CCC Wednesday Communique — August 5, 2020


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Happy Wednesday!

Summer fun at the lake  – photo courtesy of Liz Neptune

In this Newsletter:

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!

New this Week

Name Chosen for Recovery Residence

A name for Washington County’s first recovery residence for women and their children has been selected out of a list of over 70 suggestions sent in by community members in response to our “Name this Recovery Residence” campagin:  “Safe Harbor – a recovery home for women and children.”  This name beautifully captures the mission of the residence, which is to provide a safe, supportive, affordable, living environment for women in recovery. Many thanks to all the community members who responded to the campaign.  The winning name was suggested by Ann O’Brien who received a $50 Visa gift card in appreciation for her contribution.  Continue to watch for future announcements on the opening of the house which is nearing completion.  Donations are still welcome — see the announcement in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter for information on what and how to donate.


Preparing your Kids for School: a live Facebook event

Returning to school this fall — what to expect and how to prepare your kids — has many families concerned.  Join other parents with questions for our clinical director, Julie Redding, on a live Facebook Q & A next Wednesday, August 12th, at 7 pm on the topic of preparing your kids for school.  Link to join will be posted on the CCC’s Facebook page.


Last Chance!!!

Family Futures Downeast’s Cohort 5 for school year 2020-2021 will feature all online remote education for college preparation and for-credit college classes for parents, and remote service delivery for children in our 2 Generation program model.  All participants will be loaned a laptop, a wi-fi hotspot, and other technology to make this possible. Spots are still available at both the University of Maine at Machias and Washington County Community College, and coaching, barrier removal, and other FFD supports will be provided for each participant.  Parents earn at least 15 credits in a contextualized curriculum that also meets core credits at both campuses.  There is no out-of-pocket costs for this program. Text or phone Angela Cox at 207-821-2005, acox@sunrisecounty.org, or apply at www.familyfuturesdowneast.org.


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.  Learn more about this program in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.


Effects of Visitor Restrictions on Older Patients & Families

“It’s happening in hospitals across the world. Visitor restriction policies due to COVID-19 mean hospital patients are feeling increasingly isolated and alone with no family or friends at their bedside. For older patients with dementia, delirium, and cognitive impairment, the restriction of visitors is particularly distressing. And worse, for those critically ill and near the end of life, the idea of dying alone is simply so wrenching it is hard for us to accept as reality.”  Read full article in the July 15, 2020 issue of AARP Blog, by Susan Reinhard, Karen Drenkard, Rita Choula, Alyson Curtis.


Keeping the Faith

The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging will be hosting a follow up conversation with faith leaders across Northern New England  on Thursday, October 8th, 2020, 1 – 2 pm, to hear about how they helped older people stay connected to their communities of faith during COVID-19. In our last conversation on June 17th, we learned ways faith communities are coming together to help keep older people connected to each other and core services during future periods of isolation due to caregiving, illness, or a new outbreak. We welcome you to join this conversation to share how your own faith community has adapted during this time and what reopening looks like in your community.  Click here to register

Updates  

Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation

Working Cars for Working Families

Did you know that DHHS is implementing a pilot program this fall that would offer reliable and affordable transportation for low income Mainers in order to strengthen their ability to keep a job and meet their basic needs? “Working Cars for Working Families” is a program that will be available to families with children who are participants in federally-funded TANF, or the Parents as Scholars program, or those who have gross income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level (that’s the equivalent of $28,888/yr for a family of 3). It is a pilot program that would be reviewed in Spring of 2022 by the Legislature and it might be discontinued based on the outcome.  DHHS recently proposed rules for the new Working Cars for Working Families program. A public hearing on the rulemaking will be held on Monday, August 10, 2020 from 1 – 4 pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will be conducted virtually.  Anyone wishing to attend should join the Microsoft Teams live event accessible online.  Some devices will require that a free app from Microsoft be downloaded prior to joining the event. You can also provide oral testimony and/or listen in by calling 855-797-4357 and selecting option 9 during the hearing.  Maine Equal Justice has written some talking points to help you prepare your testimony. If you have any questions please contact Joby Thoyalil at jthoyalil@mejp.org or at 207-626-7058 x207.



