What We Do
Funded Partner Programs
United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) supports 34 local nonprofit and school-based organizations by investing in 58 of their health and human service programs that address our community’s most critical issues.
Through these partnerships, UWKV advances Impact2032’s 10-year visions for enhancing health, education, and financial stability in Kennebec County. Over the two-year current grant period (April 2023 to March 2025), we will invest over $2.1M from individuals and organizations to bolster community well-being. Community Investment Process (CIP) volunteers conduct a rigorous review of applicants, and UWKV’s Board of Directors ultimately votes to fund programs that align with Impact2032, measure progress, and contribute to shared community goals. Targeted outcomes guide funding decisions, demonstrating the tangible impact of investments in improving lives. Together with funded partner programs, investors and CIP volunteers, we strive to enhance early learning, financial stability, and overall community health.
When you donate to United Way of Kennebec Valley, you can be confident that your dollars stay 100% local – supporting every person in every town across Kennebec County.
PARTNER PROGRAMS
HEALTH PROGRAMS
Greenhouse to Your House
- Greenhouse to Your House (GTYH) is the AYCC’s revamped weekend Backpack Program. This program was designed collaboratively to improve the nutrition and food quality offered, as well as to erase the stigma of participation. The program gives families a weekly choice of meal kit boxes with fresh and quality food, including produce from AYCC’s own Garden to Table youth program. Youth also learn how to prepare their choice of meal option in AYCC’s Teaching Kitchen, where they learn about nutrition and healthy eating, then share their positive experience with their parents. The goal is to transform a food assistance program that simply provides short-term aid to one that catalyzes the implementation of healthier lifelong behaviors.
- In 2023, the Greenhouse to Your House program was awarded $20,000 through the Community Investment Process.
AFB Marketplace/Free Food Thursday
- Provides a week’s worth of groceries by appointment once per month to Augusta- and Manchester-based customers registered with the AFB and supplemental groceries weekly to anyone attending, no appointment required.
- In 2023, the Marketplace/Free Food Thursday program was awarded $26,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Foodshare
- Acts as a hub by providing excess food products to smaller area food banks, low-income and senior apartments, group homes, teen centers, and other organizations addressing food insecurity.
- In 2023, the Foodshare program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
KidsPaks
- Provides six meals and snacks weekly to students attending Augusta Schools, Maranacook Schools, Maine Arts Academy, University of Maine at Augusta, Augusta Teen Center, Augusta Childcare, Children’s Center — and to the Augusta Recreation Department during summer months when schools are closed.
- In 2023, the KidsPaks program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
HomeRoom Program
- Program provides students in Grade 7 through age 20 with opportunities to participate in positive, community-based programs, receive important services and better connect to their schools and communities. The Augusta Teen Center (ATC) offers academic support, adult mentors, truancy prevention, arts, recreation programming, nutrition/wellness activities, and pre-vocational training. ATC utilizes best-practice curricula free of charge, and welcomes all to a safe place where minorities, LGBTQ teens, and victims of violence feel comfortable and protected. This program extends the existing after-school program closing time from 5 pm to 8 pm.
- In 2023, the HomeRoom program was awarded $25,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Road to Success
- Through this program, students find their individual road to success. Licensed LCPC counselors and adolescent qualified LCPC interns conduct cognitive behavioral activities centered on the teen’s issues. Executive function skills are taught, including self-restraint, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining/achieving goals, flexibility, observation, and stress tolerance. Collaborative problem solving, crisis intervention, family capacity building, and cultural awareness building to prevent discrimination/promote acceptance are also taught. Fighting, smoking/vaping, alcohol, marijuana/THC/drug use, delinquency and sexual exploitation are addressed.
- In 2023, the Road to Success program was awarded $12,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Soup Kitchen
- Bread of Life (BOL) Soup Kitchen was founded to serve the hungry, homeless and hurting, daily nutritious meals. In 2022, the Soup Kitchen was able to provide over 32,000 high-quality, homecooked meals. BOL’s meals are served restaurant-style to enhance the dignity of its guests. The soup kitchen is open Monday through Saturday 11 am to 12:30 pm, is ServSafe certified and is supported through volunteers.
