CCC Wednesday Communique — May 20, 2020


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Happy Wednesday!

One of “23 Photos That Prove Cows Are Too Adorable for Words
by Kalie Coleman, courtesy of Best Life

In this Newsletter:

New this Week

 

Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches

Healthy Acadia is excited to offer a free online CCAR training, Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches,” 9 am to 2 pm on June 3 & 4th.  Download a flyer for details.  Register here.


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. 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.  Learn more in the Serial Classes section of this newsletter.


Building Your Brand – a free workshop for Washington County businesses

Do you own or work for a Washington County, Maine business?  If so, you are welcome to attend this free workshop on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 10 to 11:30 am. Presented by Ashley Hinson Dhakal, a graphic design and marketing consultant based in Calais, this session will help you understand that a strong brand is critical to the success of any business or organization, and it’s much more than having a memorable logo.  Special focus will be placed on how participants can use this knowledge to promote their brand online.  Register here.


Coping with the COVID-19: Issues for Caregivers 

Join WellMed for this 11 am webinar as they continue their discussion on how to cope during the COVID-19 outbreak, and how to safely transition into a new normal. Lucy Barylak, MSW and Dr. Elliot Sklar will talk about the most recent updates and issues impacting caregivers, and answer questions on how to stay safe and healthy in these unprecedented times. Due to the large number of people participating on the call, please submit questions to caregiversos@wellmed.netTo register, call (866) 390-6491 toll free, or  www.caregiverteleconnection.org.


Peer Connector

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is hiring a Peer Connector in Washington County to assist individuals impacted by Opioid Use Disorder connect with education, training and employment. Those who are interested in the position can contact EMDC Workforce Development Specialist Doug Dunbar at ddunbar@emdc.org.  Read the  full job description hereDeadline to apply is Friday, May 29th!


Programming at Cobscook Institute

  • 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.
  • Make Your Own Backpacking/Camp Stove. Open to all ages. June 9th, 6 pm. Michael Giudilli will teach participants how to make soda can stoves. These stoves are functional, versatile, light-weight for camping and travel, and can be made with common household items. Please register in advance and we will send you instructions on how to attend over Zoom.
  • Organic Orcharding Workshop (virtual): Pests and Diseases in the Summer Orchard in partnership with MOFGA. June 11th, 5 to 7 pm. Join C.J. Walke, MOFGA’s Agricultural Specialist, Downeast Maine, for tips on how to address pest and disease problems that may arise in your orchard this summer. C.J. will share pest practices in summer orchard care to help you ensure that your trees are in good shape for a successful harvest in the fall. Workshop is sliding scale. Contact Daphne for scholarship info: daphne@cobscookinstitute.org 207.733.2233 ext. 315.

Click here for details and registration for the above programs.


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.


USDA has extended 3 National waivers through August 31

DOE Child Nutrition shares that the waiver extensions are for:

  • Non-Congregate Feeding: FNS is allowing meals to be served to children outside of the normally-required group setting to support social distancing.
  • Parent Pickup: FNS is allowing parents and/or guardians to pick up meals and bring them home to their children.
  • Meal Times: FNS is waiving requirements that meals be served at certain standard times to allow for grab-n-go options. This also allows for multiple days-worth of meals to be provided at once.

Child Nutrition is still waiting to hear on a few more Maine state specific waivers we have applied for, including area eligibility. More information will be provided on this when we know. In the meantime, SFSP sponsors who traditionally qualify to operate in the summer months can begin planning accordingly.


Farmers’ Markets Calendar

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


National Digital Equity Center

Learn about Free online classes and the Tablet HotSpot Program offered by the National Digital Equity Center in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.


Updates  

Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation

Maine Equal Justice Update on SNAP

We want to share our new resources for Mainers who are eligible to sign up for SNAP, and for parents whose kids are missing out on free and reduced school lunch who will get more help soon. Plus, you can always find all our food security resources on our COVID-19 site.

SNAP (federally funded food assistance) is our country’s most effective solution to hunger. It’s vitally important that everyone who is qualified for SNAP signs up. Print or share our new poster about signing up for SNAP during COVID-19!

During May and June, more than 25,000 Maine families, including 45,000 children will get extra SNAP benefits to help make up for free or reduced meals lost at schools. This help will come from the Pandemic EBT Program (P-EBT).  Read our guide on extra SNAP benefits for kids whose schools are closed

SNAP benefits are a lifeline, but we also know all these changes can be confusing and that sometimes it’s hard to get answers from DHHS about your situation. We’re here to help. Our legal services team can talk with you about food assistance, MaineCare, TANF, General Assistance, rental assistance, and unemployment insurance. You can use this contact form to leave us a message.



