As I prepare for my annual Spring Cleaning rituals, I started thinking about another form of cleaning that might be just as important right now: Mental Spring Cleaning. A few weeks ago, I came across an article in Psychology Today about the benefits of clearing out mental clutter. There are already a plethora of articles about the mental health benefits of traditional spring cleaning—how tidy spaces can create a sense of renewal, reduce stress, and improve focus and productivity. I have long ascribed to this notion—although, admittedly, some days my office desk suggests otherwise!The idea of mental spring cleaning? That…

April 5th is dedicated as National Self-Care Day in the United States. The interest in and practice of self-care has exploded – just do a Google search with the term self-care activities and in the blink of an eye, you have access to 3,110,000 sites and suggestions. So, do you really need another post about self-care? Yes! You never know when something you read serves as the spark to get something started or the fuel to keep it going. And as with all things in life, take what you need from this post and leave the rest behind. Self-care is…

Camp POSTCARD (Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) is a free week-long program for Maine kids. Police Officers from across Maine volunteer as camp counselors. Every June, 100 girls and boys from all 16 counties join 60 volunteer law enforcement officers to spend a fun-filled week of adventure together at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop. Free Summer Camps in Maine: Camp dates for 2025 June 13th (Camp Leaders arrive) June 14th (Campers arrive) June 20th (Camp ends, all leave)

What is VOA’s Role with YHDP? VOA’s Housing Coordination team will work closely with each YYA to assist them in identifying housing that is safe and affordable and help them work through all required documentation. Our team will further assist each YYA with developmentally appropriate social services and case management to help them navigate any barriers and/or challenges that evolve in maintaining housing stability. This can include pairing YYA with resources for education, health care, employment, employment training, budgeting education, and development of household management skills. VOA’s YYA team includes two case managers and a youth ambassador to help YYA participants develop…

By partnering with VOA, you have the unique opportunity to change the lives of YYA in Maine. These YYA need housing that will help them get stable and have a chance to gain valuable life experience, pursue job training, and/or education opportunities without worrying about finding a safe place to lay their heads each night. VOA cares as much about our relationship with our landlords as we do our clients. We need everyone to make our program work. Here are some benefits from being that partner. Signing Bonus: There is a $750 Signing Bonus for every unit newly leased to…

Community Liaison DeflectionA Community Liaison Officer (CLO) is a non-law enforcement professional who responds alongside a police officer to the scene of an emergency or other situation that would traditionally be responded to solely by law enforcement. The goal of the community liaison is to divert individuals from the traditional criminal justice system and redirect them to the most appropriate resources. What CLOs do: Benefits of the CLO Program: Waldo County CLOs Justin MacDonald, LCPC justin.macdonald@voanne.org Danielle Michaud, MHRTCdanielle.michaud@voanne.org Allison Richards, MHRTCallison.richards@voanne.org Rosie Bowmanrosie.bowman@voanne.org Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion DiversionThe Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (L.E.A.D.) program and philosophy is to redirect…

For further information regarding the DLSS program in the greater Bangor area contact Holly Brown, DLSS Program Manager, at 207-378-1781 or holly.brown@voanne.org. If you’re interested in receiving services in the Bangor area, please email a referral form, diagnosis, LOCUS, and treatment plan to holly.brown@voanne.org.

Investing in the health and well-being of Maine veterans could not be done without the support, involvement, and enthusiasm of the sponsors below! Helping to bring our veterans All the Way Home™ At Volunteers of America Northern New England, we have made it a focus to help veterans. Assessing the needs in our community, Volunteers of America has recognized the number of veterans and their families who have faced homelessness and hard times. Through our veterans’ programs and our partnerships with other veteran-serving organizations across Maine, Volunteers of America connects veterans and their families with services and assistance to meet…