Happy Wednesday!
See the special Veterans’ Day edition of the Machias Valley News Observer
for pics of our local veterans.
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Gmail Users:
Please note that Gmail clips this newsletter about midway, providing a link at the bottom to “view entire message.” We don’t want you missing out, so be sure to click that link! This also makes those links we provide to different sections of the newsletter work.
They won’t work unless you’re viewing the whole newsletter. |
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New this Week
Diaper Drive
Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council is excited to kick off our First Virtual Diaper Drive!! Many families in our community are struggling to make ends meet on a weekly basis during normal times. Now, add in the financial impact of COVID- 19 and many will not be able to maintain their household bills let alone have the money to purchase diapers and wipes. Your support in keeping our local babies healthy from the bottom up means more than ever!! Learn more in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.
MSCM Christmas Program
Each year at Christmas time, Maine Seacoast Mission distributes holiday gifts to children, families, the elderly, and nursing home residents and this year, the Mission is having a virtual Elves Workshop. This opportunity is for families who need extra help this year with gifts for their children. Before COVID 19, people could choose the gifts at our Elves Workshops. We miss that and want to give you a way to select the gifts even if you can’t be here in person. This year we have created a personal elf shopper for you to speak/text/or virtually meet with to pick the gifts (Spanish language available). If you have any questions, you can call or text 207-598-1467 or you can email Christmas@seacoastmission.org. Click here for the virtual elves Christmas order form. Please note that the Christmas Program serves the following towns: Addison, Beals Island, Cherryfield, Columbia/Columbia Falls, Deblois, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Steuben, MDI and the Islands of Matinicus, Isle au Haut, Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, Islesboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Monhegan.
VA Caregiver Colloquium
VA Maine is hosting a Caregiver Colloquium on November 19, 2020 from 9:15 am — 1:15 pm to honor the tireless efforts of Veteran Caregivers. Caregivers are invited to join us for a few hours of self-care and education, as we care for you. Join us for the entire four hours or just for topics of interest to you. This is a virtual event: Join the meeting here. Meeting number (access code): 199 092 5468. Meeting password: Caregiver1234!. Or join by phone: 14043971596 USA Toll Number.
2020 Sunrise County Economic Summit
Interested in learning more about Washington County’s Economy? Registration is now open for the 2020 virtual Sunrise County Economic Summit: Taking Our Future Into Our Own Hands on Monday, November 16th, 10am – noon followed by an optional one hour networking opportunity and Tuesday, November 17th, 10am – noon. Keynote Interview with Larry Barker, President & CEO of Machias Savings Bank. Cost to register: $10 for one or both days. Click here to find out more and to register by Friday, November 13th.
Community-Driven Strategies Meeting
The next meeting is on Friday, Nov 13, 10am-11am over Zoom (Meeting ID: 933 2863 9633). See agenda and link to October meeting notes. We understand that loooong meetings can be difficult so we are shortening the meeting to one hour. This may mean that we will need more meetings to complete our process – stay tuned.
Downeast Public Health Council Meeting
This is a meeting reminder for our next Downeast Public Health Council Meeting on Friday, November 20, 2020. Our Executive Committee recommended that we try a two-hour meeting time so the meeting will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on our Zoom platform. Learn more in the Standing Meeting section of this newsletter.
24/7 Washington County Info & Referral Line
Download and share this flyer about the new recovery info & referral line for Washington County, coordinated by the State of Maine, the Washington County Substance Use Recovery Collaborative, and AMHC: 1-833-687-4887.
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Updates
Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation
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| Instructions for installing a Tyz-Al interior storm window kit |
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Free Window Insulation Kits
Watch the video above for instructions on installing the reusable, Tyz-All interior storm window inserts thaht Maine Seacoast Mission is giving away to seniors and families to help lower heating costs. These storm window inserts come in 3 different sizes. Contact the Downeast Campus in Cherryfield (546-5870) to pick up kits for yourself or your clients. CCC is helping to distribute the window insert kits and have a supply from Maine Seacoast Mission at our office. This year, since we are all working and meeting from home, kits are available to service providers for families by appointment only. Connect with Charley to set up an appointment to pick up a kit for your client.