One-Time Events  

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

Please consult with the organizations hosting the following events for up-to-date information on cancellations and postponements

Coping with the COVID-19: Issues for Caregivers 
May 27, 2020

Join WellMed for this 11 am webinar as they continue their discussion on how to cope during the COVID-19 outbreak, and how to safely transition into a new normal. Lucy Barylak, MSW and Dr. Elliot Sklar will talk about the most recent updates and issues impacting caregivers, and answer questions on how to stay safe and healthy in these unprecedented times. Due to the large number of people participating on the call, please submit questions to caregiversos@wellmed.netTo register, call (866) 390-6491 toll free, or  www.caregiverteleconnection.org.


Building Your Brand – a free workshop for Washington County businesses
May 28, 2020

Do you own or work for a Washington County, Maine business?  If so, you are welcome to attend this free workshop on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 10 to 11:30 am. Presented by Ashley Hinson Dhakal, a graphic design and marketing consultant based in Calais, this session will help you understand that a strong brand is critical to the success of any business or organization, and it’s much more than having a memorable logo.  Special focus will be placed on how participants can use this knowledge to promote their brand online.  Register here.


Virtual Recovery Coaching Basics
May 28, 2020

Healthy Acadia is offering a free Recovery Coaching Basics class on May 28th from 9 am — 2 pm. This training is based on the CCAR flagship training, the Recovery Coach Academy. This curriculum provides a basic introductory version of  Recovery Coaching, helping those who want a general understanding of the recovery process to support their loved ones, friends and colleagues. See above flyer for details and registration.


Impacts of Domestic Violence on Families
June 3, 2020

Join the CCC on June 3rd from 11:00 am — 12:30 pm for a Zoom presentation by Next Step Community Educator, Cheyenne Robinson-Bauman.  Get the basics of domestic violence plus its impacts on families, including how financial tensions can trigger situations of DV, and explore ways of supporting families to address DV.  Cheyenne will also discuss best practices for safely communicating with families using social media and other technology — especially important during this time when so many of us are connecting virtually.  Registration is required to join this meeting.  Once you register, you will receive the full Zoom invitation.  Please join early to make sure all your settings are working.


Make Your Own Backpacking/Camp Stove
June 9, 2020

Cobscook Institute class open to all ages. June 9th, 6 pm. Michael Giudilli will teach participants how to make soda can stoves. These stoves are functional, versatile, light-weight for camping and travel, and can be made with common household items. Please register in advance and we will send you instructions on how to attend over Zoom. Click here for details and registration.


Pests and Diseases in the Summer Orchard 
June 11, 2020

Cobscook Institute presents an organic orcharding workshop (virtual) in partnership with MOFGA on June 11th, 5 to 7 pm. Join C.J. Walke, MOFGA’s Agricultural Specialist, Downeast Maine, for tips on how to address pest and disease problems that may arise in your orchard this summer. C.J. will share pest practices in summer orchard care to help you ensure that your trees are in good shape for a successful harvest in the fall. Workshop is sliding scale. Click here for details and registration. Contact Daphne for scholarship info: daphne@cobscookinstitute.org 207.733.2233 ext. 315.


Maine Geriatrics Conference

June 11 &12, 2020 – this event has been postponed to next year

New Date: June 10 & 11, 2021. The Maine Geriatrics Conference Planning Committee sincerely hope you are healthy and of sound mind!! This wish is extended to your loved ones, friends, and communities!
1.    All paid registrants will receive a refund. If you paid by credit card, the refund will go back on your card. This may take a few days. If you paid by check, a refund will come from the University of New England. Please bear with us as we navigate this process. If you made your own overnight reservations, don’t forget to call the hotel and cancel!
2.    All paid sponsors and exhibitors may either apply your sponsorship/exhibitor fees to NEXT YEAR – confirming for a space for June 2021 or request a refund of your payment. Regardless of which you choose we will be in touch again next year.
3.    All presenters will be contacted directly – please stay tuned. Our hope is that each will be able to commit to do the same session(s) next year.


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, 2020
Save the date of September 16, 2020 for the Maine Wisdom Summit with keynote Speaker, Kathy Greenlee, former Assistant Secretary for Aging.  Kathy has a deep expertise in the areas of aging, long-term care, disability, elder abuse, health care, and community service innovation. She will offer participants a national perspective on health and community reform efforts and partnerships that are working to increase the health and well-being of older people. We are thrilled to have her join us this year!  Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Summit.  Register to exhibit or be a sponsor here, or email/phone jmaurer@mainecouncilonaging.org /207-592-9972 for more information.

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Serial Classes & Groups  

Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

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.


Online Nutrition Series for Washington County families

The 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. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact rita.stephenson@maine.edu or 207-255-3345.


Virtual Recovery Coach Academy

Healthy Acadia is offering 2 free, online Recovery Coach Academy trainings from 9 am –1 pm in both May and June.  See link to flyer above for details and registration.


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.


