Happy Wednesday!
Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly — photo courtesy of Susan Bennett
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Gmail Users:
Please note that Gmail clips this newsletter about midway, providing a link at the bottom to “view entire message.” We don’t want you missing out, so here’s a shortcut to the bottom where you can click on that link to read the rest of the newsletter. |
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New this Week
Understanding Stress & Self Care
CCC partners and community members are invited to a virtual training on July 8th presented by Julie Redding, CCC Clinical Director, on Understanding Stress & Self Care: Information and Strategies for COVID 19. Learn tools for identifying and managing your stress in this free, 90-minute Zoom event, beginning at 9 am. Use this link to register. Zoom will email you the invitation to join.
3 upcoming Virtual Recovery Coach Trainings
Healthy Acadia is holding 3 virtual recovery coach trainings in academic year 2020-2021:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training opportunity
Child Behavioral Health Services has 125 spots open for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training opportunity coming up in July/August and as of this morning, about 90-100 applications. Application window close June 19th. This would be really appropriate for any HCT clinicians or PNMI clinicians, as well as outpatient clinicians. Here is the link to a one-pager on the program and the application packet.
Making Every Day
Cobscook Institute is hosting Making Every Day, a Zoom community class on Mon June 22nd – Wed July 1st at 9 am for artists, musicians, makers, doers, and anyone interested in accessing their inner creative. Making Every Day will tap the power of daily practice through community support and creativity. Read more about this class and how to register in the Serial Classes section of this newsletter.
MaineHousing Extend Rent Relief Program
MaineHousing announced an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households that meet certain income and ability to pay requirements to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With the extension, the Program now covers rent for the months of April, May, or June. Read more about this program in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.
Upcoming Area Plan Listening Sessions
Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging are conducting virtual listening sessions for their 2020-2024 area plans. These are virtual sessions, so please share this information broadly to make sure older adults and providers participate in the sessions in their region. Eastern Area Agency on Aging will hold 2 listening sessions:
- Session #1: June 22, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
- Session#2: June 23, 2020, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Click here for more information
Donations Needed for Shelter Guests
NextStep DV Project is gratefully accepting donations of new & unused household items for their shelter guests. See list of items needed. Please contact Marcie or Jasmine to arrange for drop-off of items or for more information.
VA Maine Caregiver Support Program
The VA has a new caregiver support program that provides a range of supports to caregivers of veterans, including education & training, peer support mentoring, home and community based care, and more. They will be holding their first ever summit which will be on a virtual platform. Details about that coming soon as this is still under development. See their fact sheet and flyer.
Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a new publication: Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. This guide supports health care providers, systems, and communities seeking to treat stimulant use disorders. It describes relevant research findings, examines best practices, identifies knowledge gaps and implementation challenges, and offers useful resources. Download the publication.
National Men’s Health Month
June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to encourage men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the United States, on average, die five years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death, heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries. June 15-21 is Men’s Health Week, observed the week before Father’s Day and serves to promote early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Make sure to wear something blue to celebrate Wear Blue Day on June 19 and encourage others to join you in showing support for men’s health. Learn tips and guidance on men’s health here.
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Updates
Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation
Supporting Learning
At the CCC we are committed to identifying and addressing our own bias, our privileges, and influence with the goal of being effective allies and community partners.
We are reaching out to you for input on the actions the CCC can take within the context of our commitments – convening, training, barrier removal, and program development – to support our communities in becoming equity informed and to ensure that greater hope, health and wellbeing are the results of our shared work. Please use our online Training & TA Request Form for any trainings that you would like the CCC to consider developing right now. We’re listening. Know it is our commitment to invite BIPOC presenters to lead learning events on racial justice. Please also contact Charley Martin-Berry to request the CCC’s support in any convenings or community conversations, basic needs and barrier removal work, or program design efforts where our skills can be helpful.
