BRUNSWICK, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today visited with community service advocates, non-profit leaders, and volunteers at the University of Southern Maine (USM) Lewiston-Auburn Campus to discuss how civic engagement and volunteerism can strengthen Maine’s communities. Along with Senator King, the meeting was hosted by the Maine Commission for Community Service, which works to inspire volunteerism in Maine and foster involved, responsible citizens.

“From helping out at the local soup kitchen to supporting Maine seniors to providing afterschool opportunities for Maine children, volunteers across our state are donating their time and energy to better the lives of others,” Senator King said. “During National Volunteer Month, let us take time to honor those who are hard at work to improve their communities, and to reflect on what more each of us can do to get involved. The more people who are active in their communities, the more we can strengthen relationships, build understanding, and support those who need it most.”

“One hallmark of National Service programs is the amount of time participants devote to serving their communities,” said Maryalice Crofton, Executive Director of the Maine Commission for Community Service. “Most Senior Corps volunteers spend at least 20 hours a week and AmeriCorps members typically are full-time at 40 hours a week. For many years, Senator King has recognized the impact these programs have on community challenges such as addiction recovery, academic achievement, chronic disease prevention and management, and poverty. We are grateful to him for his support.”

April is National Volunteer Month and represents an opportunity to honor volunteers and encourage more active service in communities throughout the country. During his time in the Senate, Senator King has sought to elevate the voices and support the efforts of Maine people who volunteer their time working to make Maine a better place. In the December 2018 edition of his Inside Maine podcast, Senator King welcomed both Maryalice Crofton and Rick Dorian, executive director of the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers in Waterville, to discuss volunteerism in Maine and community service around the holiday season. In September, Senator King visited the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where he met with staff members and volunteers to discuss the challenges facing Maine people who are struggling with consistent access to heathy food due to lack of financial resources. He has attended the Aroostook County Special Olympics to spend time with members of Maine’s law enforcement community who volunteer to provide security at the event.

Last July, Senator King visited Leavitt’s Mill Free Health Center in Bar Mills to meet with volunteers who provide free healthcare to Maine people who would otherwise be unable to receive care. He also joined Senator Susan Collins to present a Senate-passed resolution honoring the Westbrook-based Independent Transportation Network of America (ITN) after the organization provided its one millionth ride to older and visually impaired individuals. The organization, which was founded in Maine more than two decades ago, now operates nationwide and provides hundreds of rides every day.

Following the volunteer visit, Senator King spoke with veterans and veteran advocates who were in Lewiston for the “Connecting the Dots…Serving Veterans with Trauma Focused Therapies,” where he discussed the importance of comprehensive mental health services for veterans transitioning out of the military.