CCC Wednesday Communique — June 12, 2024

Lupines, Maine’s iconic June wildflower

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Each year, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) brings special attention to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The day signifies and encourages dialogue and action steps to protect the rights and dignity of older adults. Health center providers can play a significant role in helping to identify, prevent, and address elder abuse. Providers and informal caregivers are often the first to notice signs of abuse and can provide essential support, screenings, and resources to victims. This year, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), comprised of 17 federal departments and agencies that collaborate on programming related to elder abuse and prevention, will convene on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10 am to discuss planning for the Council’s future programs and commitments to elder justice. Register for this livestream event here. For more information on elder abuse and ways that your health center can spread awareness and receive training, visit:


FFD Calais Drop-In

Family Futures Downeast staff invite parents to drop in at the Downeast Recovery Support Center, 311 Main Street, Calais, on June 14th from 12 – 3 pm to chat and learn how FFD can support you.  FFD benefits include:
  • Working with a Caring Coach
  • Barrier Removal
  • College Education
  • Early Childhood Education & Youth Supports

Download a flyer to share.


WC Baby Gear Swap & Family Fun Friday!

WIC, Sunrise Opportunities and other partner agencies invite you to a Baby Gear Swap & Family Fun Friday, July 12th from 1 – 3 pm in the grassy area next to the Lee Pellon Center in Machias.  Bring your new or gently used item to swap for new or gently used items, connect with local family centered agencies and have some fun!  Activities include:
  • Live music by Lucy Zwigard from Oatmeal Bear
  • Kids play area
  • Kids cooking demo
  • Free car seat checks
  • Kids arts & crafts
  • Face painting
  • Developmental screenings,
  • Tona Mareglio, children’s author
  • prizes and more!

Download a flyer to share.


Speed Networking with Resource Providers
Monday, June 24th, 1 – 5 pm at the Edward L. Hennessey, Jr. Training Center, 1 Colonial Way, Machias: Sunrise County Economic Council is hosting “Speed Networking with Resource Providers” to encourage municipalities and nonprofits in the area to meet with representatives from state, federal, and regional organizations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about opportunities and talk more in-depth with resource providers as well as other participants who may have similar issues or prior experience. SCEC’s goal is to assist municipalities and nonprofits to take advantage of all available resources and funding opportunities to achieve their objectives.  Tentative Agenda:
  • 1-2 pm: Informal networking, welcome and process overview
  • 2-4 pm: “Speed Networking with Funders” (4 tables for 25-minute sessions)
  • 4-5 pm: Resource tables remain open until 5:00 for additional networking and conversation.

Contact scec@sunrisecounty.org for more information.


Policy Plenary at ZERO to THREE LEARN Conference

We are thrilled to announce a pivotal session at the LEARN Conference 2024: our Policy Plenary, “Why Is Raising a Baby in the United States So Hard? And What We Can Do,” on Thursday, August 1. The 2024 election promises to be one of the most consequential for the future of our nation. But what are the issues that matter most to babies? And what are our political leaders saying and doing to ensure all babies have a strong start in life?  Register today!


Donna Beegle Poverty & Coaching Institutes

June 11th — 14th, in person (Portland, OR) & virtual: Dr. Beegle is offering her two-day Poverty Immersion Institute on June 11-12. 2024, followed by her 2-day Certified Poverty Coaching Institute on June 13-14, 2024. These sessions will be hybrid (both online and in person). By attending, you will gain essential poverty competencies to effect positive change in your community and beyond. Poverty does not have to be. Together, through poverty-informed practices, we can work towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.  Please share these opportunities with your networks so we can ensure everyone gains the poverty competencies needed to make a difference. The more people in your network who are equipped to fight poverty–not the people in it, the more you can amplify your collective efforts to change lives.  Thank you for your commitment to making a difference.


Empowering Our Wellbeing: Supporting Mental Wellness as We Age

The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites you to a webinar on Tuesday, June 18th, 2 – 3:30 pm, on Empowering Our Wellbeing: Supporting Mental Wellness as We Age.  As we get older, we face transitions like retirement, loss of loved ones, or health concerns. These can trigger feelings of isolation, grief, or anxiety. Supporting mental wellness throughout the lifespan, including in older age, is necessary to help us navigate these challenges.  Join us as we explore different mental wellness supports for older adults.  Register here.


June StoryWalk®

This month’s StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library in Machias will feature the children’s book, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. Readers of all ages delight in the tale of Alice Rumphius, a woman who realized her childhood dreams of traveling the world, residing in a seaside house, and making the world more beautiful. Learn more here.


Volunteer at Community Garden Days in Machias!
Learn about this Healthy Acadia DERH program in the Updates section below.

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