Help Support
Your Local Community
Check out our volunteer opportunities in Brewer, ME
While donating is always welcome, you don't have to give money to contribute to the success of your community. You can join the ranks of our volunteers to help support people recovering from substance use disorders.
Bangor Area Recovery Network fills over 800 hours each month with our volunteer opportunities. Since we're a non-profit organization, we rely on the skills and services of our volunteers to help with everything from moving furniture to cooking and greeting guests. No matter your skill set, you can make a difference in the Brewer, ME community with just your time, energy and compassion.
Find out more about our volunteer opportunities by contacting us at 207-561-9444.
Looking to get more involved?
Like any successful organization, Bangor Area Recovery Network plans its activities in advance. If you want to be part of the discussion, join one of our committees, such as the...
- Operations committee, meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month
- Marketing committee which meets monthly at a scheduled time
- Development committee that meets on the third Thursday of each month
- BARCC that meets on the fourth Monday of each month
The BARN Volunteer Program
Volunteers are the most fundamental component of the BARN; they make the community recovery center a living, breathing example of recovery. Volunteers serve the BARN across all levels, including as daily floor staff, serving on committees or the Board of Directors, supervising each other, recovery coaching, and more. Each month, volunteers contribute over 500 to 800 hours of their time. At any given time, the BARN Volunteer Program deploys between 12 and 24 volunteers to staff its center.
Why Volunteer?
At the BARN, we recognize that service to others is virtually a spiritual imperative. In line with research, the BARN adheres to the belief that providing meaningful volunteer opportunities is an effective way to organize the recovery community. A great benefit of volunteering at the BARN is the potential for getting a strong job reference as a steppingstone into the workforce.
It is the policy of the BARN to ensure that all prospective and current volunteers are treated in a professional, caring, and consistent manner and are provided with meaningful volunteer assignments.
Who Can Become a Volunteer?
The BARN welcomes anyone to consider becoming a volunteer. Our strongest source of volunteers is the recovering community that surrounds the BARN. We also benefit from assistance provided by students in need of internships, training programs, volunteers completing hours for state assistance programs, and volunteers from jail diversion programs.
Collaborative Opportunities
The BARN Volunteer Program works with several partners in order to provide reliable volunteer and community service opportunities, including:
- A4TD (Associates for Training and Development)
- FedCAP
- Adult and Family Drug Court
- Adult Probation and Parole
- Eastern Maine Development Corporation and Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act
- University of Maine, Husson University and Beal College
Volunteer Opportunities
Front Desk/Greeter Volunteer: Front desk volunteers keep the BARN running smoothly by keeping it clean, responding to patrons' needs, and upholding the mission of the BARN. Front desk volunteers also provide peer support to anyone who enters the BARN in need, whether they are a long-time patron or visiting for the first time. Learn More
Garden Volunteer: During the growing season, the BARN has an outdoor garden that requires frequent attention and care. A minimum of two dedicated gardeners will be responsible for upkeep and planting. Learn More
Special Events Volunteer: The BARN frequently holds special events like dances, holiday parties, fundraisers, and community outreach activities which require extra hands for set up, break down, and help throughout the duration of the event. Volunteering for special events is a great way to get involved with the BARN even if you cannot make a long-term or regular commitment. Learn More
Walk-in Volunteer: Anyone who would like to contribute to the BARN for a few hours but cannot commit to a scheduled or regular shift is welcome to present themselves as a walk-in volunteer. Learn More
Committee Volunteers: Responsibilities will vary by committee and the projects it is working on. Some of the BARN committees include marketing/development, the Bangor Area Recovery Community Coalition (BARCC), Finance, and the operations committee. Learn More
covid
COVID-19 UPDATE
The BARN is now open 7 days a week! Since June 1, 2020, we have been doing our best to keep everyone safe by insisting patrons wear masks, sanitize and wash hands, and maintain social distancing in accordance with State Guidelines. Between meetings and functions, BARN volunteers and staff are cleaning and sanitizing the facility. When coming into the BARN, you will be asked to provide your name and phone number in case of COVID exposure, and you will be asked to wear a mask (properly-over the nose, mouth, and chin) and have your temperature taken. Our main room capacity has been expanded to hold 42 chairs and most of our meetings are Zoom integrated. Please see our website www.bangorrecovery.org or our BARN Facebook page, or call us at 207-561-9444 for updates on hours, event schedule, and more information on community safety procedures that are required of all visitors entering the facility.