Happy Wednesday!
Feel like you’re dangling from a tightrope? You’re not alone!
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New this Week
The Healing Garden Brown Bag Lunch
Elin MacKinnon, LCSW, will present this lunch & learn event on horticultural therapy for the CCC on May 6th at the Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street, Machias, from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm. The focus of this presentation is for participants to explore, encourage and support healing garden activities in all kinds of settings and with all kinds of clients. Everyone will receive their own fun “kit” to try out. RSVP to Christine if you would like to attend. Download a flyer to share – we could all use more healing in our lives.
And don’t forget to tune into Healthy Acadia’s April 1st Zoom bag lunch on tobacco prevention from 11:30 to 12:45. Katie Sell and Georgie Kendall will present a non-clinical outreach training for the CCC, including an overview of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping). Get Zoom details in the One-Time Events section below.
NYU Dental Clinic Postponed
It is with a heavy heart that NYU Dentistry and Washington County Children’s Program have decided to postpone the Machias dental outreach program that was scheduled for April 26 – May 2, 2020. We feel it is our duty to keep community members, patients, and dental staff safe and healthy during this very challenging and uncertain time. Read more in the One-Time Events section of this newsletter.
Dental Clinic Conversation Postponed
Owing to the above announcement, the CCC is postponing our conversation with NYU School of Dentistry students until the Dental Clinic has been rescheduled. We will keep you posted on both.
Take Back the Night March – Cancelled
The annual Take Back the Night March/Rally scheduled for April 15th in Machias has been cancelled.
FFD Applications are Available
Family Futures Downeast is now accepting applications for the 2020 cohort. The application deadline is June 5, 2020. Classes start in July. Download an application here. For more information you can check our website at www.familyfuturesdowneast.org, call/text 207-812-2005, email acox@sunrisecounty.org, or find us on facebook.
MRBN Conversations:
Strengthening Resilience and Connection Together
Maine Resilience Building Network welcomes you to join us for our first virtual gathering! We will be holding two sessions; join us on Wednesday, April 1st from 11am -12pm or on Thursday, April 2nd from 3 – 4pm. This event is being hosted by MRBN. Registration is free and a zoom link will be electronically sent to all participants who register. Learn more in the Standing Meetings section of this newsletter.
G.E.A.R. Parent Network
Dear Families and Community Partners – While we are currently safely sequestered in our homes (at least for the next two weeks), G.E.A.R. Parent Network staff would like to offer you during this difficult time the opportunity to call us if you just want to vent, get some emotional support, or resource information – call us at 1-800-264-9224 and we would be happy to listen or help. We also have been receiving many registrations this week to participate in our webinar based trainings. Given that interest, we are offering you additional supportive educational workshops during this time that not only will empower you but increase your resiliency factors! Learn more in the Serial Classes & Groups section of this newsletter.
Recovery Coach Training – Cancelled
March Washington County Food Pantry Network Meeting – Cancelled
The GSFB Community Driven Strategies Meeting to be held on Thursday, March 26, 2 – 4 pm at the Wabanaki Cultural Center and Museum, 39 Union Street in Calais has been postponed. No new date has been confirmed yet.
CCC Work Group Meeting — Zoom Only
Due to the current public health COVID-19 situation, we will be meeting via Zoom only on April 1st, 1-3 pm. Please join the meeting a few minutes early to make sure your audio & video are working. Notes from last month, agenda and Zoom invitation can be found in the Standing Meetings section of this newsletter.
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 Beal in the Machias Office at 255-8656. We have also added a COVID-19 specific page to our website with answers to commonly asked COVID-19 legal questions.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation Support
Today we announced we will give more than $3 million for COVID-19 relief efforts by supporting community and nonprofit organizations in Conn., Maine, Mass. and N.H., including:
COVID-19 Assistance Fund. Two expedited grant programs, totaling $1.5 million. A total of $500,000 will be awarded to local nonprofit organizations that assist older adults in Mass., Maine and New Hampshire impacted by COVID-19…. read more here.
