Funded Agencies
The following 42 agencies and 75 programs are working with us to focus on the community's most critical issues and deliver quality health and human services to those who need it most.
Acadia Community Association
Healthy Acadia/Food supporting Seniors
Healthy Acadia works to ensure there is enough nutritious food for all older adults who need it. Healthy Acadia's Food Supporting Seniors program will enable low-income older adults in Hancock County to remain independent and in their homes by making free and subsidized food more readily available to them. This will be accomplished through two complimentary strategies: educating older adults on available food assistance resources and how to access them and expanding capacity of food assistance resources to serve an increased number of clients. Top of Page
Amicus Edward Bouchea Center For Learning
Day Program
As a private, non-profit organization, the Multiple Handicap Center of Penobscot Valley, run by the Bouchea Center, has as its primary mission to provide supports, programs and services that enhance the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities. Through a range of individualized services, the program seeks to promote abilities and achievements that contribute to self-respect, personal development, purposeful work and meaningful participation in the community. Most of the adults lived their entire lives in regression from time spent in large institutions. The center serves approximately 63 adults with severe and multiple disabilities in Bangor and surrounding areas. Top of Page
Bangor Area Homeless ShelterDay Program
The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter provides emergency shelter and supportive services to the homeless and economically disadvantaged of the Greater Bangor area. It serves families, couples, single men and women including those individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems and victims of domestic violence. The shelter functions on the principle that safe, affordable housing is a fundamental human right. Its primary aim is to offer a stabilizing base for homeless men and women as they transition back into the community.Top of Page
Nursing Program
The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Nursing Program has two overriding goals: 1) to meet the nursing needs of shelter residents; and 2) once those needs are met, to increase the residents' knowledge and education on how to take better care of themselves. The ultimate outcome is that they utilize this increase in knowledge and awareness into action, something that is nearly impossible to measure. Our best indicator for success of meeting our outcomes is through observations by our nurse at each individual visit. As our nurse makes assessments, she completes an individual nursing visit note, making referrals as appropriate. Debbie Calderwood, RN, is there weekly and provides general nursing care and a variety of services as ordered by medical professionals. Her services include, but are not limited to: health assessments, TB testing, flu vaccinations, blood pressure and diabetes screening, as well as teaching about preventive care.Top of Page
Bangor Y
Discovery House Preschool
Bangor Y's Discovery House provides a safe, high-quality, licensed environment for preschool children, regardless of income. Full-time teachers implement an educationally based curriculum that combines group activities, self-directed learning centers, swim and gym, music and arts and social interaction in a nurturing, safe environment in order to encourage development and prepare children for kindergarten. Top of Page
Bangor Y Capehart Outreach Program
Kids in the first through eighth grades who live in the Birch Circle, Griffin Park and Old Capehart communities in Bangor have a local Y facility. The children, who can attend several days each week after school, are provided with an afternoon snack, team building activities, games, field trips, arts and crafts classes, cooking projects, volunteer opportunities and time in the technology or study room to use computers and get help with homework. Top of Page
Bangor Y JumpStart Program
The JumpStart program teaches decision-making and goal-setting skills and personal responsibility. Offered by the Bangor Y through referrals from local police departments and the Maine Department of Corrections to first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders, the JumpStart program is now in its sixth year and has graduated more than 300 participants.Top of Page
Bangor Y Learning Leaders (Youthworks)Program
TheBangor Y YouthWorks Program is a developmentally focused program that offers opportunities for children in grades four to 12 and into young adulthood. The curriculum recognizes peer relationships and community support, which are two important factors in fostering self-esteem and leadership development. The program also is designed to promote youth involvement through four different YouthWorks clubs. Each club is geared toward the specific developmental needs of the age group. Club members participate in activities that promote self-improvement, creative expression, communication skills, behavioral development and life-building skills.