- In 2023, the Soup Kitchen was awarded $35,700 through the Community Investment Process.
Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope (SEARCH)
- SEARCH serves seniors ages 60+ in eight counties of Maine, including over 65 individual clients in Kennebec County. Most seniors in the program live alone and no longer drive, leading to social isolation. SEARCH provides in-home volunteer support services: telephone reassurance calls, companionship, transportation support for grocery shopping, food pantries, or medical appointments and referrals to resources and services. At-risk seniors have volunteer-provided services they select to meet their social and wellness needs.
- In 2023, the SEARCH program was awarded $9,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Open Access Center
- The Open Access Center offers care for individuals with urgent mental health or substance use concerns. An Open Access Coordinator screens individuals as they call or walk in seeking care. Based on the results of the screening, the coordinator connects individuals to Crisis and Counseling Centers’ (C&C’s) Crisis Mobile Triage team for a crisis assessment and referral to inpatient or community-based crisis care, C&C’s outpatient mental health or substance use counseling for Solution Focused Brief Therapy for 8-12 weeks. The program serves Kennebec County and is available to all residents of all ages, including those who are not existing clients of C&C and those without health insurance.
- In 2023, the Open Access Center program was awarded $50,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Feeding the Hungry
- Because too many people in Kennebec County do not have the resources to eat healthy food, Faith Food Pantry (FFP) exists to provide healthy food to those in need. FFP provides fresh produce, as well as canned, boxed, and frozen food to supplement the need. FFP provides these resources in an environment of choice so that people will have the food they want and will eat with less food waste. FFP also delivers food to ~10 families/week who are sick, disabled, homebound, or without transportation.
- In 2023, the Feeding the Hungry program was awarded $9,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Outreach Program
- The outreach program provides direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Kennebec County. The advocates work out of the Outreach Offices, providing advocacy services and facilitating a weekly support group for adult victims/survivors of abuse. They attend the local district court on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; the advocate may attend other courts and/or court proceedings based on victim/survivor need. The advocates network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working.
- In 2023, the Outreach program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
LGBTQ+ Youth Supports
- Healthy Communities of the Capital Area’s (HCCA’s) focus on reducing underage tobacco and substance use for middle and high school youth includes efforts that are LGBTQ+ youth specific. An LGBTQ+ youth tobacco prevention needs assessment recommended increasing inclusive, welcoming environments as an important element of prevention.
- In 2023, the LGBTQ+ Youth Supports program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Outpatient Program
- The Outpatient Program is one of the most foundational and important services of Kennebec Behavioral Health. Qualified, licensed therapists provide care for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and loss issues, substance use disorders and other mental illnesses. This program improves mental health for adults and youth.
- In 2023, the Outpatient program was awarded $22,500 through the Community Investment Process.
Youth Programming & Membership Scholarships
- Kennebec Valley YMCA’s (KVYMCA’s) youth programming strives to nurture the potential of every youth and teen who it serves. KVYMCA is an enduring community partner supporting the health and well-being of its community through enriching programs and education with a focus on enhancing youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its Open Doors Scholarship program, the KVYMCA strives to provide a welcoming environment to families in the community who require financial assistance to participate in Y programs and services. KVYMCA offers nurturing opportunities for youth, teens and their families through recreation and structured activities.
- In 2023, the Youth Programming & Membership Scholarships program was awarded $25,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Alzheimer’s Care Center
- The Alzheimer’s Care Center is a department of MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. MaineGeneral’s Alzheimer’s Care Center is a licensed assisted living home for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The Center also provides adult day services for people with dementia so caregivers can work, rest or tend to other family needs. Opened in 1988, the Alzheimer’s Care Center is the first home in the country designed and staffed specifically for the special needs of people with dementia.
- In 2023, the Alzheimer’s Care Center was awarded $6,018 through the Community Investment Process.