Regional Market Grants. A total of $1 million in grants is being awarded to nonprofits in Conn., Mass., Maine and New Hampshire to help respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, additional funds are being awarded to all the Foundation’s Healthy Food Fund partners totaling $340,000. Read press release.
Updated Food Security List for Washington County
Regina Gabrovac from Healthy Acadia has updated their spreadsheet of food pantries to share with partners during this time of increased need. Learn more in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.
Maine Equal Justice Updates
We want you to know that our COVID-19 webpage has been updated this week with practical and accessible information about Unemployment Insurance, helpful changes to food assistance (SNAP) and TANF rules, answers to pressing housing questions, and more. Mainers need to know about program changes that could make a big difference in their lives. As policy decisions are made, we aim to get the information to you. Please share this page.
Rudman Winchell Live Stream Seminar
Watch Rudman Winchell’s seminar on COVID-19 employment legislation explained, Tuesday, March 31st, at 3 pm on their Facebook page.
WHRL Changes its name
After 15 years of advancing opportunities for health and wellness in Downeast Maine, The Women’s Health Resource Library (WHRL) is changing our name to Women for Healthy Rural Living. In 2005, the organization was born out of a desire to help women and families become active and informed partners in their own health care via a lending library. Over the years, we realized that wellness is best advanced by going out into the community and helping people meet their most fundamental needs. This hands-on approach has proven far more effective than the lending library, which is now the least of our services. Read more here.
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Updates
Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation
President Trump Signs Families First Bill Into Law
“President Trump signed a second coronavirus emergency aid package into law Wednesday evening, after it passed with overwhelming support from the Senate.
The legislation follows a first emergency funding bill, which allocated roughly $8 billion for coronavirus prevention, preparation and response efforts.
The latest package, named the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions for paid sick leave, free testing and expanded unemployment benefits.”
From: NPR | March 19, 2020 |
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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
Play Therapy Roundtable Retreat
originally March 27-28, 2020 — to be rescheduled
By the Sea Seminars (APT Provider 04-144) invites you to a play therapy roundtable retreat at Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center, Saco, ME. This year’s Roundtable retreat is a great opportunity to not only earn play therapy CE’s, but to learn with other child therapists. This year we will be exploring play therapy supervision, ethics, and yoga, meditation and mindfulness in child sessions. Come learn, rest and play! Workshop Details and Registration here.
Recovery Coach Training
March 30-31, 2020 this event has been cancelled
Tobacco Prevention Brown Bag Lunch Zoom
April 1, 2020
Healthy Acadia’s brown bag lunch on tobacco prevention is now a Zoom-only event from 11:30 — 12:45. Katie Sell and Georgie Kendall will present a non-clinical outreach training including an overview of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping). Please join a few minutes early to make sure your audio & video are working properly.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 242 364 110
Password: 019169
One tap mobile + 9294362866,,242364110# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Take Back the Night March/Rally to Raise Sexual Assault Awareness
April 15, 2020 – this event has been cancelled
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and a series of awareness raising events is planned, including the annual Take Back the Night March on April 15th. The March will start at, 6 pm at the Machias Chamber of Commerce and continue to the University of Maine at Machias, Science 102, for a rally and speakout. The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil and is open to the public. A shuttle bus will be available in the front of Powers Hall starting at 5:30 pm.
WCCP Dental Clinic
April 27-May 2, 2020 – this event has been postponed
It is with a heavy heart that NYU Dentistry and Washington County Children’s Program have decided to postpone the Machias dental outreach program that was scheduled for April 26 – May 2, 2020. We feel it is our duty to keep community members, patients, and dental staff safe and healthy during this very challenging and uncertain time. As you may know, the coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread restrictions on travel, and health authorities advise against group gatherings in order to protect community members who are most at risk for contracting the virus. We take these warnings very seriously and will do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. We will reschedule the community dental program once the public health situation is more clearly understood and it is deemed safe. While we hope to find the earliest possible time to return, it is likely to be several months from now. In the meantime, we encourage anyone experiencing dental pain or infection to find a local dental provider as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we try to keep our community, and the communities we serve, safe and healthy in this unprecedented situation.
