In the News 
The Bangor Daily News recently published a wonderful story about Families Forward, a Foundation-funded two-generation effort at Bangor Housing to provide a range of services to support the well-being of families living in the Capehart Neighborhood. Go here to read the full story.
Recent news that Lewiston will receive a $30 million grant to build new housing and strengthen community resources in the Tree Streets Neighborhood is cause for celebration. But in many ways, the work has just begun to transform this neighborhood into a place where all residents can thrive. This article offers an overview of the impact this funding will have and shares insight into where assistance is still needed.
The pandemic revealed the fragility and weaknesses of many of our society’s most critical systems – including a child care system that was already operating on razor thin margins and unable to meet demand. With many pandemic restrictions now lifted, challenges remain for providers and families. But there is also opportunity to rebuild the child care system in a way that works better for Maine families. In this analysis, Foundation Senior Program Associate Jennifer Beck, Ph.D., highlights efforts already underway that offer promising routes forward.
As the Foundation accepts applications for the fourth cohort of the John T. Gorman Fellowship, it held a virtual information session where four alumni offered their perspectives on how the program has shaped their work and took questions from prospective applicants. The info session also included an overview of the program by Foundation President & … Read more
Currently accepting applications for program designed to strengthen the capacity of leaders to improve the lives of vulnerable Mainers
Dear Friend, While spring always brings renewed hopefulness, this year certainly finds it in great measure – and not just because of the warm weather (though that hasn’t hurt either). Vaccinations have finally allowed us to safely reconnect with loved ones and resume pastimes we have dearly missed. And each Mainer who gets vaccinated brings us … Read more
John T. Gorman Fellows continue to do important work during the pandemic. Learn more about what this network of leaders is working on, how we’re trying to support them, and the launch of the next cohort in 2022.
Preble Street has a long history of responding and adapting to emergencies in the community, and the pandemic has been no exception. Many elements of their operation have had to change in order to safely serve those experiencing homelessness. But as challenging as this time has been, said Executive Director Mark Swann, it’s also been what Preble Street needed to discover new approaches to improving outcomes for its most vulnerable clients.
Youth already faced numerous mental health challenges before the pandemic, and this year of stress, disengagement, and isolation has only worsened the situation. In response, the Foundation awarded $250,000 to 11 organizations helping youth through this difficult time. Here’s what three grantees had to say about what youth need right now, and how their organizations have overcome the constraints of the pandemic to provide support.
Mercy’s +MPower Fund will increase access to education, training, and other supports to those who face systemic barriers to entering or advancing in the healthcare workforce.
