Vet2Vet Maine is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving veterans in the state of Maine.  Vet2Vet Maine offers support, companionship, a friend who understands, and a link to services to lonely and socially isolated veterans.

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History of Vet2Vet:

The Vet2Vet program was conceived by Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Volunteer Services manager Carol Rancourt and developed by VISTA volunteer Susan Gold, under SMAA’s auspices.  During the research phase of the project, Gold heard from several veterans that they would not ask for help from anyone BUT another veteran. It became clear that there was a need for a visitor program for veterans, that veterans needed assistance in gaining access to services and benefits, and that the program, to be successful, would have to follow a peer-to-peer model. 

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In 2018 the Vet2Vet Shared Leadership Team, created as an informal Vet2Vet board at SMAA, decided to explore setting up a nonprofit organization to manage the Vet2Vet program. In June 2018, the board incorporated as Vet2Vet Maine.

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Peer Companion Program:

Vet2Vet Maine matches veteran volunteers with other veterans who need a friend and/or mentor. The two veterans visit on a regular basis (at least twice a month), sharing stories, enjoying activities together, and developing a friendship that can last a lifetime. Trained volunteers also guide their veteran friends in applying for needed services and benefits.

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For soldiers just returning from the battlefield, they provide a mentor who can help lead the way back to civilian life, a fellow soldier who has been there and understands, a friend who listens and offers a helping hand.

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For the older veteran dealing with illness, aging, the loss of a spouse, or other challenges, Vet2Vet Maine’s volunteers provide companionship, a link to the greater community, assistance in obtaining well-deserved benefits and services, and a friend who shares stories.