Online CNA Course with Machias Clinicals

Axiom Education & Training Center is partnering with First Atlantic Corporation to hold an online CNA course with clinicals at their facility in Machias – Marshall Healthcare.  May 15th is the deadline to apply.  Learn more in this flyer.


GEAR Parent Network May Webinars/Family Activities

Please note that our previously scheduled events in May for the Children’s Mental Health Awareness: At the State House Hall of Flags and at Bangor and Augusta Children’s Discovery Museums have been cancelled.  As an alternative we are offering:

  • two fun family friendly activity based webinars – see flyer.
  • Parenting with Dignity webinar on Tuesdays, 9-12 – see flyer.
  • webinar based parent support group to allow a space for parents to vent, share and learn from each other and to know they are not alone (see flyer).  That weekly support group begins next Wednesday 1-3 p.m. through the end of June. (continuance beyond this date will be based on participation).
GEAR staff are available to register for any of these events – call 1-800-264-9224.

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.


Downeast Public Health Council Meetings

Meeting Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/122006189
Phone: (786) 535-3211 – One-touch: tel:+17865353211,,122006189#; Access Code: 122-006-189


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.  The Downeast Regional Community of Practice will be meeting from 6pm – 7:30 pm on the following dates in May and June:

•    Monday, June 1
•    Monday, June 15
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.  Notes from May meeting coming soon.  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.  Register in advance to join the next meeting on June 3rd at this link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting, including a number to join by phone if internet accessibility is an issue. 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.

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.


Peer Connector

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) is hiring a Peer Connector in Washington County to assist individuals impacted by Opioid Use Disorder connect with education, training and employment. Those who are interested in the position can contact EMDC Workforce Development Specialist Doug Dunbar at ddunbar@emdc.org.  Read the  full job description hereDeadline to apply is Friday, May 29th!


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.


New 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.


What is your experience with General Assistance?

Maine Equal Justice is working to improve General Assistance (GA), a program run by Maine towns that provides assistance for immediate needs and is a resource in times of emergency, like we are experiencing during COVID-19. Applicants find out if they’re eligible within 24 hours, and voucher payments are issued immediately to help cover basic necessities. Eligibility is not guaranteed, but no one can be turned away from applying, and during COVID-19 every application should be treated as an emergency. Have you or someone you know applied for GA recently? Please share your experiences with GA in this survey.  Translated versions  will be available soon.


Helpful Wifi Resources

Lois-Ann Kuntz has found 2 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

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!


Changes to the Home Energy Assistance Program

There are temporary changes made to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) that will make it easier for some people who have lost income due to the COVID19 pandemic to qualify for the program.  Recognizing that many people, who would normally be ineligible for the program due to household income levels, have experienced a sudden drop in income, Maine Housing has temporarily changed the calculation formula for certain individuals.  This change is currently in effect for one month only, through May 1, 2020.  Learn more in this press release from Downeast Community Partners.

COVID-19 Impact Fund

In response to needs of community members in Washington County, CCC has created the COVID-19 impact fund to help alleviate financial challenges associated with COVID-19 for families with children prenatal to 18 years. These include basic needs, supplies, household expenses, auto repairs, technology needs, educational expenses, and specific needs of essential workers. We are using the Hope Fund as the structure to administer COVID-19 impact funds and invite CCC partner agencies to apply on behalf of their clients.  The Hope Fund committee will be the review committee for COVID-19 impact funds.  Please visit the Hope Fund page of our website to learn more about the COVID-19 Impact Fund.  Applications can be downloaded on that page.


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.


FFD Applications are Available

Family Futures Downeast is now accepting applications for the 2020 cohort. The application deadline is June 5, 2020. Classes start in July.  Download an application here.  For more information you can check our website at www.familyfuturesdowneast.org, call/text 207-812-2005, email acox@sunrisecounty.org, or find us on facebook.


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.”


Mission Scholarships – Now Online
Maine Seacoast Mission’s Scholarship Program 2020 Application and Re-Application are available now for downloading online. The deadline postmark for applying for a Mission scholarship is May 1, 2020. Through its Scholarship Program, the Mission helps recent high school graduates and adults, from Maine’s offshore islands and Downeast communities, continue their educations and achieve their dreams. Each year the Mission awards approximately 30 new scholarships based on student financial needs and academic promise. Scholarships can be renewed each year of a multi-year program, resulting in nearly 100 Mission scholarships in any given year.  Read more here.

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. 

National Digital Equity Center

Free online classes offered by the National Digital Equity Center!  WordPress, FB Groups, Excel, Android Basics, How to get your Absentee Ballot, Aging Well with Technology, and much more!  Click here for the latest classes.

Tablet HotSpot Program 3-month free trial: Tablet HotSpots available for Maine residents 70 years and older who do not have internet or a computer. After 3 months you can subscribe at $25 per month or return the device. Recipients receive tutoring on how to use the device.  For more information call: 207-259-5010, or send an email to: hotspot@digitalequitycenter.org


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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