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One-Time Events
Fairs, trainings, conferences and more in the state of Maine
Family Harvest Meal to go
November 13, 2020
The CCC and partners invite community members in the Machias Valley region to a free boxed meal to go on Friday, November 13th, celebrating nature’s bountiful summer and fall harvest, and to keep everyone’s spirits up. We began taking pre-orders last Wednesday which were so successful that we have maxed out our pre-order limit. A number of Family Harvest Meals will still be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 3 pm, outside the Pellon Center, behind Subway in Machias. Community members will stay inside their cars and volunteers will bring meals to peoples’ vehicles at the main entrance to the Pellon Center. Families are also invited to pick up a meal for a neighbor or other family member.
Sunrise County 2020 Economic Forum
November 16 & 17, 2020
Interested in learning more about Washington County’s Economy? Registration is now open for the 2020 virtual Sunrise County Economic Summit: Taking Our Future Into Our Own Hands on Monday, November 16th, 10am – noon followed by an optional one hour networking opportunity and Tuesday, November 17th, 10am – noon. Keynote Interview with Larry Barker, President & CEO of Machias Savings Bank. Cost to register: $10 for one or both days. Click here to find out more and to register by Friday, November 13th.
Champions for Children and Giraffe Awards Event
November 17, 2020
The Maine Children’s Alliance invites you to a special Champions for Children virtual event on November 17, from 10 — 11:30 am as we celebrate the 2020 Giraffe Award winners. This year, we will honor those in our communities who “stick out their necks” for Maine kids, advocating for children, youth and families in Maine. Join us as we look back at the progress we’ve made in ensuring the health and well-being of Maine children, as well as our goals for the future and the work left to be done. Purchase your tickets today!
The 2020 Giraffe Award recipients are:
- Stephen Meister
- Abdul Ali
- Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition
- Camelia Babson Haley
- Hannaford Supermarkets
Promoting Social Connectivity During COVID-19
November 17, 2020
The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging is holding a free webinar on November 17th from 12 Noon to 1:30 pm on Staying Connected: Promoting Social Connectivity During COVID-19. It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely escalated the risk of loneliness and social isolation for many people. Many small towns with limited services and long rural roads with scattered homes make connecting with others more difficult as we age. As we are approaching the winter months and holiday season, many communities and organizations continue to develop ways to maintain connection with people with diverse needs in the community. From hosting weekly phone bingo, music and art programs over Zoom, to handwritten pen-pal programs – many people are finding unique ways to stay safely connected across our region and it has been inspiring to see! Join us to hear about some of these great programs, be inspired, ask questions, and share ways your own community is working together to stay connected. Register here.
VA Caregiver Colloquium
VA Maine is hosting a Caregiver Colloquium on November 19, 2020 from 9:15 am — 1:15 pm to honor the tireless efforts of Veteran Caregivers. Caregivers are invited to join us for a few hours of self-care and education, as we care for you. Join us for the entire four hours or just for topics of interest to you. This is a virtual event: Join the meeting here. Meeting number (access code): 199 092 5468. Meeting password: Caregiver1234!.
Or join by phone: 14043971596 USA Toll Number.
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Serial Classes & Groups
Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events
Parenting with Dignity Series
G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback, and facilitated by Jess Hall, Regional Parent Support Coordinator. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include:
- Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents – Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Session 2: Discipline, Deciding what you Want – Part 1 and 2 – Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Session 3: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 and 2 – Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Session 4: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting – Thursday, November 12, 2020from 6-8:30 p.m.
- Session 5: The Reasons Punishment Doesn’t Work – Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Circle of Parents Support Groups
Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council is offering three Circle of Parents support groups in November and December. These are parent–led groups with topics evolving around the pressure and demands the upcoming holiday season will bring. Topics include: Family demands, family obligations, social media pressure and managing finances during the holidays:
- Circle of Parents: Parenting in Recovery, every Monday at 11:30 am-12:30 pm via Zoom (see flyer)
- Circle of Parents: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, first and third Mondays of the Month at 10 am Via Zoom (see flyer)
- Circle of Parents: Parents with children who have special needs, second and fourth Mondays of the Month at 5 pm Via Zoom (see flyer)
To register or for more information please call/text 263-5270.
