CCC Wednesday Communique — January 13, 2021


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Happy Wednesday!

Why should we love our enemies? The first reason is fairly obvious. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness implies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “love your enemies” [Matt 5:44], he is setting forth a profound and utterly inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies –or else?

— Martin Luther King, Jr., from Strength to Love, published in 1963.

In this Newsletter:

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New this Week

PCDC Trauma-Informed Care Webinar, Round 2

Primary Care Development Corporation presented a Trauma-Informed Care webinar in September.  Some of you also participated in the Ambassador Program which involved small-group cohorts taking a deeper dive into trauma-informed care and how to incorporate it into your work. After listening to your feedback, we’ve decided to host a 2nd trauma-informed care webinar on January 27 from 8 — 9:30 am on Zoom. This webinar will include a review of what was presented during the 1st trauma-informed care webinar and will then focus on next steps to implement trauma-informed care and potential barriers to implementation of trauma-informed care.  See flyer for details.  Register here.


Child Care Business Lab

CEI is starting an intensive 6-month program to help people interested in starting a child care business in selected counties, including Washington. The program, which starts in March, is called the Child Care Business Lab: we integrate small business start-up education with child care management techniques and coaching through the licensing process.  Access to capital in the form of loans is also available. The Child Care Business Lab consists of formal workshops delivered via video, an online, on-demand component, live panels with existing child care providers who provide “been there / done that” insight – and participants work one-on-one with a business advisor and a child care mentor to tailor plans that work for them and their community. CEI Business Advisor Ruth Feldman encourages people to “take a look at the Child Care Business Lab website and let me know if you have any questions. (My colleague @Cynthia Murphy (cynthia.murphy@ceimaine.org), who runs the program, is also happy to answer questions.) I hope you’ll consider applying!” Ruth can be reached at Ruth.Feldman@ceimaine.org.


Community Circle Series

Teens and young adults are invited to a series of community circles hosted on Zoom by different community organizations once a month between January 21st and April 22nd as a space for people to connect, share their experiences, and imagine the future.  See flyer for details.


Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and University of New Hampshire Extension will offer a webinar about lighting options for growing indoor plants and seedlings from 6–7 p.m. Jan. 27.  Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting for home gardeners will discuss the different properties of light, how plants use it, and how artificial light can improve indoor growing conditions. UNH Extension field specialist Jonathan Ebba will lead the workshop.  Registration is required; a $5 donation is optional. Register on the event webpage to attend live or receive a link to the recording. This is the second in a six-part winter gardening webinar series offered every other Wednesday through March. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest, 207-781-6099; pamela.hargest@maine.edu.


Enrichment Classes with Washington County Adult Education

Washington County Adult Education & Axiom Education & Training Center is offering a slate of enrichment classes including Readers’ Theater, Memoir Writing, Should I Self-Publish My Book, and more.  Browse their Winter/Spring 2021 catalog.


Updates  

Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation

MSCM Christmas Program Success

Responding to the challenges of pandemic fears and mandates, Maine Seacoast Mission staff and volunteers flexed their creative muscle to support over 1,000 people through their Christmas program.  In MSCM’s January issue of Mission Stories of Outer Islands & Coastal Downeast Maine Towns, Wendy Harrington, Director of Service Programs for the Downeast Campus, is interviewed about the program and has this to say:

“In November the local instances of Covid increased. I decided we had to work in pods. Nobody could work together. We had three pods working separately, communicating only by phone or video. It was challenging at first, but the staff and volunteers figured it out. They really had to reinvent the Christmas program to adjust to the challenges.

“I think the significant part of this year,” continued Wendy, “is that we tried to maintain what we had built for the Christmas program — parent choice for their children’s gifts. The old in-person way we did the Elves Workshop was impossible. Instead, we created a virtual shopping experience.”

“More often than not it was a video conference. We used every platform there was. We did Zoom, Facebook Live, and Face-time, and phone calls. One of our elves would walk around the gift displays, talking with the parent, showing them the available gifts.