Dental Clinic Conversation
April 28, 2020 – this event has been postponed
We will reschedule this conversation with with NYU Dental School students once the Dental Clinic’s new dates have been confirmed.
Building Resilience with Hope
May 5, 2020
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 May 5th 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.
The Healing Garden Brown Bag Lunch
May 6, 2020
Elin MacKinnon, LCSW, will present this lunch & learn event on horticultural therapy for the CCC on May 6th at the Downeast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street, Machias, from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm. The focus of this presentation is for participants to explore, encourage and support healing garden activities in all kinds of settings and with all kinds of clients. Everyone will receive their own fun “kit” to try out. RSVP to Christine if you would like to attend. Download a flyer to share.
DV Training for Mental Health Care Professionals
May 7 & 8, 2020
Next Step is presenting 2 days of domestic violence training for licensed social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and psychologists in need of meeting the 2020 mandates for domestic violence training — May 7th & 8th in Machias (location tba). See flyer for details. Contact Cheyenne Robinson-Bauman with questions and to register.
2020 Care Partner Summit
May 16, 2020
Registration is now open for the third international bilingual 2020 Care Partner Summit | Cumbre Para Cuidadores. Join in from anywhere in the world on May 16, 2020 as we celebrate all care partners! The Summit is designed with care partners in mind and is recommended for anyone caring for someone living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), including spouses, partners, adult children or friends. The event will be recorded and broadcast in English and Spanish live from Miami, FL. All presentations will be livestreamed to Parkinson’s Foundation viewing parties, taking place around the country. Every session features an expert speaker on topics chosen by a committee of current and former care partners. This year, the theme is “Planning for the Unpredictable Path of Parkinson’s Caregiving.” Register here.
Impacts of Domestic Violence on Families
June 3, 2020
Join the CCC on June 3rd from 11:30 — 12:50, immediately before the CCC Work Group, for a lunch and learn presentation by Next Step Community Educator, Cheyenne Robinson-Bauman. Get the basics of domestic violence plus its impacts on families, including how financial tensions can trigger situations of DV, and explore ways of supporting families to address DV. Cheyenne will also discuss best practices for safely communicating with families using social media and other technology. Download a flyer to share. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide beverages and dessert. Sign up by emailing Christine. Participants are welcome to stay for the CCC Work Group meeting following from 1 – 3 pm.
Maine Geriatrics Conference
June 11 &12, 2020
Registration is now open for the 30th annual Maine Geriatrics Conference in Bar Harbor where Policy meets Practice. Download the full conference brochure and the conference schedule with detailed descriptions. Don’t delay — Early Bird registration ends April 30th.
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
G.E.A.R. Parent Network
Dear Families and Community Partners – While we are currently safely sequestered in our homes (at least for the next two weeks), G.E.A.R. Parent Network staff would like to offer you during this difficult time the opportunity to call us if you just want to vent, get some emotional support, or resource information – call us at 1-800-264-9224 and we would be happy to listen or help. We also have been receiving many registrations this week to participate in our webinar based trainings. Given that interest, we are offering you additional supportive educational workshops during this time that not only will empower you but increase your resiliency factors! These workshops are available via GoToMeeting. Prior to the workshop, please be sure to download the free app from either Google Play or Apple App Store to your smart phone or computer. Call 1-800-264-9224 to register and we will send you the handouts and link to participate along with certificate of attendance!
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.
Inter-Generational Craft Time
Downeast Rainbow Alliance & UMM’s Omicron Delta Pi are pleased to present Inter-Generational Craft Time to help pass the winter months! Bring your crafts to work on at the Cobscook Friends Meeting House in Trescott on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am – 12 noon January through May. Download a flyer to share.