Raising Happy Kids After Separation or Divorced
Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council is also offering a Co-Parenting, “Raising Happy Kids After Separation or Divorced” class on Tuesdays, 10/27-12/8 at 5 pm via Zoom. See flyer for details. To register or for more information please call/text 263-5270.
Workforce Certificate in
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery
Washington County Community College is excited to announce a free program in Substance Use Disorder & Recovery that results in a certificate and 30 credit hours transferable to their Associate of Applied Science in Health and Human Services degree. Successful completion also meets requirements to apply to sit for the Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor exam. See flyer for details. Technology resources are available for students without access to wireless and/or tablets, as well as potential student supports from partner services.
Parent Enrichment Programs from Families CAN
Shannan Boyorak, Regional Parent Support Coordinator of GEAR Parent Network, is sharing 4 parent enrichment programs offered by Families CAN. At this time, all of their programs are being offered through Zoom.
GEAR’s Fall workshops
The GEAR Parent Network is offering a series of supportive educational workshops FREE to parents/grandparents/caregivers/educators of children with emotional or behavioral health concerns this fall. See flyer. Visit www.gearparentnetwork.org to register or call 1 (800) 264-9224.
ECHO now open to non-medical providers
ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based educational model developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico using videoconferencing to connect interdisciplinary specialist teams with primary care clinicians. Each 90-minute ECHO session will include a brief lecture, a case presentation and discussion between participants and faculty. CME credits are available. These are now open to non-medical providers that are engaged in substance use response (i.e. recovery coaches). See flyer for details and schedule.
GEAR Support Groups 2x/ Week
G.E.A.R. Parent Network is offering offering support groups twice a week in an effort to accommodate more people’s schedules. They will be held on Monday evenings from 7 pm-8 pm and Wednesday afternoons from 1 pm-2 pm, and you may sign up to attend one or both if you like. See flyer for details.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a free, self-paced, three-part online nutrition series for Washington County parents and adults with children living at home. “Eating Your Way” includes information on nutrition, simple cooking demonstrations, and child-friendly nutrition resources. On completion of the series, participants will receive a gift bag including a cookbook and relevant cooking utensils available for pick-up at the UMaine Extension Washington County office. Register for the free series here. Details in this flyer. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact rita.stephenson@maine.edu or 207-255-3345.
3 upcoming Virtual Recovery Coach Trainings
Healthy Acadia is holding 3 virtual recovery coach trainings in academic year 2020-2021:
10 Steps to a Healthier You
Are you or someone you know interested in improving you and your family’s health, saving money at the store and basic nutrition tips? University of Maine Cooperative Extension educators now have the resources to conduct EFNEP nutrition education classes at a distance with the option of classes taught one-on-one or in small groups. Choose either telephone or online series. Learn more here.
FrontLine WarmLine
Maine DHHS is launching a volunteer support service to Help Maine’s Health Care Workers and First Responders Manage Emotional Toll of COVID-19 — FrontLine WarmLine. Read the full press release here.
Daily Virtual Recovery Support
The Downeast Recovery Support Center is offering daily virtual recovery support meetings Monday through Friday from 10-11 am and 4-5 pm. Open discussion, all recovery meeting are for individuals impacted by substance use disorder or affected others. Visit their facebook page for more information. To join a group by Zoom:
https://amhc.zoom.us/j/373022686…
Meeting ID: 373 022 686
Password: 091927
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,373022686# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,373022686# US (New York)
Caregiver Monday:
An Initiative Dedicated To Helping Caregivers Take Care of Themselves
The Monday Campaigns, a nonprofit public health initiative, has announced Sherri Snelling, caregiving expert and corporate gerontologist, is taking a leading role with Caregiver Monday, a program dedicated to supporting the self-care of 65 million family caregivers by offering weekly health and wellness practices, research and collaborative activities through partner organizations. Family caregivers are under added stress now, with older people being more vulnerable to COVID-19. The Caregiver Monday program will be offered through Caregiving Club, a leading organization founded by Snelling that calls attention to the issues facing caregivers by offering practical health, wellness and resource-based information. Every month, the program will offer a themed article with evidence-based research information on specific topics related to caregiver self-care, as well as provide weekly practices and health promotions related to that monthly theme. Organizations supporting the campaign can access these materials on the updated Caregiver Monday site.