You have our support as partners in this moment, when learning and leading, reflection and action are taking place simultaneously. Thank you for your work. Please reach out with your needs, offers, and ideas. |
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One-Time Events
Fairs, trainings, conferences and more in the state of Maine
Please consult with the organizations hosting the following events for up-to-date information on cancellations and postponements
TSLCA Resiliency & Recovery Conversations: Keeping Faith During Covid-19
June 18, 2020
The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging will be hosting a conversation from 1 – 2 pm with faith leaders across Northern New England to hear about how they helped older people stay connected to their communities of faith during Covid-19. We’re also interested in exploring how new technology skills learned during this time might help keep older people connected to each other and core services during future periods of isolation due to caregiving, illness, or a new outbreak. This is not a formal presentation, but a conversation – we need you to participate so we can all learn together. Register here.
Supporting Recovery in the Midst of the Pandemic
June 24, 2020
Since COVID19, our community has felt the dramatic shift in service delivery that has led to opportunities for unique and innovative strategies to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. On June 24th, Abby Frutchey, LADC, CCS, will present a free, virtual, partner-wide training exploring pandemic-related risks to recovery, sharing strategies to support community members who are at increased risk for recurrence of substance use, and providing resources for substance use and recovery supports and services. 10 am — 12 noon on Zoom. Please use this link to register. Zoom will email information to join the training. Please plan to join a few minutes early to get comfortable and ensure that all your settings are working satisfactorily.
Understanding Stress & Self Care
July 8, 2020
CCC partners and community members are invited to a virtual training presented by Julie Redding, CCC Clinical Director, on Understanding Stress & Self Care: Information and Strategies for COVID 19. Learn tools for identifying and managing your stress in this free, 90-minute Zoom event, beginning at 9 am. Use this link to register. Zoom will email you the invitation to join.
Building Resilience with Hope
September 15, 2020
Rescheduled from May 5th, the Maine Resilience Building Network, in partnership with UNE’s Center for Excellence in Public Health, invites you to join colleagues from Maine for a one-day conference on HOPE (Healthy Outcomes of Positive Experiences); a framework co-authored by Dr. Robert Sege from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. The conference will be held on at UNE Portland, Innovation Hall. This daylong session will leave participants, from trainee to experienced practitioners, with new approaches and concrete skills to improve the effectiveness of their work with young children and their families. All professionals are invited to attend: social workers, public health and healthcare professionals, guidance counselors, educators, child and family advocates, therapists, behavioral health professionals, policy makers and public safety officers. Education credit for this program is pending. Registration Fees: $75 member, $150 non-member, $30 full-time student. Details and link to register here.
Maine Wisdom Summit
September 16, 2020
Save the date of September 16, 2020 for the Maine Wisdom Summit with keynote Speaker, Kathy Greenlee, former Assistant Secretary for Aging. Kathy has a deep expertise in the areas of aging, long-term care, disability, elder abuse, health care, and community service innovation. She will offer participants a national perspective on health and community reform efforts and partnerships that are working to increase the health and well-being of older people. We are thrilled to have her join us this year! Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Summit. Register to exhibit or be a sponsor here, or email/phone jmaurer@mainecouncilonaging.org /207-592-9972 for more information.
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Serial Classes & Groups
Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events
3 upcoming Virtual Recovery Coach Trainings
Healthy Acadia is holding 3 virtual recovery coach trainings in academic year 2020-2021:
Making Every Day
Cobscook Institute is hosting Making Every Day, a Zoom community class on Mon June 22nd – Wed July 1st at 9 am for artists, musicians, makers, doers, and anyone interested in accessing their inner creative. Making Every Day will tap the power of daily practice through community support and creativity. Artist and organizer Anne Shields Hopkins will convene and facilitate an experiential community process for artists, musicians, makers and doers of all sorts. Participants will gather over Zoom at 9 AM and hold creative space for one another. It will be an experiment in creative practice, exploring themes and imagery across media. Participants are invited to bring their own projects to the group, which could include drawing, collage, photography, poetry, prose and music, or any other creative endeavor. Register here.