Domestic Abuse Support Group
Next Step is offering an educational support group starting in January — see flyer. To learn more or to sign up, contact Kelly Brown at 800-315-5579.
Machias Trans-Only Support Group
When: 4th Sundays (NOT the last Sunday of the month), 2-3:30 pm
Where: Health Equity Alliance office, 7 VIP Road, Machias, ME 04654
These meetings are open to trans people only right now (including non-binary and gender non-conforming identities). The meetings are located at Health Equity Alliance office, 7 VIP Road, Machias, ME 04654. Cancellations for this group can be found on the MaineTransNet Facebook page. Questions can be sent to mtn@mainetransnet.org.
Tai Chi for Kidz
Healthy Acadia is offering a Tai Chi for Kidz program to schools — an eight week course (up to one hour per week). See flyer for details.
The Business of Women: Book & Discussion Group
Ruth Feldman, Program Director/Business Advisor with the Women’s Business Center at CEI, invites women in business or thinking about starting a business to a new book & discussion group at the Porter Memorial Library on Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 pm beginning October 22nd. “We will use the following books as a basis for conversations and try out some free, online tools that can help us to think, plan and take action. We will invite guests who can help to bring the books and topics to life and serve as real-world models from women within our community who have taken a leap in following their dreams. Books are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to be picked up from Porter Library in Machias. Registration required. $25 refundable book deposit or bring your own books.” Download a flyer with the schedule. For more information, please contact Ruth at ruth.feldman@ceimaine.org.
tHuRsday Webinar Series at WCCC
Join Washington County Community College for HR Thursdays beginning in Fall 2019! This is an exciting series of quick lunch-n-learn webinars lead by an exclusive cadre of regional and statewide HR professionals. We will be tapping the robust talent that exists regionally to share best practices and provide technical assistance. Visit this link.
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.
Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO
Healthy Acadia in collaboration with Qualidigm (formerly Maine Quality Counts) invites you to join a local effort to respond to Maine’s opioid epidemic through education, skill-building, and networking for Downeast clinicians. The Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO program seeks to build local capacity to treat individuals who are struggling with OUDs across Hancock and Washington Counties by offering free education, skill building, and networking to clinicians and the practices they work in. Healthy Acadia, working closely with many key community partners, is offering a two-part Project ECHO program over the coming year. Sign up for Part 2 now: Second Wednesday of the month from September 2019 to May 2020; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Meetings will be held virtually using Zoom.
Download a flyer for more information. Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based educational model developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico
Community of Practice Groups:
6-8 pm
Maine Roads to Quality invites Early Care & Education professionals to join one of 2 community of practice groups:
- Calais Community of Practice meets on the second Tuesday of each month at WCCC – Riverview Hall, Room 115 (Multi Media Room
- Machias Community of Practice meets on the 4th Monday of each month at UMM – Torrey Hall, Room 228
For more information or to register, please contact Theresa Fisk, District Early Childhood and Youth Coordinator – 207-956-2070 or email: theresa.fisk@maine.edu.
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Standing Meetings & Calendars
Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules
MRBN Conversations:
Strengthening Resilience and Connection Together
Maine Resilience Building Network welcomes you to join us for our first virtual gathering! We will be holding two sessions; join us on Wednesday, April 1st from 11am -12pm or on Thursday, April 2nd from 3 – 4pm. This event is being hosted by MRBN. Registration is free and a zoom link will be electronically sent to all participants who register. The capacity of resilience is invaluable during uncertain times. The good news is that resilience can be supported and promoted–even in the midst of adversity. During this gathering, we’ll prioritize connection as a vital ingredient for cultivating greater resilience and well-being. Our interactive conversation will begin with a short presentation and conclude with a stabilizing, stress-relieving practice. The wisdom of our network will also be harnessed as we gather a treasure trove of ways to stay healthfully connected to ourselves, one another and the outdoor beauty of Maine. Please have paper and pen available. Registration is open! April 1, 2020 at 11am OR April 2, 2020 at 1pm
March Washington County Food Pantry Network Meeting
this event has been cancelled
The GSFB Community Driven Strategies Meeting to be held on Thursday, March 26, 2 – 4 pm at the Wabanaki Cultural Center and Museum, 39 Union Street in Calais has been postponed. No new date has been confirmed yet.