Caregivers Facebook Group
The CCC is launching a private facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – professional caregivers like RNs and CNAs, and informal caregivers like family members providing care for a spouse, parent, specials needs child, sibling or the neighbor across the street. Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources. Use this link to join.
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Standing Meetings & Calendars
Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules
Community-Driven Strategies Meeting
The next meeting is on Friday, Nov 13, 10am-11am over Zoom (Meeting ID: 933 2863 9633). See agenda and link to October meeting notes. We understand that loooong meetings can be difficult so we are shortening the meeting to one hour. This may mean that we will need more meetings to complete our process – stay tuned.
Downeast Public Health Council Meeting
This is a meeting reminder for our next Downeast Public Health Council Meeting on Friday, November 20, 2020. Our Executive Committee recommended that we try a two-hour meeting time so the meeting will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on our Zoom platform.
In the first hour, we will host a Resiliency Workshop with a focus on helping you and your organizations understand stress and offering some exercises to build resiliency. We are also looking to facilitate the meeting to allow more engagement when our committees meet and to allow opportunities for networking.
As always, attendees will have the opportunity to learn, network and collaborate with peers. We look forward to seeing you all Friday. Please RSVP to Maura Goss here or at maura.goss@maine.gov. Zoom Meeting link; meeting ID: 918 5980 1250; Password: 599 649; Telephone: (646) 558-8656.
Maine Roads to Quality
Our Community of Practice meetings continue in Washington County! For now, we have combined our Calais and Machias groups, and are meeting every other week via Zoom. Please contact MRTQ District Coordinator Theresa Fisk for more information: theresa.fisk@maine.edu or 207-956-2070
Work Group & Poverty Busters
This is a meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 1 — 3 pm. Due to the current public health COVID-19 shutdown, we are meeting via Zoom. Read notes from the November meeting soon. Mark your calendar for the next meeting, December 2nd. 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.
MSCM Christmas Program
Each year at Christmas time, Maine Seacoast Mission distributes holiday gifts to children, families, the elderly, and nursing home residents and this year, the Mission is having a virtual Elves Workshop. This opportunity is for families who need extra help this year with gifts for their children. Before COVID 19, people could choose the gifts at our Elves Workshops. We miss that and want to give you a way to select the gifts even if you can’t be here in person. This year we have created a personal elf shopper for you to speak/text/or virtually meet with to pick the gifts (Spanish language available). If you have any questions, you can call or text 207-598-1467 or you can email Christmas@seacoastmission.org. Click here for the virtual elves Christmas order form. Please note that the Christmas Program serves the following towns: Addison, Beals Island, Cherryfield, Columbia/Columbia Falls, Deblois, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Steuben, MDI and the Islands of Matinicus, Isle au Haut, Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, Islesboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Monhegan.
Diaper Drive
Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council is excited to kick off our First Virtual Diaper Drive!! Many families in our community are struggling to make ends meet on a weekly basis during normal times. Now, add in the financial impact of COVID- 19 and many will not be able to maintain their household bills let alone have the money to purchase diapers and wipes. Your support in keeping our local babies healthy from the bottom up means more than ever!! 100% of donations will go straight back to families in YOUR community! All Diapers purchased on Amazon will be sent directly to the Prevention Council for distribution in the community. Donating is Simple:
1. CLICK ON THE AMAZON WISH LIST HERE.
Copy and paste the Amazon link and send a mass email sharing the link and the importance of the diaper drive to our community.