Bangor Y Opportunity Prog for Teens & K-Club
The programs support and empower girls in grades six to 12. OPT & K-Club offers teens healthy peer relations, meaningful roles in the community, and interaction with positive adult role models. The goal is to teach girls the importance of education, the hazards of drug and alcohol experimentation, the value of friendship, and to help girls realize their own self-worth. Top of Page
Bangor Y Boys Mentoring Program
This program is about building strong relationships, learning the skills to solve problems, communicate effectively and make positive decisions while having a blast in our adventure based program. Participants go on field trips, enjoy the swimming pool and rock climbing, while having conversations with community leaders about goals and opportunities. One on One mentoring allows the boys to build a trusting relationship that will support and guide them towards a strong and positive future. Top of Page
Bangor Y-Works
Y-Works is a before and after school program that currently serves 220 kindergarten through eighth graders. Quality care is provided 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program's goal is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible care that the children enjoy. The staff offers educational, recreational, cultural, and cooperative activities for all ages. Through positive social interaction with peers and staff, the program aims to help children exhibit responsible behavior and become productive community members.
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Bangor Y Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Program
The Bangor Y Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program provides those who have had a cardiac or pulmonary event, or suffer from related chronic disease, a safe, supervised schedule for physical exercise, health education and social activities to build healthy spirit, mind and body. Participants enter the program after completing hospital rehabilitation and receive individualized exercise prescriptions and group exercise instruction while trained staff monitor vital signs and ensure a safe, healthy and understanding environment.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of MidCoast Maine
Community and Site Based Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine promotes the healthy growth and development of children who are at significant risk of developing social, emotional, and behavioral problems. This is done by offering services to "at-risk" children, primarily from single-parent families, through school and community based programs in order to develop friendships.
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Broadreach Family & Community Services
Early Childhood Inclusive Program
The goals of the Early Childhood Inclusive Program are to prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to become successful readers and learners, provide children with developmentally appropriate early childhood care and education in safe and healthy settings, provide young children who have special needs with opportunities to grow and learn alongside their peers in rich individualized learning environments and provide Waldo County parents with information and support to nurture their young children's healthy development. Top of Page
Family Education
The Family Education Program supports parents in building child and family protective factors and decreasing child and family risk factors to support their children's healthy development and success. The Program delivers parent support and training programs in collaboration with many community partners including the three Waldo County school districts (MSAD 3, 34 and 56), the GEAR Parent Network, Knox/ Waldo/ Lincoln Transition Council, the Waldo County Child and Parent Council and Communities that Care. The Program Director works with community partners to identify the needs of specific parent populations and facilitates programs that meet those needs. Top of Page
Bucksport Area Childcare Center
School Readiness
The childcare program helps children make a smooth transition from preschool to elementary school. The center's collaboration with the town and its elementary schools supports the program's mission, which is "Communities continue to build a caring and encouraging environment for learning." The staff focuses on the best ways to prepare children for kindergarten and how to educate parents on what they can do at home to prepare their children. Early intervention services are provided for children with developmental delays. Bucksport Area Child Care Center believes that "all children, everyday, come to school ready to succeed." Top of Page
Charlotte White Center
LifeJackets
Life Jackets is a county-based, youth development program with the goal of helping youth "at risk and promise" to break out of the high-risk cycle. Youth in the program, early adolescents aged 12-15, learn about themselves and others and about personal and social skills, by being part of a peer-helping and adventure-based group over a 12-month program module. Program activities include weekly peer-helping group meetings, problem-solving games and initiatives, outdoor experiences, community service and a wilderness expedition in northern Piscataquis County. By working together as a cooperative group, each group member (participants, peer helpers and adult leaders) learns to value and strengthen his or her own human "life jacket." Top of Page
Community Health and Counseling Services
Arts N Kids
Arts N Kids is a Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS) provides community health services which are needed by the communities we serve and valued by our customers. CHCS is noted for the excellence of services we offer, our commitment to those we serve, and the dedication of our people. Top of Page
Community Health and Counseling Services Telehealth in Rural Maine
Program information coming soon Top of Page
Downeast AIDS Network
School Prevention Program
Down East AIDS Network's first priority is to serve people who are HIV positive and their families. The Washington County office has made 33 contacts with clients, which is a challenging feat because clients are wary of coming into the office and being stigmatized in their communities. The program offers a bi-monthly support group for clients, and attendance at group sessions has increased . Top of Page
Down East Family YMCA
Preschool
The Preschool program offers a warm, caring environment where children come first. It is committed to providing a learning experience for each child in preparation for early successes and school readiness, with an emphasis on working in partnership with parents. Children ages 4-5 participate Monday through Friday while their parents are at work.
