Summer 2022 Newsletter: Working toward the future we want to see

Message from Nicole Witherbee, President & CEO

Dear Friend,

After several years of responding to one crisis after another, this year’s transition from summer to fall feels different from the two that came before. While the pandemic continues to affect many of us, its lessened impact on our day-to-day lives has created more opportunity to work toward the future we want to see.

Here at the Foundation, we are taking advantage of this moment to look ahead and focus on how to achieve better outcomes for Maine children and families over the long term.

There are several examples of forward-thinking partners in the articles below. In Washington County, Welcome Home Downeast is testing an innovative approach to leverage three connected trends: a shortage of housing, a high number of available jobs, and a growing community of migrant and immigrant workers who want to make Maine their fulltime home. The Boys and Girls Club of Bangor has taken the feedback of its families this summer to better prepare its youngest members for kindergarten and its oldest members for employment. Rural Community Action Ministry is not only meeting immediate needs for its clients in rural Maine but preparing them to meet their future goals through programs aimed at creating stronger economic stability. And, finally, our newest John T. Gorman Fellows reflect on their experiences of taking time “from being in the business to work on the business,” as one so aptly put it.

As busy as they are, I hope these sun-filled days don’t go by without you finding time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with those closest to you. There is much to do before the year’s end and there is no time or place like summer in Maine to inspire us for the important work ahead.

Warm regards,

Nicole Witherbee
President & CEO

Other News of Note

COVID Disparities Presentation: On June 29, Foundation Vice President, Programs, Jennifer Beck gave a virtual presentation on “COVID-19: Racial and Geographic Disparities in Maine,” a Carsey School of Public Policy report the Foundation recently commissioned. Many thanks to the Maine Philanthropy Center for facilitating this important discussion! A summary and video of the session are available here.

Importance of Partnerships: The Opportunity Alliance recently interviewed the Foundation’s President & CEO Nicole Witherbee about the importance of the partnership with their organization and others. “To make a significant difference for Maine people is beyond the power of any one organization alone,” she said. “If we stick to our siloes, we miss the benefits of sharing resources and expertise.” Read more of the interview here.

Maine Cancer Foundation Partnership: The Maine Cancer Foundation and John T. Gorman Foundation have partnered to support organizations that help Mainers access transportation and lodging for cancer treatment. Maine Cancer Foundation is now accepting grant applications through Friday, August 26. Go here for more information.