Happy Wednesday!
Don’t forget our neighbors hospitalized and in nursing homes this Valentine’s Day.
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New this Week
Gay Haroutunian
 Gay Haroutunian, much loved speech pathologist who worked with the Washington County Children’s Program, Child Development Services and other agencies and schools in Washington County, passed away last week in her sleep from heart complications.
“Gay was such a trooper and so upbeat through all her health challenges,” writes good friend Donna Salisbury. “She loved and was so dedicated to her work helping children and their families.”
Long-time friend, Marjorie Withers, describes Gay as “a passionate voice and a visionary on behalf of children’s mental health. She was one of the earliest professionals to dedicate her energy to improving the lives of infants and young children. She was active through the Infant Mental Health Association and was a core provider for Washington County Children’s Program from its inception. Gay was an outstanding professional in children’s speech therapy and her skills with infants who had sucking issues was powerful and changed outcomes. Gay was an independent provider and worked with many school systems, programs, and of course families. In every endeavor she was an outstanding, knowledgeable professional who increased Washington County’s ability to address children with speech and feeding issues. Gay’s energy was a positive force. She saw the strengths in children and their families and was responsive and respectful yielding incredible outcomes. Those who knew Gay were touched by her caring, her expertise and her ability to laugh and find joy.”
“She held the belief that all children could succeed if the appropriate supports were in place for them and she worked diligently to that end,” adds Chris Rudd. “It was a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to work alongside her at times.”
Gay was actively involved with the CCC from its beginning and continued to be a presence and strong supporter of our work with families during her battle with cancer and subsequent coronary difficulties. We will all miss her.
Play Therapy Roundtable Retreat
By the Sea Seminars (APT Provider 04-144) invites you to a play therapy roundtable retreat on March 27-28th 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.
Dental Clinic Flyer
The Washington County Children’s Program has released a flyer announcing the return of the New York University – Dental Outreach Program in at the Lee Pellon Center in Machias, April 27 – May 2, closed Thursday 30th. Visit their website for the complete schedule or call Teresa Alley with questions at 255-3254.
Opioid Movie Screening and Panel Discussion
Join Gordon Smith, Maine’s Director of Opioid Response, on February 24th at USM, Portland, for a screening and panel discussion on the documentary, Recovery in Maine. There will be a Narcan distribution and training following the panel discussion, courtesy of Portland Public Health. Governor Mills is expected to be in attendance. Download a flyer to share.
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) at two sites. Learn more in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.
Valentine’s Day Grief Support
If someone you love has recently died, Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of your loss. Learn about telephonic support provided by VITAS Healthcare on Valentine’s Day in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.
Your announcement could go here: email the details to Christine by 5 pm Monday for inclusion in Wednesday’s Weekly Communiqué. Photos and links are appreciated.
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Updates
Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation
LD 1760 is good for our children, families, communities, and economy
From Maine Equal Justice: “Come support access to early care and learning! LD 1760 will have a public hearing in the Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday, February 13th at 1 pm.” Contact Ann Danforth to testify in person or online….
LD 1760 advances the goals of Invest in Tomorrow by helping to ensure parents and caregivers have increased access to quality, affordable child care and early learning so they can sustain employment while providing their children with the support and learning that is necessary for healthy development. This was one of the policy strategies identified in Invest in Tomorrow’s 2018 report to reduce child poverty and strengthen Maine’s workforce – a report that was based on data and input from nearly 200 organizations and individuals statewide.
…. First 4 ME—LD 1760, which is sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, would increase access to quality and comprehensive child care in Maine by opening up new spots in child care centers and family child care programs, improving quality, and helping to build a stronger child care workforce. Parents and families will receive family support, referrals, and linkages to community services that support their emotional health and financial stability.
Learn more about this model for early care and education and workforce development here. |
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One-Time Events
Fairs, trainings, conferences and more in the state of Maine
Opioid Movie Screening and Panel Discussion
February 24, 2020
Join Gordon Smith, Maine’s Director of Opioid Response, on February 24th at USM, Portland, for a screening and panel discussion on the documentary, Recovery in Maine. There will be a Narcan distribution and training following the panel discussion, courtesy of Portland Public Health. Governor Mills is expected to be in attendance. Download a flyer to share.