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Teen Learning Leadership Program
The program provides opportunities for youth and teens ages 11-18 to acquire developmental assets through active participation in summer camp, mentoring programs, volunteerism and employment. Specific training and education is provided for each segment of the program with a progression that allows the participants to remain active for up to seven years . Top of Page
Downeast Health Services
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eastern Maine
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, sponsored by Downeast Health Services, is to make a positive difference in the lives of children aged seven to 18 through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with caring adults. Children explore opportunities to play useful roles in their communities and communicate better with adults and family members. Mentored youth develop positive peer relationships, attitudes toward school and are more likely to avoid alcohol and drugs. Mentors serve as positive role models for children and encourage them to achieve their highest potential. Top of Page
Baby Think It Over
Baby Think It Over® is a life-like, computerized manikin that offers young adults the most realistic parenting education experience available. This program is an educational tool for middle and high school teachers, medical care providers, social workers and any other professionals who work with young adults. When the baby has been returned, the program coordinator is be able to tell if the baby has been mistreated and can talk with the young adult about how the caregiver treated the child. Top of Page
Eastern Agency on Aging
Community Services Information and Assistance
Community Services provide information, options, assistance and referral services to ensure people aged 60 and older are aware of the benefits and programs available to them. Benefits and services made available to older people can help them maintain independence, improve their well being, and continue their contribution to the community. Many senior citizens eligible or entitled to public benefit programs are simply not aware of the programs. Informed senior citizens will benefit from Community Services because it will change their quality of life. Top of Page
Matter of Balance - Falls Prevention Program
This falls prevention program helps seniors stay independent in their homes by preventing life altering falls. Matter of Balance classes include education on how to maintain a safe home environment, instruction on simple exercise that will increase muscle strength and instruction on ways to increase balance. Matter of Balance classes are held throughout the Eastern Area Agency on Aging's four county coverage area. Top of Page
EAA-Z Fix Program
EAAA has a minor home repair program for seniors called EAA-Z Fix It. The goal of this program is to help seniors remain in their own homes, safely, for as long as possible. This goal is achieved with a corps of "handyman" volunteers and participating businesses who provide materials at a reduced cost. For jobs that are too big for a volunteer to do, the client will have the option of being referred to a contractor who is participating in the EAA-Z Fix It program. A contractor's participation means that he or she has agreed to offer reduced rates to seniors. Top of Page
Meals for ME
Meals for ME delivers hot, nutritious meals to 41 dining rooms in Eastern Maine. Meals also are delivered to frail, homebound senior citizens who enjoy daily visits and companionship with volunteers. Caregivers benefit with the knowledge that their family members receive daily hot meals and visits. The program allows caregivers to focus on other tasks without worrying about their loved ones. Top of Page
Eastern Maine AIDS Network
Community Education, Outreach and Case Management
EMAN offers Case Management services to ALL persons living with HIV / AIDS. Case Management helps identify the social, medical, psychological, legal and other needs of persons living with HIV / AIDS. Support is provided by assistance with medical needs, housing, and social services to improve the quality of life of our clients. EMAN provides support groups, and extensive resource library, and educational services, as well as a food pantry. Top of Page
Faith In Action
Community Connection Transportation & other elder services
Faith in Action Community Connection serves the greater Ellsworth area in Hancock County, providing free services to the elderly and to people with disabilities that enable them to live independently and with a strong quality of life. The program recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers throughout the area who are matched with people who need help. Volunteers may provide a ride, a phone call, a friendly visit that also can provide a respite break for a caregiver, or help around the house (top). Top of Page
Families and Children Together
Maine Kids-Kin Program
Maine Kids-Kin provides services to family members who are raising relatives' children. Services include information, referrals, individualized case management, resources and support groups. FACT provides family-focused programs that encourage and foster the development and healing of children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
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Good Samaritan Agency
