Happy Wednesday!

This is the Community Caring Collaborative Weekly Communiqué 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 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. This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included. Thanks!

Photo above: CCC invites you to a brown bag lunch presented by the Health Equity Alliance on March 6th – learn more below

Announcements

Transgender Cultural Competence BBL: The CCC invites you to a brown bag lunch on Transgender Cultural Competence: beyond the basics and the binary, presented by Hannah Ruhlin of Health Equity Alliance, March 6th from 11:30 — 1 in the large conference room at SCEC (7 Ames Way, Machias). Learn supportive, respectful approaches for communicating with and advocating for transgender children and adults. Bring your lunch and we’ll provide dessert. RSVP to Christine and share this flyer with colleagues. Participants are welcome to stay for the CCC’s Work Group and Poverty Busters meeting immediately following.

Free Tax Preparation: Learn about CA$H Maine programs like free tax preparation sites in Washington County in the Resource section of this newsletter.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: Mark Tuesday, January 22nd through Sunday, January 27th on your calendar for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Resources will be posted on the CCC’s Facebook page, and Health Acadia Acadia will have interactive daily posts on both Facebook and Instagram all week. Get links to peer-reviewed resources that detail the effects of substance use.

Child Abuse & Neglect Survey:The Maine Child Welfare Advisory Panel is conducting a 3-Year Assessment of the Maine’s systems response to child abuse and neglect. The survey is via a web-based Survey Monkey and findings will be incorporated into Maine’s next Children’s Justice Act grant application. The survey is open from January 9^th to January 28^th, 2019. Please feel free to share this link with others in your network. If you have questions about the survey design or function, please contact Steph Barrett, Panel Coordinator, at stephanie.barrett@maine.gov.

How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop: The G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to a unique and interactive program on February 12th that allows participants to experience the same frustration, anxiety and tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. Video presentation by author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed. facilitated by Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator, 6 – 8 pm, Wings for Families & Children, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor. Download flyer for registration information.

Calling All Farmers: The Maine Senior FarmShare Program is looking to partner with new farms in Washington and Hancock counties. Through the program, farmers provide fresh, unprocessed, locally grown produce to low-income seniors. Each participating senior receives a share of produce worth $50 during the growing season, at no cost to the senior. Farms are prepaid in advance for the produce they commit to growing for enrolled seniors. Visit Healthy Acadia’s website for more information.

United Way Funding Review Panel: Learn about this volunteer opportunity with United Way of Eastern Maine in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.

Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership course: The University of Maine Center on Aging is pleased to once again offer an online certificate program for professionals and volunteers who work with grandfamily caregivers, beginning February 25, 2019. Learn more about this course in the Serial Classes and Groups 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.

Updates

This is where we post updates on programs, initiatives and pending legislation.

2 Thriving in Place Updates from the National Alliance for Caregiving:
Pushing the Disability Integration Act Into Law: The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is working with Senator Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Sensenbrenner (R-WI) to push for the passage of the Disability Integration Act of 2017 into law prior to 07/26/2019. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit states and local governments from denying community-based services to individuals with disabilities who are in need of long-term services and supports or health-related tasks. In addition, it would help these individuals to live and age in their communities, reducing the danger of placing persons with disabilities in nursing homes and/or institutions.

Money Follows the Person: On Wednesday, December 12th, the IMPROVE Act (H.R. 7217) passed in the House. The bill is currently in the Senate under review. This bill includes a provision to re-authorize the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. If it passes, the bill would fund MFP for three months. In essence, the MFP program is instrumental in ensuring that state Medicaid programs are able to help transition older adults and individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities from nursing homes back into local communities. States began operating MFP programs in 2007, and it is estimated that the program has so far helped more than 75,000 people move out of nursing homes.

One-Time Events

Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management:
January 24, 2019
“Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs” – G.E.A.R. parent workshop from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Crisis and Counseling Center, 120 Tillson Ave. Rockland (Go ToMeeting™ available) – see flyer for details.

Team UP for Your Child:
February 2, 2019
A free G.E.A.R Parent Network workshop that is a road map to behavioral health services that families need for autism, ADHD, psychiatric and developmental issues Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm at Wings in Bangor. See flyer for details.

How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop:
February 12, 2019
Unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same frustration, anxiety and tension that
children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. Video Presentation by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed., Facilitated by Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator, 6 – 8 pm, Wings for Families & Children, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor. Download flyer for registration information.

Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth:
February 23, 2019
G.E.A.R. parent network workshop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Blue Hill Library, 5 Parker Point Rd. Blue Hill (Go ToMeeting™ available) – see flyer for details.