Making Census 2020 Count in Your Community Webinar
February 25, 2020
Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging Tuesday, February 25th, from 12–1:30 pm to hear from US Census 2020 partnership specialists from Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. They will explain how Census 2020 is working in our region to make sure the count is as accurate as possible and to make sure people are protected from fraud. The findings of Census 2020 can increase opportunities for older people to have a good life, access to needed health care, and services we need to live our best lives. Join us to learn how age-friendly organizations and lifelong communities can do their part to protect people from fraud and make sure that everyone is counted. Presenters:
• Becky Boober, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census 2020
• Thomas Simmons, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census 2020
• Nicole Mckenzie, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census 2020
Brown Bag Lunch on WIC
March 4, 2020
Join the CCC on Wednesday, March 4th from 11:30 — 12:45 in the large conference room at SCEC for a brown bag lunch presentation by WIC director Tawney Jacobs. Learn the ins and outs of this special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants & children. Bring your questions and your lunch. We’ll provide beverages and dessert. RSVP to Christine. Download a flyer to share and post in your office.
Poverty 101: bias, barriers and brain science
March 10, 2020
The CCC is excited to present a no-cost, thought-provoking, interactive training geared for CCC partners on March 10th from 9 am to 3:30 pm in the training room at Kay Parker, Machias. This training equates to Family Futures Downeast Poverty 101: the Impacts of Poverty on Students and Families and will include a poverty simulator exercise, the effects of cortisol and toxic stress on brain development, exploring bias, and a conversation on scarcity and bandwidth. CCC staff will be presenting this training with special guest, Nicole Witherbee, Chief Program Officer with the John T. Gorman Foundation, who will discuss benefits cliffs and provide data on poverty and how foundations seek to effect change. The day will wrap up with a panel of parents sharing their experiences with barriers and supports that make a difference in pursuing post-secondary education. Lunch will be provided. Please arrive early to check in and get situated (morning refreshments will be provided). CEUs will be available for $5 from UMM; all participants will receive a certificate for 6 contact hours. Register here by March 3rd. Download a flyer to share.
The State of the Long-Term Supports in Northern New England
March 10, 2020
On Tuesday, March 10 from 12:00-1:00, thought leaders from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine will discuss the state of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in northern New England in a fire side chat webinar, sponsored by the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging. Details and registration here.
Aging in Maine: Best Practices and Nursing Leadership
March 11, 2020
Registration is now open for the 19th Annual Maine Nursing Summit: Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
at the Augusta Civic Center. The event, put on by OMNE Nursing Leaders of Maine, is a one day educational program that brings together nurse leaders, front line nurses and educators to promote, and evolve the professional practice of nursing in Maine with a focus this year around Nursing Leadership. Details and registration here.
G.E.A.R. It Takes a Village! Collaborative Conference
March 14, 2020
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network and Maine Parent Federation are partnering to bring you a FREE daylong conference for Parents and Youth on Saturday, March 14th, 2020, 9 am — 4 pm at the Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State Street, Augusta.
This year’s conference topic is Peer Support – It Takes a Village! Come and learn about parent and youth peer supports and how you can benefit from receiving these free services available in our state! Also learn how parents and youth can become peer mentors themselves. Download this flyer for details and registration.
Play Therapy Roundtable Retreat
March 27-28, 2020
By the Sea Seminars (APT Provider 04-144) invites you to a play therapy roundtable retreat on March 27-28th 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.
Tobacco Prevention Brown Bag Lunch
April 1, 2020
The CCC invites you to a brown bag lunch on April 1st from 11:30 — 12:50 at SCEC with staff from Healthy Acadia. Katie Sell and Georgie Kendall will present a non-clinical outreach training on tobacco prevention, including an overview of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping). RSVP to Christine. Download a flyer for details.
WCCP Dental Clinic
April 27-May 2, 2020
The Dental Program of Sunrise Opportunities is once again partnering with New York University College of Dentistry outreach program to hold a free dental clinic for children and adults at the Lee Pellon Center in Machias the week of April 27th through May 2nd. Visit Sunrise Opportunities’ website for the complete schedule or download this flyer.
Dental Clinic Conversation
April 28, 2020
The CCC invites partners and community members to a conversation with NYU Dental School students on April 28th from 12 — 1 pm in the large conference room at Sunrise County Economic Center. The students will be volunteering at Sunrise Opportunities’ Dental Clinic from April 27th through May 2nd and would like to have a conversation with local providers and community members about health and potential barriers to health in Washington county. If you would like to be a part of this conversation, please RSVP to Christine.
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.