2. Use all of your contacts: email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TIkTok, Snap Chat, etc. Please let everyone know the Prevention Council is hosting a virtual diaper drive. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will
benefit so many! Click Here For Diaper Drive Flyer
Safe Harbor Accepting Applications
Safe Harbor, a recovery residential program in Machias, is now accepting applications! Safe Harbor was created in partnership with Healthy Acadia, The Community Caring Collective, Downeast Community Partners, and Aroostook Mental Health Center. Our mission is to provide safe, supportive, housing for women in recovery and their children. This program is appropriate for women (18 years or older) with or without children who self identify as in recovery from substance use disorder. We require a negative screen for alcohol, THC, and medications or drugs not prescribed by a doctor upon admission. We also require an ability to pay rent, however temporary scholarships may be available. Most importantly applicants are expected to show a commitment to recovery and personal growth as well as a willingness to actively engage in recovery goal settings. Our residence features 5 furnished units, 3 full bathrooms, and a kitchen fully stocked with cooking supplies and plenty of room for food storage. Thanks to community support, Safe Harbor is well stocked with supplies, furniture, food donations, and a helpful network of recovery resources. See flyer for details.
Operation Warmth
Fedcap Inc. provides an array of services to individuals receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits throughout the state of Maine. The Washington County office is asking for gift cards or new winter clothing for children and adults to support their “Operation Warmth” project for program participants and their families living in poverty. Interested donors may contact Mary Pelletier, Calais/ Machias Site Manager, at MPelletier@fedcap.org, or 207-454-4480.
Shared Vision for Equitable Maine
Maine Equal Justice asks your help in building a shared vision for a more equitable Maine by completing this survey. We want to hear from you and get your perspective and ideas on the systemic and structural changes we need to see.
PHN Job Openings and Great Need
The Maine CDC currently has no public health nurses serving our Washington County communities, who work out of our Machias Office. Please circulate these position announcements:
EMDC Workforce Development Services
EMDC provides a variety of employment and training services to eligible individuals within EMDC’s nine county service area. Those aged 16 to 24 years old should contact Leah Gulliver at lgulliver@emdc.org. All other interested individuals need to attend EMDC’s Virtual Information Session. Visit the following link to register for the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/upIkc-qhqz4i01dJSFYN7UTdK1PTw_QQjg. The Virtual Information Session is held Tuesday mornings at 11 am via Zoom, provides a brief overview of EMDC’s services, and is the first step for individuals interested in registering for EMDC’s workforce programs.
CradleME is open to all birthing families in Maine
Download the CradleME referral form for pregnant women and new mothers who would like to receive prenatal and postpartum/newborn services. These in-home public health nursing/ Maine Families home visiting services are free, regardless of income.
PTLA Tuesday Eviction Info Sessions
Join Pine Tree Legal Assistance online every Tuesday at 9 am to get your questions answered about eviction. Learn about the process and how it differs right now during the COVID lockdown. See flyer for more information.
Therapy for the Uninsured
The Community Health & Counseling Services Ellsworth Office is pleased to announce an exciting new therapy opportunity for uninsured people within our community this Fall. People can access this special offer both in-office or remote telehealth via Zoom. The CHCS Ellsworth office will be hosting Kiana Woodworth, a Husson graduate student beginning in September. Kiana is a 2nd year Husson University Graduate School student pursuing her LCPC- Licensed Clinical and Professional Counseling degree who will be able to see adults and children for outpatient 1:1, short-term counseling between the months of September 2020-December 2020. She will be based in our Ellsworth office and can see both in-office clients or remote telehealth clients via Zoom. She could also offer Telehealth therapy via Zoom to any client in the CHCS Region! Clients in the Washington County Region could go to the Machias CHCS office if they do not have in-home Zoom capabilities. This is a great opportunity for folks who do not have any current health insurance to gain some brief, short-term counseling support. As part of her University program requirement, some of the sessions will need to be video-recorded so that she can receive educational supervision for skill development purposes. Interested people can call our Ellsworth office at 610-8016.