One-Time Events  

Fairs, trainings, conferences and more in the state of Maine

Preparing your Kids for School: a live Facebook event
August 12, 2020

Returning to school this fall — what to expect and how to prepare your kids — has many families concerned.  Join other parents with questions for our clinical director, Julie Redding, on a live Facebook Q & A next Wednesday, August 12th, at 7 pm on the topic of preparing your kids for school.  Link to join will be posted on the CCC’s Facebook page.


Team Up for Your Child
August 20, 2020

G.E.A.R. Parent Network has a special event happening on August 20th, 9 am — 3 pm: “Team Up for Your Child” Presented by Diane Bouffard, CFPS, and Rebecca Williamson, CFPS, Regional Parent Support Coordinators.  Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs can be overwhelming. “Team Up for Your Child” is a step-by-step guide designed to help families navigate confusing service systems and work smarter with doctors, schools, agencies and insurers. When a child has serious behavioral health issues, you suddenly have a team of professionals in your life who provide a variety of services. This team could include doctors, therapists, health workers and teachers but remember that the coach of this team is you – the parent. You are the only one who takes care of the whole child. Learn how to identify your child’s strengths and needs, make sense of reports and evaluations, understand your child’s treatment plan, track your child’s progress and translate the Individualized Education Program.  See flyer for details.  Please feel free to reach out to Shannan Boyorak, Regional Parent Support Coordinator, at sboyorak@crisisandcounseling.org or you can call 1.800.264.9224 to register today!


Building Resilience with Hope

September 15, 2020

Rescheduled from May 5th, the Maine Resilience Building Network, in partnership with UNE’s Center for Excellence in Public Health, invites you to join colleagues from Maine for a one-day conference on HOPE (Healthy Outcomes of Positive Experiences); a framework co-authored by Dr. Robert Sege from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.  The conference will be held on at UNE Portland, Innovation Hall. This daylong session will leave participants, from trainee to experienced practitioners, with new approaches and concrete skills to improve the effectiveness of their work with young children and their families.  All professionals are invited to attend: social workers, public health and healthcare professionals, guidance counselors, educators, child and family advocates, therapists, behavioral health professionals, policy makers and public safety officers. Education credit for this program is pending. Registration Fees: $75 member, $150 non-member, $30 full-time student.  Details and link to register here.


Maine Wisdom Summit

September 16 & 23, 2020

Save the dates of September 16, & 23, 2020 for the Maine Wisdom Summit: Aging Well Through COVID – Supporting Resiliency & Growth in the Midst of a Pandemic. The Summit has moved to a virtual platform and will be held over two days. See draft agenda here.   Registration opening in early August.  Register to exhibit or be a sponsor here, or email/phone jmaurer@mainecouncilonaging.org /207-592-9972 for more information.


Keeping the Faith
October 8, 2020

The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging will be hosting a follow up conversation with faith leaders across Northern New England from 1 – 2 pm to hear about how they helped older people stay connected to their communities of faith during COVID-19. In our last conversation on June 17th, we learned ways faith communities are coming together to help keep older people connected to each other and core services during future periods of isolation due to caregiving, illness, or a new outbreak. We welcome you to join this conversation to share how your own faith community has adapted during this time and what reopening looks like in your community.  Click here to register


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Serial Classes & Groups  

Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Songwriting Workshop For Cancer Survivors

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center and Modulations Therapies are co-hosting a 3-week songwriting workshop in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop is designed to give “non-musicians” with Cancer the opportunity to explore and express how COVID-19 has affected their lives. We are looking for participants who are interested in a collaborative, creative process that will highlight the unique experience of facing a life-threatening illness during this pandemic. We aim to give those who may not otherwise consider themselves “musical” an opportunity to share their voice and strengthen connections with others.  This workshop is sponsored by the Jack Pine Project at the University of Maine, whose purpose is to help people express and record their feelings and stories about Covid-19 through art. Participation is not confidential, but rather a way to publicly share your story and our collective experience. A final composition will be created by the group and shared with the public. The workshop will occur over Zoom, and is scheduled for Wednesdays mornings from 10-11:30 am, starting August 5th. If you are interested in learning more and potentially participating, please contact the Beth C. Wright Center at info@bethwrightcancercenter.org or 664-0339.