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
Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership program
The University of Maine Center on Aging is pleased to once again offer an online certicate program for professionals and volunteers who work with grandfamily caregivers. The online certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership program provides core education, technical support, and leadership development for professionals delivering grandfamily and kinship programming across the country. Registration is now open but space is limited (first come first served basis), so register now. The course will begin on Monday, February 24th and closes on May 17th. Participants will complete the 9 modules over a 12-week period. Course content has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886480408-1036) for 8 Social Work continuing education contact hours (registration fee is $85). For more information or to register for the Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership, please visit our website.
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.
Recovery Coach Trainings
Healthy Acadia is holding a comprehensive series of recovery coach trainings this winter. See which trainings are right for you (download flyers for details):
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.
New Registration Link & Dates for Cooking Matters for Parents
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Washington County CAN Prevention Council will offer a free six-session nutrition education program to parents and guardians beginning Jan 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the DownEast Recovery Support Center, 11 Free Street, Machias. Classes meet on Mondays through March 2nd with the exception of Jan. 20 and Feb. 17. Cooking Matters for Parents will focus on learning healthy, budget-friendly cooking tips and preparing healthy recipes as a group. Participants will receive ingredients to take home at the end of each class and a cookbook upon completion of the course. Register online. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rita Stephenson, 207-255-3345 or rita.stephenson@maine.edu.
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
- Weekly infant toddler playgroup in Machias: Fridays from 10-11 at the Kay Parker Building. See flyer for details.
- Weekly Social Hour for children 6-11 who are engaged with section 26/65 to come with their BHP’s for a craft/activity/game on Fridays from 3-4. BHP’s and their kiddos are welcome any Friday, but we do ask that they send an RSVP (263-5270) with the kiddo’s age at least 2 hours prior. This way we can make accommodations or modifications to our activities if needed. This will be held at WCCP (232 Court St, Machias). See flyer for details.
- Grandparents raising grandchildren – First Thursday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Woodland Public Library
- Parents in Recovery (Calais) – Second Thursday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Downeast Recovery and Support Center, Calais
- Parents in Recovery (Machias) – Second Monday of the month from 3:30 — 4:40 at Downeast Recovery and Support Center, Machias
- Machias Circle of Parents – last Monday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Sunrise Opportunities (232 Court St, Machias)
- Nurturing Program – The CAN Council invites parents to a multi-session educational program sharing tips and tricks to help navigate the difficult challenges of parenting. Lots of opportunity for discussion and questions – free refreshments and childcare. Location: Harrington Family Health Center, 52 East Main Street, Harrington, every Thursday from 12:30 — 2 pm. Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up.
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.
Recovery Dharma
The Downeast Recovery Supports Center is now hosting weekly meetings of Recovery Dharma, a Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addiction. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No prior experience with Buddhism is required. Meetings are free and all who seek recovery are warmly welcomed. Learn more about Refuge Recovery at: www.refugerecovery.org.
Hepatitis C Support Group
Health Equity Alliance has begun a Hepatitis C support group at the Downeast Machias Recovery Center. They also offer a syringe exchange and FREE HIV and HEPC testing. Hours are Tuesday: 3-6 pm and Friday: 10 am to 1 pm, closed to Walk-In Services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. FMI: Arielle Metcalf at arielle@mainehealthequity.org, 207-255-5849.
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
GSFB’s Community Driven Strategies Meeting
The next Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Community Driven Strategies meeting is Thursday, Feb 27 from 3-5 PM at Maine SeaCoast Mission’s Community Center (previously the Weald Bethel Chapel) at Weald Bethel Lane, in Cherryfield. Snow Date: Feb 28 same location and time. Call-in access will be available. Read notes from the January 9th kick-off meeting here. If you have trouble accessing the notes, contact Regina Grabrovac at the Machias Healthy Acadia office by phone at 255 3741 or by email at regina@healthyacadia.org.
Downeast Recovery Support Center Calendars
Download the Calendar of Events for each center for the month of February:
Alzheimer’s Association: Maine Chapter Events
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of regular and special events in communities across Maine, including social events for people with Alzheimer’s and their families and care partners. For a list of events near you, follow this link to their Facebook Events Page.
Maine Resilience Building Network Meeting Schedule
- April 29, 2020: with professional development features speakers Sarah Mattox from the Restorative Justice Project and Ryun Anderson, from the Restorative Justice Institute.
- July 30, 2020
- October 29, 2020
MRBN will continue to hold the quarterly meetings held at Educare Central Maine, Waterville, and will add additional meetings at locations around the State.
Schedule of Downeast Public Health Council Meetings for 2020
- March 20, 2020 – location tba
- September 18, 2020 – location tba
- November 20, 2020 – location tba
Meetings are held from 9 — 11:30 am. Contact Maura Goss for more info.