Childcare Program
The Childcare Program is licensed by the state of Maine to serve up to 49 children aged 6 weeks to five years. Priority for childcare is given to single parents and low-income families, with childcare offered to the general public as availability allows. The program makes a significant difference in the community by providing high quality, low-cost childcare for many families. Teenage parents are able to continue their education, and other parents are able to attend school or work . Top of Page
Single ParentProgram
The Single Parent Program provides the most comprehensive array of services for single parents north of Waterville. Assistance with basic needs is provided through home-based visits and meeting with a caseworker at the agency's office. After determining the parent's needs, a number of resources are offered, including an alternative education program for pregnant and parenting teens, guest speakers on such topics as health, drug abuse, domestic violence and parenting, and counseling support. The Single Parent Program makes a significant difference in the community by helping to make parents more self-sufficient and better able to care for their children. Top of Page
Island Connections
Transportation & Services for Elderly
Island Connections' Transportation service provides Seniors with a friendly way out of the house, a chance to interact with a volunteer, and a means to access needed community services. Most destinations are trips to acquire medical services. Other destinations include grocery stores, pharmacies, hairdressers, and the Food Pantry. Volunteers provide the great majority of rides. Seniors use Island Connections volunteers to reach destinations on MDI and in the greater Ellsworth & Bangor areas. Services are provided free of charge to residents of MDI and the surrounding off-shore islands who are at least 62 years of age - without any income qualifications. The Transportation service fills a key need for Seniors by providing ready physical access to community resources . Top of Page
KidCare America
Mentoring After-School Program
KidCare America (KCA) believes that every student needs a safe and enriching place to go after-school. With a rising divorce rate and parents needing to work full-time jobs to make ends meet, when the school bell rings hundreds of children in the greater Lincoln area are left vulnerable during the after-school hours. Along side this need is the faith-community, which possesses valuable untapped resources in volunteers and facilities that can be used to mentor students emotionally, academically, and spiritually. KidCare America mentors students after-school in a safe, educational, and structured environment by providing one-on-one homework help, individualized tutoring, character education opportunities, healthy snacks, and non-sport related recreation. Top of Page
Legal Services for the Elderly
Assuring Elderly Access to Long Term Care Project
It is Legal Services for the Elderly's (LSE) mission to provide free, high quality legal assistance to Maine's socially and economically needy elderly age 60 and over. LSE provides assistance to seniors when their basic human needs are at stake. This includes things like shelter, safety, health care and self-determination. There is no other organization in Maine that provides free legal assistance to the elderly in these situations.
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Literacy Volunteers of America-Bangor
Adult Literacy
The Basic Literacy and Language program encourages participants to improve their lives through enhanced literacy proficiency. The program is designed to help participants develop basic literacy and language skills. Students receive one-to-one instruction, support and experience a meaningful education they can apply to their own lives. Literacy skills are key to finding a job that pays well enough to support a family, improve the children's development at home and school, and integrate successfully into the community.
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Literacy Volunteers of America-Waldo
News Skills, New Life
Students achieve the literacy skills they need to reach their full potential and improved their economic status. The ultimate goal is for Literacy Volunteers to help students in Waldo County achieve their dreams. Accomplishments include a 45-year-old firefighter in Belfast opening his first checking account, a 26-year-old woman in Searsport who has lost her job, starts her own home-based animal care business and increases her income, and a 35-year-old Belmont man starts writing his life story and moves closer to his goal of attending college. Top of Page
Maine Adoption Placement Service
Shelter Services
At MAPS Shelter Services, our goal is to provide a safe environment for homeless, pregnant, and/or parenting women and their children while offering training and resources to help our clients attain life skills that will lead to healthy independent living free from government assistance. Our residents are pregnant and/or parenting women, age 18 or older, who are in need of residential support. Shelter residents are at least seven months pregnant and/or parenting, and at least 18 years old or emancipated. The common denominator is that all residents are committed to making a better life for themselves and their children.