Downeast Rainbow Alliance
The Downeast Rainbow Alliance has the mission of Advocacy, Education, and Support for the LGBTQ Community in Washington County. Meetings alternate between those held at the Eastport Community Health Center and the University of Maine at Machias. All are welcome. Last meeting of the year is November THU, NOV 21 AT 6:30 PM in Torrey Hall 234 at UMaine Machias. Parking is to the side of the building with accessible parking and elevator. FMI: downeastrainbowalliance@gmail.com.
Calais Area Breast Cancer Support Group
Meetings on the 4th Friday of each month at 3 PM at the Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St. (downstairs parlor), in Calais. This free “gathering” is a comforting and safe environment to find encouragement and hope. Open to all that have a breast cancer diagnosis. FMI call Marianne at 454-0501. Download a flyer for more information.
Caregivers Support Group
Join other family/informal caregivers monthly for a supportive meeting at the Maine Veterans Home in Machias, facilitated by Lisa King, LCPC, on the first Friday of the month from 2-4 pm. Contact Lisa King for more information.
Work Group & Poverty Busters
This is a meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. Notes from March 4th here. This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, traditionally in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, Machias, from 1 — 3 pm. Due to the current public health COVID-19 situation, we will be meeting via Zoom only on April 1st. Agenda for April 1st meeting. Use this invitation to join:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 285 030 204
One tap mobile +19294362866,,285030204# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
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.
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 Beal in the Machias Office at 255-8656. 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.”
Cobscook Virtual Community Survey
In light of the current coronavirus situation, Cobscook is cancelling or postponing all on-campus activities through early April and closing the campus to visitors until further notice. They are identifying creative solutions for virtual learning and connection and have developed a survey for community members to share ideas and wishes for virtual community connection and workshops. Here is a link to the survey.
Hope Fund Closed Until June
The Hope Fund Committee has reached the end of funding for this period and has stopped accepting applications. The Hope Fund will re-open in June. In the interim, organizations such as the Maine People’s Alliance and United Way of Eastern Maine are great resources for information and links to various types of supports.
Mission Scholarships – Now Online
Maine Seacoast Mission’s Scholarship Program 2020 Application and Re-Application are available now for downloading online. The deadline postmark for applying for a Mission scholarship is May 1, 2020. Through its Scholarship Program, the Mission helps recent high school graduates and adults, from Maine’s offshore islands and Downeast communities, continue their educations and achieve their dreams. Each year the Mission awards approximately 30 new scholarships based on student financial needs and academic promise. Scholarships can be renewed each year of a multi-year program, resulting in nearly 100 Mission scholarships in any given year. Read more here.
Maine Humanities Council – Call for Facilitators
The Maine Humanities Council is looking for exceptional people Downeast to facilitate multi-session reading and discussion programs – book groups! – in their communities. Facilitators value, enjoy, and are really really good at reading and exploring poems, stories, and ideas in conversation with other curious, interested people. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, whose professional and personal experiences can help the MHC work toward realizing our vision of the communities of Maine transformed by the power and pleasure of ideas. Learn more about becoming a facilitator here.
Resource Advocate Needed
Downeast Community Partners is seeking a full-time Resource Advocate to work with economically vulnerable individuals and families in Washington County. The position will include both short-term assistance with immediate needs as well as offering support on longer-term goals. It will include assisting participants working on many different areas of life depending on the needs. See full job description here.
Hannaford Helps Program to Benefit Maine Families
For the month of March, Maine Families has been selected by the Hannaford Helps program. For every Hannaford Helps bag they sell, Maine Families will receive a $1.00 donation for their car seat fund. Maine Families is the only location in Washington County that provides free car seats to families that need them. With the new law that passed last fall, many families are finding it a hardship to meet the new requirements. And coming in April, free plastic grocery bags will no longer be offered so now is the time to buy reusable bags.
