Linda has worked for Sweetser for more than 10 years. She coordinates more than 500 volunteers who contribute 40,000 hours per year. She divides her time between 20 offices and residences between Kittery and Bangor, keeping Sweetser’s volunteer program running smoothly while making sure each volunteer is placed appropriately according to their interests and capabilities.

Volunteers are essential to Sweetser’s work. They add life experience, diverse interests and unique abilities, extending the organization’s network of care for children, adults, families and communities. Volunteers of all ages from throughout the state donate everything from one to 100 hours each year. They work in a variety of roles, including mentor, office assistant, special event volunteer, classroom assistant, Learning & Recovery Center volunteer, and more.

Maine ranks as the second highest New England state for volunteerism, just behind Vermont, according to “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings,” a groundbreaking study recently released by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The study places Maine as #16 nationally for volunteerism. The average volunteerism rate for 2003 to 2005 in Maine was 33.2%, which was higher than the three-year rate for the Northeast overall (26.4%) and the national average (28.8%).