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Maine Mental Health Connections
Together Place Social Club
The greater Bangor area has a larger-than-average per capita number of mentally ill people. This situation is directly related to Bangor's role as a regional hub for northern Maine's mental health services. Many people with severe and persistent mental illnesses live in isolation, loneliness and poverty. These people need a place to go where they can meet friends, find nutritious low-cost meals, and find a sense of belonging and support. Together Place Social Club offers stability and independence for members within the community - a place they can call their own.
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My Friends Place
Memory Loss Day Program
The mission of My Friend's Place is to provide elderly adults who are struggling with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, frailty, social isolation or the after-effects of stroke a safe, supportive and friendly environment that offers life-enriching social and recreational activities and caregiver respite. The program is a licensed, social adult day program designed to offer participants positive and fun activities based on daily themes that give both physical activity and mental stimulation. Trained and sensitive staff and volunteers give care in a supportive setting. The program has served as many as 37 participants and their families, some for a few months and others for several years.
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New Hope For Women
Waldo County Outreach
New Hope for Women provides services in Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties to battered women, their children and all people affected by domestic and dating violence. The organization's commitment is divided equally between direct service and prevention services. The Waldo County Outreach Program has services available to every one in Waldo County affected by domestic or dating violence, whether they are the victim, abuser, family, friend, neighbor or concerned community member. The program includes: a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline; a weekly support group; a batterer intervention program; an emergency shelter; court advocacy and legal information; outreach to the schools; and community education and training. It is the only organization in Waldo County providing such services. All services are free, except for the batterer's program. Top of Page
New Strategies for Youth
The Game Loft
In rural Maine there is a high incidence of social isolation and a lack of opportunity for some youth to engage in activities designed to promote Positive Youth Development. The Game Loft seeks to correct this problem. The most important part of the program is that young people choose to spend their time at the Game Loft for several hours per week over a period of years. As youth spend time at The Game Loft they move to more advancement in their games, and take on more of a leadership role. It is a program that can teach self-awareness, self-management skills, social awareness, social responsibility, and decision-making skills. Top of Page
Old Town-Orono YMCA
Daycare Program
Childcare is a vital service for families that need a safe, healthy place for their children while parents are at school or work. Children need programs that help prepare them to enter school ready to learn and succeed and that assist their social and educational skill development. The Day Care Program offers a full-day, year-long program of stimulating learning experiences in a caring environment. Children ages 2 1/2 to 5 can take part in activities that enhance their development and help them learn new skills and behaviors. The children learn positive life and safety habits; basic educational concepts, such as numbers, letters, shapes, colors; how to follow instructions; and how to function in a school setting. Other fun activities include music, science, swimming, gymnastics, field trips, holiday parties and family events. Top of Page
After School Adventure and Mentor Program
This program provides after-school care for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, is a vital community service for families that need a safe healthy place for their children from school to dinner time. Children are provided with a safe environment and encouraged to develop healthy peer relationships through activities and play. The program provides youth the opportunity to participate in organized activities, sports, and computer time and to receive homework assistance, with an emphasis on leadership and social skill development. Trained staff work closely with parents and provide caring role models for the children. Through the program, children and youth increase their social and educational skills and learn personal responsibility. Top of Page
Parents are Teachers Too
Parents are Teachers Too
Progents Are Teachers Too is a home-visiting program offering information and support to first-time parents of all ages and income levels in Hancock County. The program begins during pregnancy or shortly after the baby's birth. P.A.T.T. is based on two beliefs: 1. The first years of life provide the foundation for all future experiences and 2. Parents are the most important teachers their children will ever have. Top of Page
Penquis
Foster Grandparent Program
Foster Grandparent Program allows people age 60 and over who are low income to volunteer 15-40 hours a week in schools, daycare centers, Head Start centers, hospitals and other sites to work with at-risk youth. It enables seniors to get out of their homes and give back to the community that which they have most -- love and experience. They receive a small stipend for volunteering. The program also helps at-risk children build social and academic skills and experience the love and understanding only a grandparent can give.
