of prisoners to provide the youth with a teacher, role model, and friend. We recruit and train mentors, match them with youth, and help them develop and sustain a meaningful relationship.
The Scholastic Books Grant Program is a partnership between Volunteers of America Northern New England, Scholastic Inc., Bisson Moving and Storage, Verizon and a variety of community organizations and volunteers to distribute thousands of free books to children across Maine.
Youth Action Teams of high school students around the country are going to bat for their communities with volunteer activities inspired by the Major League Baseball Players Trust. All teens can pitch in like Major Leaguers to make a difference where they live. The Players Trust and Volunteers of America are working to make that happen by recruiting the next generation of volunteers.