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Hancock County Jail is located in Ellsworth, Maine. As Volunteers for Hancock Jail Residents (VHJR), we are dedicated to building a communication bridge between jail residents and the larger outside community. We are a nonsectarian, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization under the fiscal sponsorship of Downeast Health Services, Ellsworth, ME, a 501c3 charitable organization. VHJR volunteers are interested in incorporating our incarcerated citizens into positive roles in the community by providing restorative assistance inside of the jail through programs and visiting. But rather than entering the jail with the idea of "changing" anyone, we are simply there to share community support, friendship, and a greater feeling of belonging.

Description:
Volunteers facilitate group sessions in the jail on a variety of topics, including writing, parenting, stress-reduction, yoga, self-esteem, creative writing, art, and computer skills. Some of us enjoy group discussions, offering an empathetic listening ear. Other volunteers take turns distributing library books to the jail residents on Saturdays, providing an opportunity for friendly conversation while offering books.

Our newest and most requested project is the 1-to-1 Visiting/Mentoring Program. Jail Residents who request a visitor are matched with a volunteer for a weekly one-hour visit. The purpose of the visit is friendship and non-judgmental listening. This volunteer experience is open to anyone -- professional degrees and previous training are not necessary. If you would like to inquire about this gratifying experience, please call us or visit our website at http://www.jailvolunteers.org

History:
Since January 2001, VHJR has grown from a few volunteers to an organization that provides everything from career guidance to artistic experiences. We volunteers are all ages, from early 20s to 80s. The only limitation on programs is what the jail will allow and the number of willing volunteers that are available to work with the residents.

Contact person: Judy Garvey, Volunteer Coordinator/Founder, (phone), (email)

Address:

272 Turkey Farm Rd. Blue Hill, ME 04614 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.jailvolunteers.org

Directions:

This address is for networking of volunteers only. Our work takes place inside of the Hancock County Jail. Please contact us if you are interested in helping out with volunteer programs. The planned post-release center, "The Landing:. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.portlandmaine.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit

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