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.


Online CRMA Course

Washington County Adult Education invites you to register for an online CRMA (Certified Residential Medication Aide) training every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 — 9:30 pm from September 15th through October 18th presented by Brenda Dugan. The course fee is $395.  Scholarships available from Sunrise County Economic Council (call Jen at 255-0983).  To sign up for the course, please contact Cassidy at 207-370-4139 or email classes@aetc.us.


Virtual read-aloud program
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Porter Memorial Library will offer a free online food-themed reading group for children ages 5–12 and their caregivers.  The program begins Tuesday, July 7, and continues weekly through Aug. 4, from 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. each session.  Each session will feature a read-aloud story and a brief discussion using Zoom. Related recipes, suggestions for activities to try at home, and options for more in-depth nutrition information for adults will also be included.  Register for the free series here. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact rita.stephenson@maine.edu or 207-255-3345.

Eating Your Way

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.

GEAR Summer Workshops & Activities

The GEAR parent network is presenting a host of free webinars this summer for parents/ grandparents/ caregivers/ educators of children with emotional or behavioral health concerns.  See flyer for details.  Contact Shannan Boyorak,
Regional Parent Support Coordinator, with questions or visit the GEAR website or Facebook page.


3 upcoming Virtual Recovery Coach Trainings

Healthy Acadia is holding 3 virtual recovery coach trainings in academic year 2020-2021:

For more information, contact Terri Woodruff.


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.

Cobscook Institute Maker Series

Cobscook Institute has launched a Makers Series free and now open to all ages. Upcoming workshops include Tie-Dye/Bleach-Dye, Bleach “Printing”, and “Patching Clothing for Function & Fashion” Register NOW, so we can get you materials in time for the workshop. Click here for details and registration.


New food preservation webinar series from UMaine Extension

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is launching a food preservation webinar series Tuesday, May 26, at 2 pm, continuing through October 27. “Preserving the Maine Harvest” begins with freezing fiddleheads and making refrigerator spring pickles. The 45-minute sessions will include discussion and demonstration of research-based preserving methods by UMaine Extension food preservation staff. Topics for June include freezing rhubarb and greens, preserving strawberries and herbs, and drinks from the garden. Participants will have the opportunity to be paired with a trained Extension Master Food Preserver volunteer for advice throughout the growing season. A $5 donation is suggested for each webinar; payment is not required to participate. Registration is available on the program webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kate McCarty, 207.781.6099; kate.mccarty@maine.edu


50 Downeast Family Gardens

Please encourage families to sign up for this garden project coordinated by Elin MacKinnon.  Participants who sign up for a garden receive emailed links to instructional videos and updates on where to get seeds and other supplies locally. 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 WarmLineRead 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.


UMaine Health Connection Chats

The University of Maine Center on Aging is holding a series of free Zoom/phone chats featuring live, practical information and tips for staying health for Maine’s 60+ citizens and other high risk residents during COVID-19.  The series will be broadcast on Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm beginning April 15th. Download the schedule. Sessions will be recorded and be made available here.


DCP Early Childhood Programs
DCP is currently enrolling in their 2020-2021 program year for child care, Head Start, Pre-K, and early Head Start child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.  Please see flyer for more information.  They are also currently enrolling for the full year childcare programs at the Flaherty ECEC and St. Croix ECEC sites here in Washington County.  Contact Diane Briggs for more information about the full year programs.

Health Equity Dialogues – Via Zoom Only

The University of Maine at Augusta is hosting a speaker series every Thursday from 12 – 1 pm during the Spring Semester to convene and connect scholars, community members and healthcare practitioners across disciplinary and professional divides to work on high-priority community health challenges in Maine. These events will be taking place online via Zoom for the remainder of the semester as on-site locations are no longer available. Please visit their facebook page for more info and to RSVP.