SUD Patient Navigator Sought for RMCL
The Regional Medical Center at Lubec seeks to hire a patient navigator to facilitate access to treatment for substance use disorder in Washington County. The patient navigator will work with clients both directly and indirectly, strive to enhance linkage-to-care infrastructure, conduct initial brief assessments, connect patients with substance use disorder treatment and support services, offer outreach rapid testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, serve as a support person for clients, and maintain ongoing contact with clients through the referral process. Competitive wage and excellent benefit package. For more information call 207-733-1090 ext 5203 or email trier@rmcl.org. Apply to: HealthWays/Regional Medical Center at Lubec, Att: Terry Rier, Human Resources, 43 South Lubec Road, Lubec, Maine 04652.
Peer Navigator Job Opportunities
Workforce Solutions, operated by Goodwill of Northern New England, has 10 immediate full-time Peer Navigator job opportunities for individuals who are unemployed, furloughed or have been out of work for at least 27 weeks. Positions are full-time for 12-months, with starting wages are $16/hour and full benefits. See flyer for details.
Help with Unemployment Claims
Some Mainers have no computer or phone minutes. Others do not speak English as their first language. That’s why Maine Equal Justice is asking YOU to help these Mainers connect to their unclaimed unemployment benefits. Many Mainers are eligible for unemployment benefits but, for different reasons, they haven’t been able to contact the Department of Labor to start a claim. Perhaps you’ve been in this situation. Working with the Maine Department of Labor, Maine Equal Justice has created a first-of-its-kind tool to get claims started and make sure Mainers get a call back with appropriate support. Here’s how the tool works:
Answer three simple questions and provide your contact information.
A representative from the Maine Department of Labor will call you to help set up your claim.
The form is quick and easy to complete and has been translated into Arabic, French, Khmer, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali, and Spanish. You can request an interpreter in any language.
You can help by reaching out to your friends, neighbors, and family members!
Please share the tool with anyone you know who worked in the last 18 months and couldn’t work or earned less money due to Covid-19, and has not yet applied for unemployment benefits.
Offer to help fill the form out if needed. Call your friends who may not use social media or email. Think about local religious, volunteer, or social groups you can share this email with. And you can share our post on social media to reach other helpers.
Family Coach Position Available
Downeast Community Partners is hiring a full-time position of Family Coach. Responsibilities: Working with individuals and families who are economically vulnerable to provide assistance and support in managing the challenges they are experiencing. The position will offer support in an effort to empower families to achieve the growth and change they seek. It will include assisting participants working on many different areas of life depending on the needs. The position is based in Hancock/Washington County and includes extensive travel throughout the county. See full job description for details, eligibility requirements, amazing list of benefits, and how to apply.
Donations Needed for Shelter Guests
NextStep DV Project is gratefully accepting donations of new & unused household items for their shelter guests. See list of items needed. Please contact Marcie or Jasmine to arrange for drop-off of items or for more information.
MaineHousing Extends Rent Relief Program
MaineHousing announced an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households that meet certain income and ability to pay requirements to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With the extension, the Program now covers rent for the months of April, May, or June. Each household that meets certain income and ability to pay requirements may receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance paid directly to their landlord. When a landlord accepts payment, they agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment for the month the payment was issued. MaineHousing will continue to administer the program on a statewide level with local implementation provided by Maine’s community action agencies.
Those who received rent relief through this program in April or May are not eligible for program funds in June. Those who applied in April and May but have yet to hear back from their local community action agency should contact that agency to check on the status of their application. A list of agencies and their service areas can be found here (PDF). People who live in subsidized housing are not eligible for this program, because they have other programs available to them and should contact their property manager.
Applicants can find application materials and answers to commonly asked questions here. Materials are also available in six additional languages.
Community Learning for ME
Island Readers & Writers has been collaborating with a group of organizations for several months, originally coming together as schools shut down to respond to the needs of teachers and families. Our initial idea was to create a curated and vetted selection of Maine based, quality resources in one place to help address the overwhelming inundation of resources that people were facing. As we have moved along we recognized the need for ongoing support and that we had an opportunity to uplift multiple Maine organizations through one collaborative site. As an organization, you can also provide resources by submitting a form.