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Coastal Retired & Senior Volunteer
To assist individuals and families in preventing, reducing and eliminating poverty in their lives, and, through partnerships, to engage the community in addressing economic and social needs. Seniors who are 55 or over are invited to share their life experiences to help their communities. There are opportunities that are available at established volunteer stations or you can work with us to help establish new opportunities using your personal expertise.Top of Page
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Penquis RSVP seeks partnerships with a variety of organizations in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties in order to offer volunteer positions that suit many needs and interests. RSVP volunteers can choose the amount of time they wish to give, how and where they wish to serve and whether to draw on their current skills or develop new ones. RSVP Volunteers are currently making a difference in their communities by serving in libraries, schools, hospitals, museums, youth programs and more. Top of Page
Health Services
Penquis provides health services to assist individuals and families who are working to reduceor eliminate poverty in their lives. Through partnerships, Penquisengages the community in addressing economic and social needs.Top of Page
Law Program
Penquis Law Project provides civil legal assistance to low-income clients who have experienced domestic violence. Clients are usually in crisis. Often a divorce or separation from their abuser is both a physically dangerous and an emotional time for them. Victims and their families receive legal assistance and referrals to domestic projects for safety and self-sufficiency. Top of Page
Penquis Youth Ideas and Partnership Project
The Youth Ideas and Partnership Project is an opportunity for youth and parents/adults to work together in collaboration to create and implement community service projects. Youth groups meet weekly to brainstorm ideas which would benefit themselves and the community and work to implement their chosen project(s). Each working group is comprised of youth between the ages of 12 and 18 and their parents and/or other adults.
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Penquis Family Self-Sufficiency
The Family Enrichment Services Department mission is to promote physical and emotional health through support, education and appropriate linkages in order that each individual and family reaches optimal social, emotional and financial wellness and self-sufficiency.
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Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Family Advocacy Program
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is a statewide nonprofit with the mission to provide high quality legal assistance to low-income Maine residents with civil legal problems. Using an experienced paralegal advocate, the agency's Homeless Advocacy Program provides monthly outreach, community education and advocacy services to the residents and staff of area homeless shelters in order to secure housing, healthcare, education and public benefits. Shelter residents receive services and benefits to which they are entitled and become more empowered and self-sufficient. It is hoped that they eventually can move out of the shelters and into more stable living circumstances in their local communities.
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Rape Response Services
School Based Prevention Education Program
This is a comprehensive prevention program which uses age-appropriate classroom activities to educate students on such topics as the harmful effects of bullying and sexual harassment, about safe and unsafe touch and consent, the myths of sexual violence, and how to help someone affected by sexual violence. Activities include small group discussions, videos, stories, role-plays and hand-outs. By the end of a presentation, usually a class period in length, students know how to help themselves or to get help for others. They are encouraged to take personal responsibility and to make good choices in relation to their peers and others. Top of Page
Shaw House
Day Program and Basic Center
Shaw House provides the highest quality of youth-focused services and programs designed to prevent and alleviate problems with at-risk groups. Shaw House provides a daytime drop-in center for homeless youth to receive important and needed services seven days a week. Program services include access to necessities, such as food, clothing, showers and medical care; crisis intervention; needs assessment; counseling, referral and linkage to other services; and follow-up. Each child has an individual development plan that is reviewed weekly. Wherever possible, the child will be returned to safe family, if appropriate or other community supports as quickly as possible. Program participants are encouraged to explore their own assets and resources and to set goals and develop an action plan to improve their living, educational and employment circumstances.Top of Page