CAN Council Groups

For play groups and classes, go to the Washington County CAN Prevention Council’s facebook page for up-to-the-minute info.


Caregivers Facebook Group

The CCC is launching a private facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – professional caregivers like RNs and CNAs, and informal caregivers like family members providing care for a spouse, parent, specials needs child, sibling or the neighbor across the street.  Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources.  Use this link to join.

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Standing Meetings & Calendars

Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules 

Farmers’ Markets Calendar

 Healthy Acadia has published a list of Washington County Farmers’ Markets and other Local Markets that you can download here.


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 June meeting. Register to attend the August 5th meeting.  Read the meeting agenda.  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.

Last Chance!!!

Family Futures Downeast’s Cohort 5 for school year 2020-2021 will feature all online remote education for college preparation and for-credit college classes for parents, and remote service delivery for children in our 2 Generation program model.  All participants will be loaned a laptop, a wi-fi hotspot, and other technology to make this possible. Spots are still available at both the University of Maine at Machias and Washington County Community College, and coaching, barrier removal, and other FFD supports will be provided for each participant.  Parents earn at least 15 credits in a contextualized curriculum that also meets core credits at both campuses.  There is no out-of-pocket costs for this program. Text or phone Angela Cox at 207-821-2005, acox@sunrisecounty.org, or apply at www.familyfuturesdowneast.org.


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.


Food Distribution Continues Weekly through August

Free distribution of food for all Washington County residents continues through August at specific locations, dates and times – see flyer for details.


Director of Human Resources for Downeast Community Partners

Downeast Community Partners is seeking candidates for the role of Director of Human Resources for the downeast office.  This role is responsible for planning, managing and evaluating the human resource programs that support agency goals and objectives.  The HR Director will oversee all human resource programs while maintaining a personnel system that is compliant with all related laws and is fair and transparent to employees. The HR Director is a member of the senior management team reporting directly to the Executive Director. Read full job description here. Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: Downeast Community Partners, Attn: Human Resource, P.O. Box 648, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or go to our website to download an application


Downeast Director Sought for Maine Seacoast Mission

The Mission has created a new position based in Cherryfield at the Downeast Campus and we hope that you will help us spread the word.  The Downeast Director will lead the initiative to integrate the Mission’s efforts in a multi-generational, place-based, and strength-based partnership supporting children, their families, and community, working with Isaac Marnik and Wendy Harrington to integrate the Mission’s Downeast programs that address education, food security, housing rehabilitation, and community building.  We are looking for someone with at least ten years leadership experience in program work. We believe this is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to working with people’s strengths in Washington County, and we offer excellent salary and benefits. More information about the position can be found on our website.

If you know of anyone who might be intrigued by this new position, please feel free to forward this email or ask them to contact our Director of Administration, Ann Cox Halkett. Or you could send their name to Ann and she’ll contact them.


   Donations needed for Women’s Recovery Residence

As Healthy Acadia and partners work towards welcoming women and their children into the new recovery home in a few short weeks, they are seeking donations of new or gently used items, or monetary donations to help  purchase these needed items. We value the commitment our community has extended to support recovery efforts in Washington County, and we greatly appreciate any support you may be able to give.  Items needed to help make this house into a home can be viewed here. Item donations can be dropped off at the Downeast Recovery Support Centers (M-F 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at 11 Free St., Machias, or 311 Main St., Calais. Pick-up can also be arranged. Donations of funds can be made at healthyacadia.org/donate (please write ‘Recovery House’ in the notes section of your check), or by mailing a check to Healthy Acadia, 140 State Street, Ellsworth, ME, 04605.


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.


Seeking Recovery Residence Staff

Healthy Acadia seeks individuals to join us in building a dynamic team passionate about building safe, supportive recovery housing for women and children in Machias, Maine. Full- and part-time options are available. We will create a staffing model that works for the right individual(s). supportive recovery housing for women and children in Machias, Maine. Candidates should have a passion for supporting people in recovery, good communication skills, and the ability to motivate others. Preference will be given to individuals in sustained recovery who have a solid understanding of local recovery-related resources. Staff will be provided with a room onsite at the
residence during overnight shifts.  See full job description here.