Social Call Service
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many new challenges. It has also offered an opportunity for our community to come together in support of one another. Healthy Acadia’s Maine RecoveryCorps and MDI Hospital are partnering to respond to the isolation many community members are facing through a new Social Call service.
Social Calls are to be made by trained recovery coaches. Their recovery coach training and background has steeped them in a culture of empathy, support, compassion, and resilience. The callers are able to provide information on resources and offer reflective listening, encouragement, and honesty.
There are several avenues available to request a social call. One may discuss it with their provider who can send a referral on their behalf. The Healthy Acadia website has both on online form and one to print and return. Additionally Beth Alteri is available to 207 – 460 -2312 to take requests over the phone as needed. She can also be reached at socialcalls@healthyacadia.org or receive faxes at 207-331-5423.
Social calls offer an opportunity for connection and can serve to buffer the negative effects of physical distancing. These calls are not intended to replace an individual’s need to connect with their mental health professional, but rather be an additional service for them to tap into. If you or someone you know could benefit from a Social Call please reach out to us. We are here to help.
Sunrise Scholarship Fund
Has your job been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic? For the immediate future, Washington County residents who answer yes to that question are eligible to apply for up to $500 to assist with training that will increase your opportunities for employment regardless of prior income levels! Click here for an application. Visit www.sunrisecounty.org. Call Jen at 255-0983 with any questions.
DCT Offers Virtual Services to Support Opioid Recovery
As a result of new virtual services, same-day access to anyone with opioid use disorder (OUD) who wishes to begin medication assisted treatment (MAT) is now available to anyone across Washington and Hancock counties. In response to the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, the Downeast Treatment Center (DTC) in Ellsworth has begun offering immediate, virtual, rapid access to MAT for all in the Downeast region…. Patients can expect a virtual intake over phone or Zoom, prescriptions called to pharmacies near them; ongoing, remote access to a medical provider, and access to virtual group or individual sessions with a behavioral health provider. Anyone who does not have insurance or who cannot afford their insurance deductibles or copays can apply for financial support from Healthy Acadia’s Treatment Fund. Read the full press release from Healthy Acadia.
If you are Aware of a Senior in Need….
Healthy Acadia would like to share an Eastern Area Agency on Aging link to refer people for all services including the Meals on Wheels program. Please share this information widely!
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.”
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.
National Digital Equity Center Upcoming Webinars
What else would you like to learn? Most of our online classes are now offered at various times in the next month. Topics range from learning new devices, programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more, Using Online Games for Age 55+, Social Media platforms, Word Press, QuickBooks, Online Safety & Much More! Click here to register for upcoming online courses.
2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health
Last week the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The annual survey is the nation’s primary resource for data on mental health and substance use among Americans. Read the report here.
New Guidelines for Unemployment Benefits
Wondering what the new executive order means for your unemployment? You don’t need to do anything if you’ve already filed. Maine Equal Justice has new guides to help you understand the temporary additional $300 benefit and work search requirements on our COVID-19 website. If you have questions about work search, the new $300 benefit, or other unemployment issues, you are certainly not alone. You can contact MEJ legal services through their website for help. You can also join the Maine Unemployment Insurance Assistance facebook group for help from legal and labor groups and your fellow Mainers.
AMHC 24-hour Recovery Resource & Support Referral Line
AMHC has launched a 6-month pilot program providing a 24-hour recovery resource and support referral line: 1-833-NVR-GVUP or 207-454-1999. Read more about this here. Share this flyer.
Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19
SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19. Our TA programs are delivering great resources during this time. View the updated available TTA resources to assist with the current situation. Download flyer for more information.
Neighbor4Neighbor Fund
The “neighbor4neighbor” Fund (n4n) a program of Healthy Acadia, provides one-time mini-grants of up to $500 to seniors in Washington and Hancock counties who are facing any one of many life crises that can arise unexpectedly and for which they may not have adequate funds. n4n funds may be used for eyeglasses, dentures, medical equipment, emergency household repairs, or other one-time challenges which may undermine a senior’s ability to live independently and have a high quality of life. Learn more about n4n here. To apply for a n4n Fund mini-grant, click here.