Community Health Worker
- MaineGeneral’s Community Health Worker (CHW) program is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles through one-on-one support, skill building and resource navigation. Patients that are referred to the program participate in weekly meetings with a CHW, for up to six months, in a location of the patients choosing – their home, the grocery store, a local walking trail, etc. During these meetings the CHW listens and learns about the patient, their life, the challenges they face, and their health goals. This profound understanding allows CHWs to provide individualized support to the patient, such as: connecting them to resources; navigating health and social service systems; and working with them to achieve their self-determined health goals.
- In 2023, the Community Health Worker program was awarded $6,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Horizon Program
- MaineGeneral’s Horizon Program is located in Augusta and serves people living with HIV/AIDs. The Program offers HIV care, primary care for those living with HIV, long-term case management, as well as dental and vision assistance, and emergency assistance such as rent, mortgage, transportation, utilities and food. Through the Horizon Program, HIV-positive individuals receive quality, compassionate and comprehensive medical and social services.
- In 2023, the Horizon program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Hospice Support
- MaineGeneral Hospice brings comfort to patients and their families during end-of-life care. Hospice teams work with patients, their families and physician to understand and honor each patient’s wishes and offer companionship and support. The organization recruits and trains compassionate volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families. Hospice also provides education and support groups for adults and children to help them manage loss and move forward in a healthy emotional state. These programs include Healing Hearts, Grief Support Groups and We Honor Veterans.
- In 2023, the Hospice program was awarded $14,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Outpatient Counseling
- MaineGeneral Counseling offers substance use, mental health and co-occurring disorders assessment and treatment to individuals, families and groups. Counselors are licensed substance use disorder and mental health clinicians experienced in co-occurring and trauma-informed care. As part of MaineGeneral Health, the Counseling team works closely with medical and psychiatric providers to help clients deal with medical, mental health and substance use issues in an integrated way.
- In 2023, the Outpatient Counseling program was awarded $7,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Next Step Harm Reduction
- MaineGeneral’s Next Step Harm Reduction Program provides free and confidential education, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, condom dispensing, and syringe exchange in a safe, non-judgmental environment to individuals 18 years and over. Anyone can voluntarily access Harm Reduction services, no one is refused. The program currently has two exchange locations, one in Augusta and one in Waterville.
- In 2023, the Next Step Harm Reduction program was awarded $17,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Emergency Shelter
- The Emergency Shelter program at Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services offers a range of supports for the most vulnerable residents who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The organization’s goal is to ensure that the experience of homelessness is rare, brief, and non-reoccurring. The 48-bed year-round emergency shelter is the only low-barrier shelter in Kennebec County and one of only six in the entire state. The organization does not have sobriety tests and does not bar entry due to untreated mental illness or history of incarceration.
- In 2023, the Emergency Shelter was awarded $25,000 through the Community Investment Process.
LINC Peer Support Center
- LINC is a Peer Run Recovery Center that focuses on personal wholeness. LINC provides a welcoming environment for anyone, 18 and older, who is seeking to foster a sense of belonging and build community supports. LINC invites all adults who have ever struggled with significant challenges, past or present. This may include traumatic events, mental health concerns and/or substance use. Participation is voluntary and no insurance or referral is needed. There are many opportunities to contribute and be creative while nurturing personal development, wellness, and vocational connections. The program concentrates on not just immediate external needs but also the immediate internal human needs that inspire people to move beyond their experience of uncertainty.
- In 2023, the LINC Peer Support Center was awarded $24,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Children’s Advocacy Center
- The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly setting that offers safety, security and a wide range of victim services for children and families when there are disclosures or suspicions of sexual abuse. The CAC staff provide direct services to children and families in crisis. The CAC response works to reduce the impact of child sexual abuse by bringing together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection, forensic interviewers, prosecution, mental health, and medical and victim advocacy professionals in a child-friendly setting to investigate abuse, hold offenders accountable and help children heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. The CAC works to minimize the amount of times that children have to tell their story.
