Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Community and Student Volunteers interview low-income people in need of legal assistance. In these difficult times, legal problems are mounting while access to the legal system is often limited by an inability to pay for representation. As the vital link to a variety of legal and community services, the volunteer has an opportunity to provide much needed assistance while also learning about the law. This is a statewide program, providing access via toll-free and local telephone lines. Volunteers are responsible for answering calls and interviewing each caller to determine the legal concerns. Immediate and appropriate supervision is provided for each and every call. The legal problems most commonly handled are divorce and custody problems, visitation and child support concerns, bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment and disability matters. Other legal matters are also responded to, with assistance provided when possible.

Volunteers do not need to have a legal background, but must have strong communication skills, be able to utilize empathetic listening skills, and suspend judgment of the caller's situation or choices. Volunteers must also be able to work both independently and with supervision. Training is provided and adherence to ethical standards and quality service is required.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Volunteer Lawyers Project

We need volunteers who are free at these times Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Morning X X X X Afternoon X X X Evening Afternoons Mornings This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Service Learning Adults (55+) Unpaid Interns Individual Young Adults (18-25)

Contact Person: Lin Martin-Hunt, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

P.O. Box 547 88 Federal St. Portland, ME 04112

Directions:

From Rt. 295, take Franklin St. Arterial Exit. At third light, take left onto Congress St. At second light, take right onto India St and then take first right onto Federal St. We are located on the left after the church in an off-white, stucco type building. 88 Federal St. Or, follow Congress St. past the Portland Public Library, Monument Square and City Hall heading toward the Eastern Prom. After the Franklin St. Arterial intersection, take second right onto India St. and then first right onto Federal St. The VLP is located on the left after a church. The building is an off-white stucco type building. 88 Federal St. For maps or information, please see http://www.portlandmaine.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit

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

Miscellaneous Information

Average number of hours per volunteer that are required weekly to do this task.
	3 hours (more if volunteer is interested)
We need the following number of people to fill this position.
	It varies on time of year.

Miscellaneous Information

Can this be done off site via computer (Virtual Volunteering)?
	No
May this opportunity be done by a court mandated volunteer?
	No
This is appropriate for a young volunteer
	Not appropriate for a youth.
May a family with young children do this?
	No

Last updated on October 27, 2009