10 Steps to a Healthier You
Are you or someone you know interested in improving you and your family’s health, saving money at the store and basic nutrition tips? University of Maine Cooperative Extension educators now have the resources to conduct EFNEP nutrition education classes at a distance with the option of classes taught one-on-one or in small groups. Choose either telephone or online series. Learn more here.
Cobscook Institute Maker Series
Cobscook Institute has launched a Makers Series free and now open to all ages. Upcoming workshops include Tie-Dye/Bleach-Dye, Bleach “Printing”, and “Patching Clothing for Function & Fashion” Register NOW, so we can get you materials in time for the workshop. Click here for details and registration.
New food preservation webinar series from UMaine Extension
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is launching a food preservation webinar series Tuesday, May 26, at 2 pm, continuing through October 27. “Preserving the Maine Harvest” begins with freezing fiddleheads and making refrigerator spring pickles. The 45-minute sessions will include discussion and demonstration of research-based preserving methods by UMaine Extension food preservation staff. Topics for June include freezing rhubarb and greens, preserving strawberries and herbs, and drinks from the garden. Participants will have the opportunity to be paired with a trained Extension Master Food Preserver volunteer for advice throughout the growing season. A $5 donation is suggested for each webinar; payment is not required to participate. Registration is available on the program webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kate McCarty, 207.781.6099; kate.mccarty@maine.edu
50 Downeast Family Gardens
Please encourage families to sign up for this garden project coordinated by Elin MacKinnon. Participants who sign up for a garden receive emailed links to instructional videos and updates on where to get seeds and other supplies locally. Learn more here.
Online Nutrition Series for Washington County families
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a free, self-paced, three-part online nutrition series for Washington County parents and adults with children living at home. “Eating Your Way” includes information on nutrition, simple cooking demonstrations, and child-friendly nutrition resources. On completion of the series, participants will receive a gift bag including a cookbook and relevant cooking utensils available for pick-up at the UMaine Extension Washington County office. Register for the free series here. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact rita.stephenson@maine.edu or 207-255-3345.
Virtual Recovery Coach Academy
Healthy Acadia is offering 2 free, online Recovery Coach Academy trainings from 9 am –1 pm in both May and June. See link to flyer above for details and registration.
FrontLine WarmLine
Maine DHHS is launching a volunteer support service to Help Maine’s Health Care Workers and First Responders Manage Emotional Toll of COVID-19 — FrontLine WarmLine. Read the full press release here.
Online CNA Course with Machias Clinicals
Axiom Education & Training Center is partnering with First Atlantic Corporation to hold an online CNA course with clinicals at their facility in Machias – Marshall Healthcare. Late registration accepted. Learn more in this flyer.
GEAR Parent Network May Webinars/Family Activities
Please note that our previously scheduled events in May for the Children’s Mental Health Awareness: At the State House Hall of Flags and at Bangor and Augusta Children’s Discovery Museums have been cancelled. As an alternative we are offering:
- two fun family friendly activity based webinars – see flyer.
- Parenting with Dignity webinar on Tuesdays, 9-12 – see flyer.
- webinar based parent support group to allow a space for parents to vent, share and learn from each other and to know they are not alone (see flyer). That weekly support group begins next Wednesday 1-3 p.m. through the end of June. (continuance beyond this date will be based on participation).
GEAR staff are available to register for any of these events – call 1-800-264-9224.