- In 2023, the Children’s Advocacy Center was awarded $45,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Meals on Wheels
- Spectrum Generations’ (SG’s) Meals on Wheels program provides delicious, nutritionally balanced meals for homebound individuals 60 years of age or older, and to persons with a disability who are unable to prepare a meal due to physical or mental limitations. Bringing these well-balanced meals and a safety check (conducted by SG’s dedicated volunteer drivers) directly to people’s homes improves food security and helps homebound residents of Kennebec Valley remain self-sufficient in their home, their neighborhood, and the community they choose to live in.
- In 2023, the Meals on Wheels program was awarded $50,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Improving Access & Delivery of Behavioral Health
- Spurwink improves access and delivery of behavioral health care for children, adults, and families in Kennebec County. With UWKV support, Spurwink has been able to open services for those waiting for Maine Care approval, and to prevent treatment delays or cessation of services for those that lose insurance coverage or are underinsured.
- In 2023, the Improving Access & Delivery of Behavioral Health Care program was awarded $13,500 through the Community Investment Process.
Project 218 Camp Scholarships
- The YMCA Camp of Maine offers a traditional recreational summer camp experience in one- and two-week overnight sessions for children ages 7-16. Campers are able to experience leadership development and gain valuable life skills through activities in four program areas (Waterfront, Sports, Outdoor Life Skills, and Creative Arts) while enjoying bonding with their cabins and camp wide programming. Campers are given opportunities to express their creativity, strengthen their skills, and expand their horizons to try new things through daily activities.
- In 2023, the Project 218 Scholarships program was awarded $12,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Winthrop Area YMCA Youth & Family Programs
- Winthrop Area YMCA Youth & Family Program’s goal is to continue providing a year-round program of organized, supervised activities so youth and families can enjoy activities in their own community. The YMCA provides consistent leadership to programs. The program promotes fun activities with the intangible goals of building athletic, social, and interpersonal skills. Winthrop Area YMCA encourages knowledge and character development and strives to help youth realize their potential.
- In 2023, the Winthrop Area YMCA Youth and Family programs was awarded $12,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Meal Services
- Since 1984, the Winthrop Hot Meal Kitchen has promoted the health and welfare of citizens in Winthrop and Wayne by providing free, hot, nutritious lunches throughout the year.
- In 2023, the Winthrop Hot Meal Kitchen was awarded $3,150 through the Community Investment Process.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Community-Based Mentoring
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) matches screened, trained adults 1:1 with children (ages 5 to 16) in Kennebec County communities, who are facing adversity, to provide friendships and positive role-modeling. Community matches build healthy, trusting relationships by meeting one to six hours, once a week, doing things they mutually enjoy — like playing sports, doing crafts, and exploring Maine’s outdoors. Littles in the BBBSMM program consistently have higher aspirations, better relationships with families/peers, are less likely to try drugs/alcohol and other risky behaviors and have greater educational success. BBBSMM mentoring helps clear the path for youth to reach their greatest possible potential.
- In 2023, the Community-Based Mentoring program was awarded $11,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Igniting Potential Through School-Based Mentoring
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM), in partnership with China Primary School and the Alfond Youth & Community Center, provide—free to all families—a site-based, after-school youth mentoring program for students facing adversity. Students (Littles) who live in single-parent/low-income families, and/or who struggle socially/academically, and/or have learning disabilities, will be matched 1:1 with high school mentors (Bigs) from Erskine Academy to create life-changing friendships. Littles in BBBSMM programs experience positive outcomes, including higher aspirations, better relationships, less likelihood of trying drugs/alcohol and other risky behaviors, and greater educational success.
- In 2023, the Igniting Potential Through School-Based Mentoring program was awarded $8,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Scholarship Programming
- Program Scholarships provide access to a safe place, enriching activities, learning opportunities, homework help, and fun and caring adult professionals for all kids, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. The target population for the Child Care and Program Scholarships is children ages six weeks to grade 12 who are from families with low to moderate income or families dealing with short-term emergency situations (such as loss of one income or family illness). Child Care and Program Scholarships offer reduced rates for children who may not have the opportunity to participate in Club programs due to their families’ financial ability to pay associated program costs.