G.E.A.R. Parent Network Winter 2020 Learning Events
Supportive Educational Workshops, events and activities are offered FREE to parents/ grandparents/ caregivers/ educators of children with emotional/ behavioral health concerns – download the schedule with descriptions here. Look for Special Events listed in Red print. Pre-registration is recommended, so we may notify you if a workshop is rescheduled or cancelled. Changes will also be posted to our Facebook page. If you are unable to attend in person often workshops are available as a webinar* by GoToMeeting™ with preregistration. Call 1-800-264-9224 with questions.
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
Join this 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 in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, Machias, from 1 — 3 pm. Notes from the February 5th meeting coming soon. Next meeting is March 4th, preceded by a brown bag lunch presentation by Tawney Jacobs from WIC. In the event of snow or ice, we may be offering a Zoom option. See our weather cancellation policy at the end of this newsletter and check our facebook page for the latest on meetings & weather. 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.
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.
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!
Census Workers Needed!
The 2020 Census needs full-time and part-time workers from about April to September. This is a great opportunity for members of the community to have some control over where their tax dollars go and earn some extra money as well. Income from the census will not be counted toward any type of low-income benefits for the State of Maine, such as Food Stamps, Tanf, MaineCare, LIHEAP and WIC. If you are looking for some extra $, this is a short-term opportunity to make some extra cash whether you are on disability, are low income, fixed social security, etc. The Enumerator wage is $20/hr with mileage reimbursement of .58/mile. Hours are flexible and training is paid. Full- time or part-time hours are completely up to the individual. If you know of any individuals that would benefit from this opportunity, please send them to 2020census.gov/jobs. Help is available to apply through the FedCap offices in Calais and Machias over the next two months to help folks apply and hiring ends on March 3.
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.
Financial Coaching Survey
Although Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) financial coaching services ended last year, the Bureau still intends to continue supporting the growth of this field with technical assistance and research that furthers our understanding of coaching’s impact. As part of this effort, CFPB is seeking to better understand the challenges faced by organizations providing this service. If you have referred or worked with someone using the services of a CFPB financial coach, please take a few minutes of your time to complete a short survey on your experiences. This survey has been designed with the specific experience of a community partner in mind and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Your responses will be anonymous and cannot be connected to you, your organization, or the coach connected with your community. If you are able to participate, please follow this link.
CCC is running a diaper drive to benefit We Care Baby Center: from now until Valentine’s Day, make a donation of diapers (sizes 4 & 5 especially needed), wipes, or new hats & mittens in the CCC office and enter your name & phone number for a drawing to win a basket of cozy, household goodies.
Hope & Dream Funds
The CCC Dream Fund is open! This legacy of Marjorie Withers provides financial assistance to youth 5-18 years old to pursue their interest in something that gives them joy and may be beyond the financial capacity of their family. CCC partner providers fill out the dream fund application with the family. Instructions and application form are available on the Dream Fund page of the CCC website.
The CCC Hope Fund is now open. Providers can download an application on the Hope Fund page of the CCC website.
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.
Valentine’s Day Grief Support
If someone you love has recently died, Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of your loss. VITAS Healthcare routinely offers bereavement support groups, as well as unique special events, such as memorial services and community outreach programs. Even though everyone experiences grief, your grief process is unique to you. There is no right way to feel or right amount of time to grieve. Sharing grief with someone we trust and learning from others about how to cope can be helpful. If grief becomes more complicated, professional counseling can help.
On Friday, February 14th, people who want to talk about their grief can call VITAS and speak with a bereavement specialist trained in the specific issues grieving loved ones may face. Click the link below to learn more or to view resources for coping with grief. The Valentine Helpline will be open from 8 a.m. Eastern / 5 a.m. Pacific until midnight Eastern / 9 p.m. Pacific. Learn More.
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CCC’s Winter Weather Cancellation Policy
With winter comes snow and ice, making driving hazardous. The Community Caring Collaborative always puts participant safety first, so when considering whether to attend a CCC event during iffy weather, play it safe. If there’s a Zoom option, take it! Our policy is to follow the school district’s closing/delay decisions in the locale of the event. For meetings and trainings in Machias, AOS 96 is the school district. If the school is closed, we will cancel our event. If the school is delayed, we will delay a morning event by 2 hours and hold an afternoon event. If there is an early dismissal, we will cancel afternoon events. You can always consult our facebook page for the event in question where we will announce any cancellations or delays.
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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.
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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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