Daily Virtual Recovery Support
The Downeast Recovery Support Center is offering daily virtual recovery support meetings Monday through Friday from 10-11 am and 4-5 pm. Open discussion, all recovery meeting are for individuals impacted by substance use disorder or affected others. Visit their facebook page for more information. To join a group by Zoom:
https://amhc.zoom.us/j/373022686…
Meeting ID: 373 022 686
Password: 091927
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,373022686# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,373022686# US (New York)
Caregiver Monday:
An Initiative Dedicated To Helping Caregivers Take Care of Themselves
The Monday Campaigns, a nonprofit public health initiative, has announced Sherri Snelling, caregiving expert and corporate gerontologist, is taking a leading role with Caregiver Monday, a program dedicated to supporting the self-care of 65 million family caregivers by offering weekly health and wellness practices, research and collaborative activities through partner organizations. Family caregivers are under added stress now, with older people being more vulnerable to COVID-19. The Caregiver Monday program will be offered through Caregiving Club, a leading organization founded by Snelling that calls attention to the issues facing caregivers by offering practical health, wellness and resource-based information. Every month, the program will offer a themed article with evidence-based research information on specific topics related to caregiver self-care, as well as provide weekly practices and health promotions related to that monthly theme. Organizations supporting the campaign can access these materials on the updated Caregiver Monday site.
UMaine Health Connection Chats
The University of Maine Center on Aging is holding a series of free Zoom/phone chats featuring live, practical information and tips for staying health for Maine’s 60+ citizens and other high risk residents during COVID-19. The series will be broadcast on Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm beginning April 15th. Download the schedule. Sessions will be recorded and be made available here.
DCP Early Childhood Programs
DCP is currently enrolling in their 2020-2021 program year for child care, Head Start, Pre-K, and early Head Start child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Please see flyer for more information. They are also currently enrolling for the full year childcare programs at the Flaherty ECEC and St. Croix ECEC sites here in Washington County. Contact Diane Briggs for more information about the full year programs.
Health Equity Dialogues – Via Zoom Only
The University of Maine at Augusta is hosting a speaker series every Thursday from 12 – 1 pm during the Spring Semester to convene and connect scholars, community members and healthcare practitioners across disciplinary and professional divides to work on high-priority community health challenges in Maine. These events will be taking place online via Zoom for the remainder of the semester as on-site locations are no longer available. Please visit their facebook page for more info and to RSVP.
CAN Council Groups
For play groups and classes, go to the Washington County CAN Prevention Council’s facebook page for up-to-the-minute info.
Caregivers Facebook Group
The CCC is launching a private facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – professional caregivers like RNs and CNAs, and informal caregivers like family members providing care for a spouse, parent, specials needs child, sibling or the neighbor across the street. Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources. Use this link to join.
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Standing Meetings & Calendars
Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules
Farmers’ Markets Calendar
Healthy Acadia has published a list of Washington County Farmers’ Markets and other Local Markets that you can download here.
Maine Roads to Quality
Our Community of Practice meetings continue in Washington County! For now, we have combined our Calais and Machias groups, and are meeting every other week via Zoom. The Downeast Regional Community of Practice will be meeting from 6pm – 7:30 pm on Monday, June 15th. Please contact MRTQ District Coordinator Theresa Fisk for more information: theresa.fisk@maine.edu or 207-956-2070
Work Group & Poverty Busters
This is a meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 1 — 3 pm. Due to the current public health COVID-19 shutdown, we are meeting via Zoom. Notes from the June meeting coming soon. We will not be holding a meeting in July, as many folks will be taking time off that week to celebrate Independence Day. Our next meeting will be on August 5th. Send your questions about this meeting to Christine.
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Needs & Offers
Send us your agency/community needs or offers, such as job recruiting
or housing needs.
Donations Needed for Shelter Guests
NextStep DV Project is gratefully accepting donations of new & unused household items for their shelter guests. See list of items needed. Please contact Marcie or Jasmine to arrange for drop-off of items or for more information.
MaineHousing Extend Rent Relief Program
MaineHousing announced an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households that meet certain income and ability to pay requirements to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With the extension, the Program now covers rent for the months of April, May, or June. Each household that meets certain income and ability to pay requirements may receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance paid directly to their landlord. When a landlord accepts payment, they agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment for the month the payment was issued. MaineHousing will continue to administer the program on a statewide level with local implementation provided by Maine’s community action agencies.