Financial Planning for Memory Loss Caregivers
“Becoming a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is demanding. You’ll need to help your loved one with daily tasks as well as with financial decisions. Despite the challenges, being a caregiver can also be rewarding. It provides the opportunity to oversee important decisions and to ensure quality support for your loved one. This guide helps caregivers prepare for the expenses associated with caring for someone with memory loss and offers caregiver resources that can help make the journey easier.”
From: Insider.com | June 29, 2020 — See more.
VA Maine Caregiver Support Program
The VA has a new caregiver support program that provides a range of supports to caregivers of veterans, including education & training, peer support mentoring, home and community based care, and more. They will be holding their first ever summit which will be on a virtual platform. Details about that coming soon as this is still under development. See their fact sheet and flyer.
Helpful Wifi Resources
Lois-Ann Kuntz has 2 free WiFi resources to share:
- An updated map of ‘Study-From-Car’ sites where WiFi guest access is available for outside of buildings is now available. For each site, please check the website information provided for availability and connection information.
- The Maine State Library has this on their website a list of libraries that have their WiFi on 24/7 with available parking within range. I don’t see how to sort this by county. https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/directories/wireless.shtml
Maine Families of Washington County publishes a comprehensive list of free Wi-Fi access in their online community resource guide.
Washington County Recovery Resources
The CCC in collaboration with Healthy Acadia has created a comprehensive, up-to-date list of recovery resources with contact info for Washington County. As we know, services have shifted in light of COVID-19. We want to ensure providers and community members are aware of the current available resources to support individuals impacted by substance use disorder. Here is a link to a “live” document that will be updated regularly. Please keep checking back for the most up-to-date information. We will be adding a Hancock County resource list soon! If you are aware of other recovery resources in Washington County or believe an edit needs to be made to this document, please contact Abby Frutchey at afrutchey@cccmaine.org or Penny Guisinger at penny@healthyacadia.org.
Bolstering General Assistance
Under the Governor’s March 31 Executive Order, all applications for General Assistance will be processed as emergency applications for eligibility purposes, and certain other requirements are waived. The order also allows eligible individuals to reapply after 60 days rather than 30 days for ongoing assistance. General Assistance is funded through communities, with DHHS reimbursing 70 percent of municipalities’ costs. Under the Executive Order, DHHS will use existing funding to increase reimbursement to Maine Tribes to up to 100 percent. General Assistance can be used for basic necessities including food, housing, electricity and medical expenses. Assistance is not provided directly to eligible individuals, but rather it is issued in the form of vouchers used to pay vendors who provide goods and services to eligible individuals.
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CCC’s Response to the COVID-19 Situation
In light of CDC recommendations about social distancing, all ECCO services have moved to phone or tele-health connections. Any new referrals will be contacted via phone and follow similar protocols.
CCC staff will continue to work from home, and meetings will be held using Zoom technology until further notice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us using either the form or email/phone contacts listed on the Contact Us page of our website. We also encourage people to share needs and offers in this newsletter, and remind service providers that we have a needs & offers platform for you on facebook: Poverty Buster Resource Connection.
We encourage people to consult the Maine CDC website which provides helpful guidance in the FAQ section. We are developing our own resources that we will share with you asap and are gearing up to respond to any requests for help with online trainings and convenings as you and your staff lean more on virtual tools to conduct business, provide services and address community needs. To request an online training, please use our Training & Technical Assistance Request form.
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About the Wednesday Communique
This is the Community Caring Collaborative’s weekly newsletter where we share announcements about trainings, meetings and other events, including announcements from our collaborative partners. Look for links to meeting minutes and agendas in the Meetings section, training registration forms and flyers in the One-Time Events section, and job postings and announcements about services and programs in the Needs & Offers section. Subscribe here to get the Communiqué. Make sure to add Community Caring Collaborative to your contacts at claurel@cccmaine.org. Gmail users, check for the Communiqué under the Promotions tab.Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included. Thanks!
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