“Nothing replaces that personal connection, but it came pretty close,” said Wendy. Indeed. “Everybody at the Mission rallied around the Christmas program to help. That’s another important piece of how the Mission is,” Wendy continued.

The whole Mission Christmas tradition was carried on with the white wrapping paper tied with red string. “This year in particular,” said Wendy, “anything wrapped was wrapped in the white paper with red string.

“We were filling orders until December 23rd. We really try to fulfill the requests, those Christmas dreams kids and elders have asked for. That’s another hallmark of our program.”



One-Time Events  

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

Call Them by Their Names

January 13, 2021

The Downeast Rainbow Alliance is holding a virtual event that takes a deep look into the importance of using affirming pronouns for gender non-conforming youth.  Call Them by Their Names is designed to support folks who would like to improve their Allyship to LGBT2Q+ community members. Educators, Healthcare Workers & Social Service Providers are all encouraged to attend to create open & affirming environments at their workplaces. The session is also open to family & friends of queer youth who would like to better support their loved one. The Community Caring Collaborative will be co-hosting this Zoom event from 3 — 4:30 pm.  Register here.


PCDC Trauma-Informed Care Webinar, Round 2
January 27, 2021

Primary Care Development Corporation presented a Trauma-Informed Care webinar in September.  Some of you also participated in the Ambassador Program which involved small-group cohorts taking a deeper dive into trauma-informed care and how to incorporate it into your work. After listening to your feedback, we’ve decided to host a 2nd trauma-informed care webinar on January 27 from 8 — 9:30 am on Zoom. This webinar will include a review of what was presented during the 1st trauma-informed care webinar and will then focus on next steps to implement trauma-informed care and potential barriers to implementation of trauma-informed care.  See flyer for details.  Register here.

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Serial Classes & Groups  

Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and University of New Hampshire Extension will offer a webinar about lighting options for growing indoor plants and seedlings from 6–7 p.m. Jan. 27.  Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting for home gardeners will discuss the different properties of light, how plants use it, and how artificial light can improve indoor growing conditions. UNH Extension field specialist Jonathan Ebba will lead the workshop.

Registration is required; a $5 donation is optional. Register on the event webpage to attend live or receive a link to the recording. This is the second in a six-part winter gardening webinar series offered every other Wednesday through March. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest, 207-781-6099; pamela.hargest@maine.edu.


Community Circle Series

Teens and young adults are invited to a series of community circles hosted on Zoom by different community organizations once a month between January 21st and April 22nd as a space for people to connect, share their experiences, and imagine the future.  See flyer for details.


AETC Winter/Spring 2021 Catalog

Washington County Adult Education/Axiom Education & Training Center offers a variety of courses from HiSET Prep to High School Diploma, College Transitions, Career and College Advising, and much more! Download our winter/spring 2021 catalog of courses.  we are currently offering remote learning to all students.  Visit our website to browse our courses, call our office, 207-370-4139, or email     classes@aetc.us for more information.


Monday Night Music

Cobscook Institute’s longstanding Monday Night Music Circle is taking place weekly over Zoom during the pandemic. Community members near and far are invited to drop-in to participate or simply listen. Staff is available to provide tech support for anyone that needs it. Details here.


Making in Place: A Creative Project Meeting Across Isolation

Cobscook Institute is offering this intensive to empower artists/creatives over the course of 8 weeks to deepen their creative practice and draw on inspiration of community and place. This series is led by Eastport artist and educator, Anne Shields Hopkins. Anne will act as artistic coach, providing creative prompts and facilitating reflection. Making in Place will actively cultivate group process and peer support. This series will culminate in a COVID-safe, group event. Artists of any discipline and level of experience are encouraged to participate. Musicians, Wordsmiths, Handcrafters, Visual Artists, Performers will find a creative home in this circle. This space aims to be inclusive and supportive across discipline, age, and cultures. We are limited in class size and encourage you to enroll early for this free project funded by The Maine Arts Commission. Details and Registration here or contact Daphne Loring: (207) 266-5895 daphne@cobscookinstitute.org.