Those who received rent relief through this program in April or May are not eligible for program funds in June. Those who applied in April and May but have yet to hear back from their local community action agency should contact that agency to check on the status of their application. A list of agencies and their service areas can be found here (PDF). People who live in subsidized housing are not eligible for this program, because they have other programs available to them and should contact their property manager.
Applicants can find application materials and answers to commonly asked questions here. Materials are also available in six additional languages.
Community Learning for ME
Island Readers & Writers has been collaborating with a group of organizations for several months, originally coming together as schools shut down to respond to the needs of teachers and families. Our initial idea was to create a curated and vetted selection of Maine based, quality resources in one place to help address the overwhelming inundation of resources that people were facing. As we have moved along we recognized the need for ongoing support and that we had an opportunity to uplift multiple Maine organizations through one collaborative site. As an organization, you can also provide resources by submitting a form.
Hope Fund Open
The CCC Hope Fund is now open for the summer trimester. Hope Fund applications are made to request one-time financial assistance for help with housing, transportation, medical, mental health or dental needs, employment, and education. Information on eligibility, the check list for garages, and the Hope Fund application can be found here.
The CCC COVID-19 Impact Fund is still operating and accepting applications. This fund provides one-time financial assistance for families negatively impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. Applications are made to help with basic needs, supplies, household expenses, auto repairs, technology needs, educational expenses, and specific needs of essential workers. Information on eligibility and the COVID-19 Impact Fund application can be found here.
MEJ Rental Housing Survey
Mainers need safe, stable housing to make it through this emergency. Maine’s longstanding housing crisis has been made tragically worse by the COVID-19 crisis. It’s left many unable to pay for basic necessities, including housing. Many tenants have not been able to pay rent for two months and fear eviction. Many have applied for relief but have not received the help they need. Maine Equal Justice has created a short survey for renters to describe their housing situation. Survey responses will help MEJ advocate for housing justice. More info about rights to housing at this stage of the emergency here.
Zoom/tech Coaching
Need help connecting online while physically distancing. Cobscook Institute staff are available to help you stay connected through online platforms such as Zoom. To access this service, fill out this form or contact Daphne: 207-733-2233 ext. 315.
Peer Connector
Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is hiring a Peer Connector in Washington County to assist individuals impacted by Opioid Use Disorder connect with education, training and employment. Those who are interested in the position can contact EMDC Workforce Development Specialist Doug Dunbar at ddunbar@emdc.org. Read the full job description here. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 29th!
Project ReachOut
Maine Seacoast Mission’s Project ReachOut was highlighted in WABI-TV’s April 24 report. Our initiative is based on the idea that we are all better off when we connect. Through Project ReachOut, Mission staff and volunteers make phone-calls to families in the EdGE program, seniors, residents of the unbridged islands, and other households in the Mission service area.
In this moment of profound isolation, the calls offer anything from the hello of a familiar voice, to an antidote for loneliness, to the first step in getting food. As WABI-TV put it, “The Maine Seacoast Mission has found a way to still be a positive voice for members of the Downeast community.”
As of May 1, Project ReachOut’s 39 callers have touched base with over 400 families and individuals. The Mission is still training and adding volunteer callers so we can reach another 1,000 families that we work with through our various services. You can help. Please fill out and submit your volunteer application online here. Or email resources@seacoastmission.org or call 207-546-5860 to request a volunteer application.
Social Call Service
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many new challenges. It has also offered an opportunity for our community to come together in support of one another. Healthy Acadia’s Maine RecoveryCorps and MDI Hospital are partnering to respond to the isolation many community members are facing through a new Social Call service.
Social Calls are to be made by trained recovery coaches. Their recovery coach training and background has steeped them in a culture of empathy, support, compassion, and resilience. The callers are able to provide information on resources and offer reflective listening, encouragement, and honesty.
There are several avenues available to request a social call. One may discuss it with their provider who can send a referral on their behalf. The Healthy Acadia website has both on online form and one to print and return. Additionally Beth Alteri is available to 207 – 460 -2312 to take requests over the phone as needed. She can also be reached at socialcalls@healthyacadia.org or receive faxes at 207-331-5423.