Family in Need of a Toilet!
Please forward any leads on a free toilet or funding for a toilet to Gen Doughty who will forward to this family. They are not in a position to purchase a new appliance and will welcome your ideas.
Senior Companions Needed
Senior Companions serve 10 hours or more per week providing friendly visits and help with everyday activities. Income-eligible volunteers receive a tax-free hourly stipend with mileage reimbursement. For information on how to become a Senior Companion, contact Deborah Gardner, Program Coordinator for Washington County, at deborah.gardner@maine.edu, 207-255-3345 or 1-800-287-1542.
Food 4 All
Washington Academy invites all community members to Food 4 All on 4th Thursdays, February through April, in the Gardner Gymnasium from 3 — 4:30 pm. Bring your shopping bags and pick up complimentary fresh, canned and boxed food. No income restrictions. Download a flyer to share. These events are sponsored by Good Shepherd Food Bank, Healthy Acadia, and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Free Tax Prep with DCP
Downeast Community Partners offers free tax preparation through a partnership with AARP Tax Aide and Eastern Maine CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) available at the following sites:
- DCP’s Bucksport Road Office
- Mano en Mano, Maple street Milbridge
Appointments maybe made starting in mid-January, with the first appointments occurring in February. For appointments and more information for DCP sites, call 207-664-2424. More information available at DCP’s Website.
Free Tax Prep with United Way
United Way of Eastern Maine is coordinating the Eastern Maine CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Coalition that provides free tax prep and financial literacy services for low- to mid-income individuals and families. If you have clients (or friends!) who you believe could benefit from the service, here’s a link to a list of all confirmed sites. To schedule an appointment, just call the phone number listed for your preferred site. Download a flyer to share.
Virtual Tax prep Volunteers Needed!
United Way of Eastern Maine is looking for virtual tax prep volunteers – a unique opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of folks in your community… and you don’t even have to leave your house! Complete tax returns online from home on your own schedule, any time, day or night! We provide 100% of the training and there is no minimum number of returns required to participate. We would love to have you join our group of volunteers! We are having an in person training in the weeks to come. Training is also available virtually. Please contact Elizabeth at ElizabethL@UnitedWayEM.org for more information.
Peer Support Specialist in Machias
Community Health & Counseling Services is seeking a part-time peer support specialist for the Machias office. Applicants must have personally experienced mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder and either have or be working toward a CIPPS certification. Full job description and application form here.
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!
Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
The Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has volunteer positions available for people interested in supporting those navigating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in your community. Details in this flyer. Contact Alison Russell, manager of education and volunteers, with questions.
Free Window Insulation Kits
Maine Seacoast Mission is once again offering free, reusable interior storm windows in different sizes to seniors and families to help lower heating costs. Contact the Downeast Campus in Cherryfield (546-5870) to pick up your kit, or connect with a Community Caring Collaborative staff member about picking up a kit from their office.
EMDC Workforce Development Services
EMDC has moved to the Career Center in Machias (53 Prescott Drive, near the Hannaford Shopping Plaza). 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 610-1521 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.
Updated Food Security List for Washington County
Regina Gabrovac from Healthy Acadia has updated their spreadsheet of food pantries to share with partners during this time of increased need. She explains that “It includes a NOTES column with changes in services from those pantries that I reached. I will continue to update the list and it can be found on a shared google doc HERE. Use this link to find the latest version. This version will be going on our website under Resources, as well.”
Regina encourages people to reach out with any food related needs at this time. “Healthy Acadia staff are all working remotely and our offices are closed to the public. Thank you for your understanding.” Email Regina at regina@healthyacadia.org.
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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. These measures will be put in place until April 1st and extended as necessary as that timeline approaches.
CCC staff will continue to work from home, and meetings will be held using Zoom technology for the remainder of March into April. 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 other items of interest in the Announcements 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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