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 Extend 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.


Zoom/tech Coaching

Need help connecting online while physically distancing. Cobscook Institute staff are available to help you stay connected through online platforms such as Zoom. To access this service, fill out this form or contact Daphne: 207-733-2233 ext. 315.


Project ReachOut

Maine Seacoast Mission’s Project ReachOut was highlighted in WABI-TV’s April 24 report. Our initiative is based on the idea that we are all better off when we connect. Through Project ReachOut, Mission staff and volunteers make phone-calls to families in the EdGE program, seniors, residents of the unbridged islands, and other households in the Mission service area.

In this moment of profound isolation, the calls offer anything from the hello of a familiar voice, to an antidote for loneliness, to the first step in getting food. As WABI-TV put it, “The Maine Seacoast Mission has found a way to still be a positive voice for members of the Downeast community.”

As of May 1, Project ReachOut’s 39 callers have touched base with over 400 families and individuals. The Mission is still training and adding volunteer callers so we can reach another 1,000 families that we work with through our various services. You can help. Please fill out and submit your volunteer application online here. Or email resources@seacoastmission.org or call 207-546-5860 to request a volunteer application.


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.


COVID-19 Rental Relief Program

Maine Housing has started a new program, the MaineHousing COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, for renters who cannot afford to pay their rent due to circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. Downeast Community Partners is administering this program in Washington and Hancock Counties and will help renters apply.  Call 207-664-2424 option 5.  Read DCP’s press release about this program.  The program is designed to provide a one-time rental assistance payment of up to $500 for residential and commercial renters.  If the landlord agrees to participate in the program, the landlord is postponing the balance of the payment, not forgiving it. In addition, the landlord is agreeing not to evict the renter for non-payment of rent during the month in which the rental relief payment is made.  Renters who already receive any kind of direct or indirect Federal/State subsidy are not eligible.  There are no immigration/citizenship status requirements and there does not appear to be any required documentation of eligibility.  Download an application form and visit Maine State Housing Authority for more information about this program.


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!


PTLA Available to Help
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is open to the public by phone and accepting new cases for representation and advice. As always, please feel free to refer those whom you feel are in need of Pine Tree’s services to either Atty Ross Argir at 552-3102 or Debi Berthiaume in the Machias Office at 400-3248. We have also added a COVID-19 specific page to our website with answers to commonly asked COVID-19 legal questions.

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.”


Census 2020 – FAQs
The CCC is part of the Washington County Census Coalition working with the Census Bureau to help recruit temporary Census workers and to encourage everyone in Washington County to be counted so our Census data is as accurate as possible.  We depend on this data for reporting, grant writing, promoting programs and services, and many other projects, and the data itself directly corresponds to how much federal dollars our schools, programs and services receive.  Please share this 2020 Census FAQ fact sheet with partners, colleagues and clients, along with this safety fact sheet on how Census data received from respondents is safe and confidential.   Did you know that every Census Bureau employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life? Or did you know that by law, your census responses cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way?  Learn the facts and share them!

 EMDC Workforce Development Services
Connect with EMDC staff for employment and training assistance to eligible individuals in EMDC’s five county service area. For assistance in Washington County call Amanda Smith at 951-2349 or email asmith@emdc.org, or call Samantha Giasson at 951-0832 or email Samantha.Giasson@emdc.org if you’ve worked in agriculture/farm work in the last two years.  Additional information can be found here.

Free Financial Coaching

Thanks to support from Downeast Community Partners, Joseph Connors has been able to continue offering free coaching on any financial matter to individuals and families in Washington County, following the termination of this program at the end of March by the Consumer Protection Bureau.  To make an appointment with Joe, call him at 207-598-5657 or email  joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org.

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Favorite Resources  

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

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.

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!

The mission of the CCC is to nurture and sustain collaboration that expands resources and results in greater hope, health and wellbeing for Washington County people.

Contact: Christine Laurel, Communication & Training Coordinator
Community Caring Collaborative

PO Box 224, East Machias, ME 04630
Phone: 207-249-3318
Fax: 207-835-4500

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