Social calls offer an opportunity for connection and can serve to buffer the negative effects of physical distancing. These calls are not intended to replace an individual’s need to connect with their mental health professional, but rather be an additional service for them to tap into. If you or someone you know could benefit from a Social Call please reach out to us. We are here to help.
Sunrise Scholarship Fund
Has your job been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic? For the immediate future, Washington County residents who answer yes to that question are eligible to apply for up to $500 to assist with training that will increase your opportunities for employment regardless of prior income levels! Click here for an application. Visit www.sunrisecounty.org. Call Jen at 255-0983 with any questions.
DCT Offers Virtual Services to Support Opioid Recovery
As a result of new virtual services, same-day access to anyone with opioid use disorder (OUD) who wishes to begin medication assisted treatment (MAT) is now available to anyone across Washington and Hancock counties. In response to the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, the Downeast Treatment Center (DTC) in Ellsworth has begun offering immediate, virtual, rapid access to MAT for all in the Downeast region…. Patients can expect a virtual intake over phone or Zoom, prescriptions called to pharmacies near them; ongoing, remote access to a medical provider, and access to virtual group or individual sessions with a behavioral health provider. Anyone who does not have insurance or who cannot afford their insurance deductibles or copays can apply for financial support from Healthy Acadia’s Treatment Fund. Read the full press release from Healthy Acadia.
COVID-19 Rental Relief Program
Maine Housing has started a new program, the MaineHousing COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, for renters who cannot afford to pay their rent due to circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. Downeast Community Partners is administering this program in Washington and Hancock Counties and will help renters apply. Call 207-664-2424 option 5. Read DCP’s press release about this program. The program is designed to provide a one-time rental assistance payment of up to $500 for residential and commercial renters. If the landlord agrees to participate in the program, the landlord is postponing the balance of the payment, not forgiving it. In addition, the landlord is agreeing not to evict the renter for non-payment of rent during the month in which the rental relief payment is made. Renters who already receive any kind of direct or indirect Federal/State subsidy are not eligible. There are no immigration/citizenship status requirements and there does not appear to be any required documentation of eligibility. Download an application form and visit Maine State Housing Authority for more information about this program.
if you are aware of a senior in need….
Healthy Acadia would like to share an Eastern Area Agency on Aging link to refer people for all services including the Meals on Wheels program. Please share this information widely!
PTLA Available to Help
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is open to the public by phone and accepting new cases for representation and advice. As always, please feel free to refer those whom you feel are in need of Pine Tree’s services to either Atty Ross Argir at 552-3102 or Debi Berthiaume in the Machias Office at 400-3248. We have also added a COVID-19 specific page to our website with answers to commonly asked COVID-19 legal questions.
FFD Applications are Available
UWEM Help with Volunteer Needs
United Way of Eastern Maine has established a COVID-19 Volunteer Site and invites organizations to share their volunteer needs with UWEM to help get them posted. Review this PDF for the details they will to post your opportunity. Simply send an email what that information to info@unitedwayem.org with the subject line “Volunteer Opportunity for Posting.”
Census 2020 – FAQs
The CCC is part of the Washington County Census Coalition working with the Census Bureau to help recruit temporary Census workers and to encourage everyone in Washington County to be counted so our Census data is as accurate as possible. We depend on this data for reporting, grant writing, promoting programs and services, and many other projects, and the data itself directly corresponds to how much federal dollars our schools, programs and services receive. Please share this 2020 Census FAQ fact sheet with partners, colleagues and clients, along with this safety fact sheet on how Census data received from respondents is safe and confidential. Did you know that every Census Bureau employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life? Or did you know that by law, your census responses cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way? Learn the facts and share them!
EMDC Workforce Development Services
Connect with EMDC staff for employment and training assistance to eligible individuals in EMDC’s five county service area. For assistance in Washington County call Amanda Smith at 951-2349 or email asmith@emdc.org, or call Samantha Giasson at 951-0832 or email Samantha.Giasson@emdc.org if you’ve worked in agriculture/farm work in the last two years. Additional information can be found here.