Building a Bridge: Navigating Youth to Adult Transition:
March 1, 2019
G.E.A.R. parent network workshop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.at MAS, 60 Main St, Machias (Go ToMeeting™ available) – see flyer for details.

Transgender Cultural Competence BBL:
March 6, 2019
The CCC invites you to a brown bag lunch on Transgender Cultural Competence: beyond the basics and the binary, presented by Hannah Ruhlin of Health Equity Alliance, from 11:30 — 1 in the large conference room at SCEC (7 Ames Way, Machias). Learn supportive, respectful approaches for communicating with and advocating for transgender children and adults. Bring your lunch and we’ll provide dessert. RSVP to Christine and share this flyerwith colleagues. Participants are welcome to stay for the CCC’s Work Group and Poverty Busters meeting immediately following.

Maine Geriatrics Conference:
June 13-14, 2019
Registration is open for the 29th annual Maine Geriatrics Conference “where policy meets practice,” at the Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor. Speaker lineup includes:

Wendy Lustbader, MSW, University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle, WA.
Toni Miles, MD, PhD, University of Georgia, Athens
Lewis A. Lipsitz, MD, Institute for Aging Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Boston, MA
Mikhail Kogan, MD, George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine, Washington, DC

For more information visit: https://www.une.edu/com/cme/events/geriatrics-conference.

Serial Classes & Groups

classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership course: The University of Maine Center on Aging is pleased to once again offer an online certificate program for professionals and volunteers who work with grandfamily caregivers. beginning February 25, 2019. Participants will complete the 9 modules over a 12-week period, ending May 19, 2019. Cost is $85. See flyerfor details. More information and registration link here.

2 Free Computer Classes: Axiom Education & Training Center is offering 2 new classes this winter to help build computer skills, free of charge, from 9 am to 12 Noon in their training center at 6 Colonial Way, Machias:

Basic Computer Skills Class — January 18th & 25th
Beginner & Intermediate Microsoft Word Class — February 1st, 8th, 15th

C.N.A. Certification Training: Axiom Education and Training Center is offering this 180-hour training Tuesdays through Thursdays (4:30 – 8:30 pm) and Fridays (7:30 am to 5:00 pm) beginning February 19, 2019. Locations are Axiom Education and Training Center Classroom time and Marshall Health Care Facility for Clinical and Lab training. Cost is $1,575.93 (scholarships available). Course instructor is Brenda Dugan. Students are required to provide:

Scrubs any color, no leggings accepted
A wrist watch with second hand. Not digital
Comfortable shoes for clinical
Stethoscope only if you prefer using your own

For more information contact: Cassidy Stevens @ 207-255-4917.

Recovery Coach Academy: Healthy Acadia is offering a 30-hour training for recovery coaches from Jan 22nd through 25th in the assembly room at Washington County Community College from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm each day. See this flyer for more details. Cost is $100 with multiple options for scholarships. Contact Terri Woodruff with questions. Seats are limited so don’t delay – register now!

G.E.A.R. “Parenting with Dignity: Picking Up this Ball is a Victory for All!” nine hour parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, at Belfast Head Start, 275 High St, Belfast beginning March 4th. See flyer for times and dates.

WC CAN Council Classes:
Circle of Parents: for parents with children who have special needs

Pembroke Elementary School, first Monday of the month starting 11/5, 3 — 4:30 pm

Co-Parenting Classes:

Sunrise Opportunities (232 Court Street), Wednesdays 3 — 4:30 pm 11/7 through 1/2

Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions about any of these classes at 263-5270.

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. Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up. See flyer for locations and dates.

Calais Circle of Parents Playgroup:
The WC CAN Council with partner Maine Families is holding a playgroup on Tuesdays 11 am – 12 pm beginning in September at the Calais Recreation Center, 344 Main Street. “Get a chance to meet other parents while your kiddo gets some energy out.” Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions at is 263-5270.

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 (see flyers below):

Calais area – 6-8 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at WCCC, room 301
Machias/Harrington/Milbridge area – 6-8 pm on the 3rd Monday each month at a Machias location tbd

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.

Standing Meetings

Monthly and quarterly meetings

2019 MRBN: Save these dates for Maine Resilience Building Network meetings held at EduCare in Waterville:

January 31, 2019
March 28, 2019
May 30, 2019
Sept 26, 2019
October 31, 2019

Washington County Food Pantry Network: Washington County Food and Fuel Alliance invites you to mark your calendar for the next meeting of this county-wide organization. The network offers technical and infrastructure support and education to all of the county’s pantries as well as to provide an opportunity for pantries to share successes and struggles. Dessert, beverages and gas cards will be provided to all food pantry participants. Meeting dates (Thursdays) and locations for 2019 are as follows:

March 7, 1-3 pm ( March 21 for a snow date)at Eastport’s Labor of Love Food Pantry, 137 County Road, (route 190), Eastport
June 6, 1-3 pm; Location to be determined.
Oct 3, 1-3 pm; Location to be determined.

