Vocteer: A Collaborative Volunteer Program for Persons with Severe Psychiatric Disabilities

Vocteer is a university and community support agency collaborative program that matches undergraduate and graduate students with persons diagnosed with severe psychiatric disabilities in community-based volunteer positions. The program aims to improve self-esteem, community inclusion, and vocational skills of program participants. In addition, Vocteer helps participants develop skills necessary for employment or independent volunteering. The program, reports of participant satisfaction, and findings are described. Reports from the literature are presented and provide support for further exploration and development of such programs.