Free Financial Coaching
Thanks to support from Downeast Community Partners, Joseph Connors has been able to continue offering free coaching on any financial matter to individuals and families in Washington County, following the termination of this program at the end of March by the Consumer Protection Bureau. To make an appointment with Joe, call him at 207-598-5657 or email joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org.
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Favorite Resources
Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.
VA Maine Caregiver Support Program
The VA has a new caregiver support program that provides a range of supports to caregivers of veterans, including education & training, peer support mentoring, home and community based care, and more. They will be holding their first ever summit which will be on a virtual platform. Details about that coming soon as this is still under development. See their fact sheet and flyer.
Helpful Wifi Resources
Lois-Ann Kuntz has 2 free WiFi resources to share:
- An updated map of ‘Study-From-Car’ sites where WiFi guest access is available for outside of buildings is now available. For each site, please check the website information provided for availability and connection information.
- The Maine State Library has this on their website a list of libraries that have their WiFi on 24/7 with available parking within range. I don’t see how to sort this by county. https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/directories/wireless.shtml
Maine Families of Washington County publishes a comprehensive list of free Wi-Fi access in their online community resource guide.
Washington County Recovery Resources
The CCC in collaboration with Healthy Acadia has created a comprehensive, up-to-date list of recovery resources with contact info for Washington County. As we know, services have shifted in light of COVID-19. We want to ensure providers and community members are aware of the current available resources to support individuals impacted by substance use disorder. Here is a link to a “live” document that will be updated regularly. Please keep checking back for the most up-to-date information. We will be adding a Hancock County resource list soon! If you are aware of other recovery resources in Washington County or believe an edit needs to be made to this document, please contact Abby Frutchey at afrutchey@cccmaine.org or Penny Guisinger at penny@healthyacadia.org.
Bolstering General Assistance
Under the Governor’s March 31 Executive Order, all applications for General Assistance will be processed as emergency applications for eligibility purposes, and certain other requirements are waived. The order also allows eligible individuals to reapply after 60 days rather than 30 days for ongoing assistance. General Assistance is funded through communities, with DHHS reimbursing 70 percent of municipalities’ costs. Under the Executive Order, DHHS will use existing funding to increase reimbursement to Maine Tribes to up to 100 percent. General Assistance can be used for basic necessities including food, housing, electricity and medical expenses. Assistance is not provided directly to eligible individuals, but rather it is issued in the form of vouchers used to pay vendors who provide goods and services to eligible individuals.
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CCC’s Response to the COVID-19 Situation
In light of CDC recommendations about social distancing, all ECCO services have moved to phone or tele-health connections. Any new referrals will be contacted via phone and follow similar protocols.
CCC staff will continue to work from home, and meetings will be held using Zoom technology until further notice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us using either the form or email/phone contacts listed on the Contact Us page of our website. We also encourage people to share needs and offers in this newsletter, and remind service providers that we have a needs & offers platform for you on facebook: Poverty Buster Resource Connection.
We encourage people to consult the Maine CDC website which provides helpful guidance in the FAQ section. We are developing our own resources that we will share with you asap and are gearing up to respond to any requests for help with online trainings and convenings as you and your staff lean more on virtual tools to conduct business, provide services and address community needs. To request an online training, please use our Training & Technical Assistance Request form.
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About the Wednesday Communique
This is the Community Caring Collaborative’s weekly newsletter where we share announcements about trainings, meetings and other events, including announcements from our collaborative partners. Look for links to meeting minutes and agendas in the Meetings section, training registration forms and flyers in the One-Time Events section, and job postings and announcements about services and programs in the Needs & Offers section. Subscribe here to get the Communiqué. Make sure to add Community Caring Collaborative to your contacts at claurel@cccmaine.org. Gmail users, check for the Communiqué under the Promotions tab.Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included. Thanks!
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