Youth Emergency Shelter
Shaw House provides the highest quality of youth-focused services and programs designed to prevent and alleviate problems with at-risk groups. Shaw House provides the only emergency shelter for homeless, runaway, or street children in the Bangor area. Shaw House offers young people ages 10-17 a warm place to sleep at night. The shelter is a low-barrier, 16-bed facility that also provides hot showers, food, clothing, supervision and support
Shaw House Streetlight Outreach Program
Shaw House provides the highest quality of youth-focused services and programs designed to prevent and alleviate problems with at-risk groups. Streetlight Outreach connects with runaway, homeless and at-risk children and youth on the streets and on their turf. The program provides them with the support, information, basic-needs assistance and tools to lessen the trauma of street life and to move them toward a healthy life style and a positive future. The outreach van, supplied with food, clothing, personal hygiene items, first aid and safe sex supplies, travels to sites frequented by street youth. Outreach workers offer Shaw House services and community programs and resources to these vulnerable young people in both municipal and rural areas. Top of Page
Spruce Run Association
24 Hour Hotline
Spruce Run is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people affected by domestic abuse and to working to end personal, institutional, and cultural violence. Spruce Run offers a 24-hour crisis hotline available to all people affected by domestic abuse. The hotline connects callers to support, advocacy, safety planning, appropriate referrals and other agency services. Services are free and confidential, and they may be anonymous.
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Support and Education Groups
Spruce Run is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people affected by domestic abuse and to working to end personal, institutional, and cultural violence. Ongoing peer support groups meeting weekly and time-limited education groups offered consecutively provide support, advocacy, safety planning and resource sharing in a safe, confidential environment. Participants, both children and women, are able to interact with both trained facilitators and their peers. Education topics include: dynamics of abuse; types and causes of abuse; coping skills; parenting; self-esteem; and finances. The groups create connection and break isolation while teaching about the dynamic of abuse and how to live a life free of violence. Top of Page
The Housing Foundation
The Sharing Place Childcare Center
The Sharing Place Childcare Center exists to provide stable, safe, healthy, affordable and high quality childcare for children. The center provides accessible childcare so parents can work and get the education or support services they need to move forward with their lives. The infant, toddler, and preschool programs prepare children for successful entry into the formal education system. The most important factor of the program is the ability to attract and retain permanent teachers with strong early education skills and commitment to caring for young children. The program believes that providing children with consistent care from a skilled caregiver is critical to successful cognitive and social development that occurs in the early years. Top of Page
The Next Step
Individual Advocacy
The Next Step Domestic Violence Project is a private, nonprofit organization devoted to serving the needs of people affected by domestic violence through education and social change. Top of Page
Youth Education
The Next Step Domestic Violence Project is a private, nonprofit organization devoted to serving the needs of people affected by domestic violence through education and social change. Program information coming soon! Top of Page
UCP of Maine
Peace Pals
Peace Pals targets children between the ages of three to five years old and is designed for Head Start children who have behavioral and emotional diagnoses which hinder inclusion in mainstream Head Start child care and education. Child care is provided by a team of dedicated professionals who use functional behavior assessments (FBA) to teach children new skills, replacing negative behavior. Peace Pals offers two primary curricula: Creative Curriculum for pre-kindergarten; and Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids. Teachers and family support workers conduct home visitations and then provide intense, positive intervention in the daycare setting. The program integrates psychological and occupational therapy consultation. Top of Page
University of Maine Center on Aging
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Senior Volunteers Responding to Community Needs. Seniors (55+) are invited to share their time, and a lifetime of talents cultivating and investing in their own community by becoming a Senior Volunteer. One participant even said it was "the highlight of her week".