Questions? Contact Regina Grabrovac at our Machias Healthy Acadia office by phone at 255 3741 or by email at regina@healthyacadia.org

Calais Area Breast Cancer Support Group: meets 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. Download notes from the December and January meetings. The next meeting is February 6th in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, from 1 — 3:00 pm with another 30 minutes for informal networking and discussion.

Needs & Offers

Send us your agency/community needs or offers, such as job recruiting or housing needs.

United Way Funding Review Panel: United Way of Eastern Maine is seeking volunteers to participate in a Funding Review Panel. Panelists conduct an independent review of 8-10 applications and discuss findings with the full panel resulting in a recommendation for full funding, partial funding, or not funding each reviewed program. This position requires a time commitment of approximately 20-30 hours between January and March 2019. All panel volunteers are asked to declare any affiliations with currently funded United Way agencies. Volunteers will be assigned to panels where no conflict of interest exists. Please forward this information to your networks! Responsibilities include:

Attend orientation and training (2 hours)
Individually read and review assigned program applications; approximately 8-10 requests per reviewer. Actual number will depend on the total number of applications received and the total number of reviewers available. (8-10 hours)
Score applications in online database; typically 30 minutes per application reviewed (4-5 hours)
Attend and participate in Funding Panel Team meetings. At these meetings, Funding Panels will review scoring results and determine funding recommendations.

To apply for this unique and exciting opportunity, please fill out our brief questionnaire. For more information, please contact Meredith Alexander, Community Initiatives Manager, at mereditha@unitedwayem.org or (207) 262-6939.

Healthy Acadia is Hiring! Operations and Human Resources Manager: This position will provide leadership and coordination of Healthy Acadia’s operations and human resources activities, including oversight of staff supporting these activities. This is a new position, and will therefore include significant systems development. Application deadline: January 18, 2019.

Facebook Needs & Offers Group: Got a client looking for a couch? See a couch at a garage sale? Join Poverty Busters’ Resource Connection – a facebook group that connects needs with offers 24/7. Here’s a link to request access to this group. Before posting, please make sure to review the ground rules – thanks!

SNAP for Seniors: Jack Comart with Maine Equal Justice Partners has put together an informational sheet about Food Supplement (SNAP) benefits for people who are 60 or older or disabled (download here), forwarded by Hilary Fernald of LSE to help promote SNAP enrollment among these vulnerable populations in Washington and Hancock Counties. This can also be found on MEJP’s website.

Reusable, plastic interior storm windows: Maine Seacoast Mission has purchased these easy to install, no blow dryer or plastic sheeting needed, storm window inserts and are offering them free of charge. They can be adapted to any size window and are clear, high-quality plastic. Contact Scott Shaw at 546-5869 for more information or email Charley or Christine at the CCC if you’d like to pick up a kit. The CCC is storing two sizes, typical window size and extra-large (sliding door size) in our office at 7 Ames Way, Machias.

CCC Partner Survey: As the CCC finishes the final year of our 3-year strategic plan, we’re evaluating how well we accomplished our goals and commitments to you and to community members in Washington County. Our intern, MSW student Nicole Cannizzaro, has compiled data for participation in CCC activities by collaborative partners over the past year. Highlights of this look back reveal that:

A total of 61 organizations interacted with the CCC;
Partners showed up 139 times to monthly convenings of Work Group/Poverty Busters and CCC;
27 partner organizations participated in program efforts like Thriving in Place, Family Futures Downeast, and Mentor/Neighbor design;
24 partner organizations participated in the June 12^th Family Discovery Day in Calais; and
130 applications from partner organizations were submitted to the Hope and Dream Funds.
392 people attended CCC Trainings.

But numbers alone can’t paint a full picture of the CCC’s impact, so we’re asking you to complete a simple survey on the effectiveness of the CCC in its 4 major areas of commitment. We are excited to read your responses and thankful for your time, your honesty, and your partnership! Here is a link to the survey. Thank you!

Favorite Resources

Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.

CA$H Maine: is a collaboration of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability by offering free tax preparation and education on reducing debt, budgeting, building savings and more. Download this flyer for information on locations in Washington County that offer free tax preparation and this list of items to bring when you make an appointment. Tax season officially begins on Monday, January 28th, so start calling after then for appointments. Visit the CA$H Maine website for information on Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or how to do your taxes online using My Free Taxes.

CCC Wednesday Communique — January 16, 2019