GEAR Upcoming Events and Winter Quarterly Flyer

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network has many workshops and learning opportunities for winter/spring 2021.  See their Winter Quarterly Flyer for details.  There are  a two ways for you to register: 1) You can register online or call 1-800-264-9224.


Online CRMA Class

 Do you want to increase your skills? As a CRMA you can work in assisted living or group homes administrating medications.  Washington County Adult Ed is offering a great training to either get you started in the health care profession or advance your skills. This will be an online class except for the mock med pass at the end. Class Dates: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from January 12th to February 11th, Time: 5:30 PM- 9:30PM. Location: Online/Zoom – A computer and an internet connection is required.  Instructor: Brenda Duggan.  Fee: $395 (scholarships are available from Sunrise County Economic Council. Call Jen @ 255-0983).  To sign up please contact Cassidy @ 207-370-4139 or email classes@aetc.us.

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.


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.


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.


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.

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.

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.


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 

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.  Our next meeting is February 3rd – register here.  Notes from January’s meeting coming soon. 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.

Nominations sought for Norman W. Duzen community service award

The Washington County Extension Association seeks nominations for the 2021 Norman W. Duzen Volunteer Award, honoring a Washington County resident whose volunteerism has enhanced the lives of community members. Norman W. Duzen had a special place in his heart for the people of Washington County and donated many hours of his time to make their lives better. University of Maine Cooperative Extension Washington County staff and the WCEA Executive Committee established the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award in his honor. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 5. Nominee forms and more information are available on the award webpage or by contacting  207-255-3345; tara.a.wood@maine.edu.


Modern Masculinity Training Institute Survey 

Cobscook Institute is pleased to partner with Maine Boys to Men  for a two-day  Modern Masculinity Training Institute available tuition-FREE to Washington Count youth-serving professionals & community members in the winter/spring of 2021.  Cobscook Institute is seeking input regarding the format and schedule.  Please fill out this survey to help us plan!  Learn more about the institute here.


Survey on Opioid and Stimulant Use Patterns

Healthy Acadia is conducting a local assessment in order to prioritize efforts to reduce opioid and stimulant misuse among individuals ages 12 and older as part of our Substance Prevention Services programming funded by Maine Prevention Services, a Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Initiative. This survey is designed to understand opioid and stimulant misuse and related consequences in Hancock and Washington Counties.  When filling out the survey, please do not share personal information about your own use behaviors or other confidential information. Please do feel free to share this survey link with others. Thank you for your participation.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Maria Donahue at maria@healthyacadia.org


CHCS Job Openings in WC

Community Health & Counseling Services has the following job openings in Washington County:
  • Peer Specialist
  • The Resource Parent Care Team Specialist
  • CRW-I (Community Rehabilitation Worker)

SUD Patient Navigator

The Regional Medical Center at Lubec Northern Maine HIV Program is excited to add a new staff member to the team and tailor this outreach service to meet the needs of people living in Washington County. If you know someone who is passionate about reducing overdose deaths in our community and supporting those wishing to begin their journey of recovery, please pass this along and feel free to contact Erica Famous, Director of HIV Programs, with any questions.  Read Job description here.


Get up to Speed

The Maine Broadband Coalition is launching a statewide speed test mapping initiative. The goal of the “Get Up To Speed” initiative is to gather data from across the state to generate the most comprehensive map of both the presence and quality of internet in Maine to date.  Residents are being asked to help the initiative by taking this less-than-a-minute test to map their own speed through the Maine Broadband Coalition’s website. We strongly encourage you to share this link with your community, so that we can get the most accurate map possible. The Maine Broadband Coalition will aggregate, document, and visualize the speed testing information to provide users and state officials with up-to-date service maps. Participants can view their results (while personal information remains confidential) and watch the public map of Maine grow in real time.