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RSVP Bone Builders
This program uses weights and training materials for classes for older men and women who are at risk for osteoporosis, a bone-diminishing disease that afflicts 28 million Americans, mostly women whose estrogen levels drop after menopause. The use of light ankle weights helps to build muscle strength and bone mass in older people whose muscles and bone strength begin to weaken and diminish as they age. Research has shown that weight training is one of the most effective ways to combat osteoporosis. Top of Page
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) provides opportunities for low-income people at least 60 years old to volunteer. Senior Companion volunteers provide companionship and support to homebound seniors in order to reduce loneliness and isolation and to facilitate independent living. These friendly visitors serve a minimum of 15 hours and visit four to six clients each week. They help homebound elders to remain independent by providing transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies and medical appointments and by helping with such tasks as meal preparation. Volunteers also may provide respite care, which offers relief to caregivers. UMCE manages the program, which serves 13 of Maine's 16 counties. Most Senior Companions serve in Washington, Hancock, and Penobscot counties.
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Waldo County YMCA
Little Learners Preschool
This state certified program provides age appropriate activities within a structured and stimulating environment. Children are involved in a variety of activities such as discovery, gym time, art, science, writing, music and reading. Staff at Waldo County YMCA encourage self-reliance, self-respect, friendliness, cooperation, curiosity, and creativity. Top of Page
Before and After School Childcare
The organization's goal is to make a difference in the lives of children. Accessible and affordable childcare provides a stable environment for children to interact and develop positive peer relationships and to establish strong relationships with adult role models. Waldo County YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Top of Page
After School Teen Center
Waldo County YMCA served more than 100 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 during after school hours this year. The program plans to offer organized trips, such as bowling, whitewater rafting, ski trips, professional baseball and hockey games, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and more. Parents benefit from the programs for safety reasons because they know their children's after school whereabouts. Teen Center and Teen Programs will provide young people opportunities to create new friendships and build relationships within the community. Top of Page
Warren Center For Communication & Learning
Preschool Early Language Development
Since 1961, the Warren Center for Communication & Learning has been helping people of all ages overcome barriers to effective communication by providing licensed, professional services and clinical therapy combined with commitment to caring and support. The Learning Preschool Early Language program is the Warren Center's flagship program, targeting children birth through five years who have communication disorders. Its goal is to help such children so they may enter school ready to learn without need of further speech therapy. The program is supported by professional speech-language pathologists, each child is given a complete clinical evaluation. When therapy is required, a remediation plan is developed and treatment, both individually and in group settings, is provided. The pathologists work closely with families to carry out the goals and objectives. All children are helped regardless of ability to pay for services. Top of Page
Regional Hearing Aid Bank
Since 1961, the Warren Center for Communication & Learning has been helping people of all ages overcome barriers to effective communication by providing licensed, professional services and clinical therapy combined with commitment to caring and support. Part of the agencies work is their Hearing Aid Bank. Hearing aid technology has made tremendous strides in the past decade, becoming more powerful, dependable and much smaller and easier to operate. With these advances, however, they have become much more expensive, ranging from $800 to $4,000. Neither Medicaid nor Medicare covers the cost. The Hearing Aid Bank provides hearing aids to low-income people at minimal cost.
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Washington Hancock Community Agency
Helping Hands Garage
The mission of the Washington Hancock Community Agency is to promote self-sufficiency by helping income-eligible people obtain essential services. Top of Page
Wellspring, Inc.
Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Wellspring is a non-profit agency located in Bangor that has been treating substance abuse for more than 35 years. The agency's goal is to assist through counseling individuals and families suffering from alcohol and drug abuse to change their behaviors, become self-sufficient and reintegrate into their community. Clients must be involved in every state of treatment in order to take ownership of the treatment plan and to follow through for their lifetime. Services include non-residential assessment, diagnosis and treatment, as well as general education about substance abuse and related issues, such as criminal and risk-taking behaviors. The services also are available to families of substance abusers, regardless of whether the abuser is receiving treatment. Top of Page
Womancare/Aegis Association
School Based Services & Prevention
Womancare is dedicated to promoting healthy relationships and supporting youth. A socially active, community-based organization promotes healthy decision-making and fosters opportunities for youth to get involved in eradicating violence from local communities. Its goal is to create a culture where violence no longer is acceptable and victims receive the support they need to become safe and healthy. The agency serves five school districts, affording the opportunity to do intensive training and education with students and faculty. Top of Page |
