WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $749,586 to Volunteers of America Northern New England to help adults and juveniles return to their communities and establish healthy routines and practices that keep them out of the criminal justice system. Specifically, the funding is awarded through the FY20 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program and will support individual programs in communities throughout the state of Maine. The Second Chance Act reauthorization was part of the bipartisan FIRST Step Act, signed into law in 2018 and supported by both Senators Collins and King.

“When Maine people convicted of a crime have paid their debt to society, they deserve a second chance to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This funding will help these people establish the routines and support systems they need to successfully re-enter society. We are proud to stand with the Volunteers of America Northern New England, and strongly support this mission to reunite former inmates with their loved ones and improve community safety throughout Maine.”

Volunteers of America was established in 1896 to support Americans as they weather difficult times and circumstances. Volunteers of America Northern New England specifically serves the people of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont with the promise to reach out and provide opportunity for individual and community involvement. Volunteers of America supports and empowers America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. They are also largest provider of affordable housing in the nation.