1. the Volunteer Correspondent Program of Maine
Pamela Cairnie
Volunteer Coordinator
July 2015

2. VCP MISSION
“To prepare a network of qualified volunteer advocates, to link them and support them in active partnerships with adults with ID/ASD.”

3. What is a Volunteer Correspondent?
A Volunteer Correspondent is a person who maintains contact with an individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability living in a Maine community, if there is no unpaid person involved in that person's life (or if involvement is very limited) to provide friendship and advocacy for that person.

4. WHY DOES MAINE NEED THE VCP?
The Volunteer Correspondent Program was established in to support class members of the historic Pineland Consent Decree.
Individuals were
Crowded
Neglected
Abused
Separated from family
Without an unpaid person to advocate for their needs

5. A Volunteer Correspondent...
…PROTECTS the RIGHTS of & looks out for the welfare of the person they're matched with by the Volunteer Correspondent Coordinator.
…has no financial responsibility for that person.

6. Correspondents serve as the “eyes & ears” of the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board in making sure the rights of persons supported are respected and protected.

7. VCP STATS – July 2015 293 Volunteer Correspondents
349 Consumers with VC matches
140 Consumers with unmet need for VC match

8. Correspondent Job Description
Must be 18+ years old
Must have own transportation
Visits- Home
Visits- Day Pr0gram
Calls, s, sends cards
Honors Confidentiality
Communicates with Team
Must Pass Criminal Background Check
Acts as Mandated Reporter
Attends VCP Trainings
Attends PCP Meetings
Advocates for Individual’s Needs

9. How To Request A Correspondent
Inform the case manager or staff, when possible.
The case manager or staff can assist in completing the Request For Volunteer Correspondent form available online at

10. How To Become A Correspondent
Inform the case manager or staff, when possible.
Complete the application available online at under the “Forms” tab. The VCP Coordinator can assist with completing this application.

11. Question & Answer