Assistant Pre-school Teacher

Downeast Community Partners is seeking a full-time Assistant Preschool Teacher, 40 Hours per week, 51-weeks per year for the Ellsworth Early Care and Education Center.  Read the full job description with application instructions here.


“Swab and send” site at UMM

The University of Maine at Machias is becoming the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ newest “swab and send” site, providing free COVID-19 tests to people who think they need a test, regardless of symptoms and without the need for a referral from a health provider.

Testing will be available on Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. starting, Nov. 23 and will continue at the Machias campus through at least the week of Jan. 25, 2021, when in-person instruction resumes across the University of Maine System for the spring semester. Appointments are required and will be available via online scheduling starting Nov. 19; visit the Keep Maine Healthy website for more information.

The campus-based testing center will have the capacity to conduct an average of 150 tests per week and will send specimens to the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory in Augusta.

In addition to the swab and send agreement with DHHS, the testing at UMM is made possible through another agreement the University of Maine System reached with the Maine Emergency Management Agency to coordinate requests for assistance and deployment of resources in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.


Q+ Youth connect on Discord

The Downeast Rainbow Alliance (DRA) and Healthy Acadia have joined together to create a new forum for LGBT2Q+ youth, ages13-22, to connect. “Downeast Q+ Discord” is available 24 hours a day for peer to peer support. Discord is a secure online server that is often used as a communication tool for gaming communities. There are youth and adult moderators present in the space for safety. Q+ youth need open and affirming environments and time and time again we find that our schools are not able to create a reliable network of Q+ youth,” says Anne Shields Hopkins, lead administrator for the DRA. “Being affirmed of your identity as LGBT2Q+ can literally be life saving. This project is being created out of that need.”  Join the server or contact Corrie Hunkler with questions.


Narcan by Mail

Healthy Acadia is now offering free Narcan through the mail (or a person can schedule a time to pick it up).  Use this link to a Google form to request this service.  Please share this information.


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.


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.


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.


   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.


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!


 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. 

Child Care Business Lab

CEI is starting an intensive 6-month program to help people interested in starting a child care business in selected counties, including Washington. The program, which starts in March, is called the Child Care Business Lab: we integrate small business start-up education with child care management techniques and coaching through the licensing process.  Access to capital in the form of loans is also available. The Child Care Business Lab consists of formal workshops delivered via video, an online, on-demand component, live panels with existing child care providers who provide “been there / done that” insight – and participants work one-on-one with a business advisor and a child care mentor to tailor plans that work for them and their community. CEI Business Advisor Ruth Feldman encourages people to “take a look at the Child Care Business Lab website and let me know if you have any questions. (My colleague @Cynthia Murphy (cynthia.murphy@ceimaine.org), who runs the program, is also happy to answer questions.) I hope you’ll consider applying!” Ruth can be reached at Ruth.Feldman@ceimaine.org.


Connecting with Opportunities

Eastern Maine Development Corporation would like your help sharing the exciting news about Maine’s Connecting with Opportunities Initiative.  This initiative is focused on addressing the opioid crisis by providing support, encouragement and financial resources to people impacted (personally or indirectly) by opioid use disorder.  We have lots of resources right now. We need participants.  This initiative is also available to unemployed workers who haven’t been impacted by opioid use disorder, but want to play a role in addressing the opioid crisis. For these non-impacted individuals, the career paths are focused in the substance use disorder treatment, mental health or recovery fields.  Connecting with Opportunities complements Maine’s other workforce development offerings, such as the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) program. If you know anyone who could benefit from financial assistance and a supportive team to start school, enter a training program or move directly into meaningful employment, please contact Doug Dunbar by e-mail (ddunbar@emdc.org) or calling 207-299-5626. He’s ready to take referrals and welcomes the chance to provide a brief presentation to businesses and organizations. Referrals can also be sent to opportunitygrant@emdc.org.


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.


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.

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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