FARMINGTON – Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services, Inc. (SAVES) 24-hour Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Line for Franklin County is staffed by a team of Volunteer Advocates. Volunteers are vital to the work done by SAVES. Twice each year, fall and spring, SAVES offers training to the Franklin County community. This year’s fall training will begin on Sept. 15.
SAVES provides all of the training necessary for someone to become a helpful support person to those who have been affected by sexual violence. No previous experience is required to attend this training; just an honest, caring spirit and a willingness to learn. Participants will receive specialized training in basic crisis intervention skills as well as information about our local response to sexual violence. Advocates will have the use of a pager while they are on-call and would be reimbursed for any expenses. Supportive ongoing supervision will be provided.
The next training begins on Sept. 15 and will be held each Monday evening, except holidays, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The training sessions will conclude by Dec. 8. Two Saturday labs will be held during the course in order for volunteers to participate in a counseling skills lab and to practice role play. All sessions will meet at the SAVES office in Farmington.
Persons must be 18 years or over to apply. This course is available free of charge to those who will volunteer with SAVES. UMF credit may be available. For more information and/or an application, call or write: Julia Terry, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator, SAVES, Inc., PO Box 349, Farmington, ME, 04938. 207-778-9522 or e-mail: jterry@savesrapecrisis.org
SAVES, proud to be supported by the Tri-Valley area United Way, serves all of Franklin County. The 24-hour Support Line telephone number is 1-800-871-7741. (1-866-740-9516 if using a cell phone, TTY: 1-800-458-5599).