- In 2023, the Scholarship program was awarded $45,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Family Mentor Teams
- Family Mentor Teams (FMTs) are the heart and soul of Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP). A new immigrant family who arrives in the capital area may choose to work with an FMT. For each family, CANMP recruits and trains a team of 4-5 local volunteers, connects that team to the family, and offers ongoing volunteer support. Team members work together to provide logistical, social, and educational support to help their new neighbors adjust to life in central Maine — everything from tutoring and transportation to social integration and sharing celebrations. The FMTs not only help meet their family’s ongoing material and practical needs, but they also help build long-lasting relationships between immigrants and long-time Mainers.
- In 2023, the Family Mentor Teams program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Behavioral Day Treatment & Autism Classroom
- The Autism program provides services for children ages 3-5 years with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Treatment in this program is based in Applied Behavioral Analysis and behavior modification and is overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Treatment is focused on each child’s individual treatment plan with goals geared toward their areas of skill need. The Behavior Support Program, also known as the Behavioral Day Treatment, focuses on children’s individualized goals, with more of an emphasis on social emotional development and interpersonal skills. Most children in this program exhibit maladaptive behaviors due to childhood trauma and adverse childhood events.
- In 2023, Specialized Programs were awarded $30,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Inclusive Program
- The Children’s Center’s inclusive childcare program provides childcare services for typically developing children birth through age five. These typically developing children become role models for their peers receiving specialized services in the same classroom. This allows for children receiving services to interact with typically developing peers. This falls under the IDEA law’s need for a least restrictive environment for individuals with developmental delays and disabilities.
- In 2023, the Inclusive Childcare program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Pediatric Therapy (Speech Language and Occupational Therapy)
- Occupational therapy sessions with a licensed therapist are designed to assist a child with delays in motor development, with specific concentration and goal planning designed to address gross and fine motor delays, oral motor needs, need for sensory and social emotional zones of regulation and self-care skill development. Speech and Language Therapy sessions with a licensed therapist assist a child with delayed communication, to help a child learn to communicate more effectively, to improve both verbal, non-verbal and gestural communication, teaching foundations for pre-literacy, increasing speech intelligibility and lessening frustrations for a child to gain skills in problem solving and independent life skills.
- In 2023, the Pediatric Therapy program was awarded $9,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Mobile Museum
- The Mobile Museum consists of a series of mini-interactive exhibits that can pop up anywhere. These exhibits inspire hands-on exploration and play and bring the Children’s Museum experience out into the community. Just like the brick-and-mortar exhibit hall, the Mobile Museum engages children with complex concepts and skills in a playful interactive way. The exhibits focus on the process of learning rather than solely on the topic at hand as a way to foster social and emotional development, the development of 21st-century skills, and an interest and curiosity in literacy, science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
- In 2023, the Mobile Museum program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Prevention Education Program
- The Prevention Education Program offers programs, training, and resource information to youth and community. The educators work within the local school systems, early childhood learning groups, and community organizations/businesses. The Prevention program strives to both raise awareness and improve the community response to victims of domestic abuse. Youth-based programming works to promote healthy relationships, provide opportunities to report child abuse, and inform youth of the availability of services for them and their family. Community-based programs work to build knowledge and best practices when working with folks who are impacted by domestic abuse. This can be policy review, training, and general support to staff.
- In 2023, the Prevention Education program was awarded $45,000 through the Community Investment Process.
South End Teen Center
- The South End Teen Center (SETC) is located on the KVCAP campus in the heart of the South End Neighborhood of Waterville. It was created in 2002. The SETC serves youth in grades 6–12; the majority of members live in the South End, but over the years SETC has had youth attend from other neighborhoods as well as other nearby towns. The SETC provides tutoring, mentoring, and homework support; enrichment activities including cooking, gardening, art projects, music lessons, and field trips; and life skills programming such as soft skills for employment, stress management and conflict resolution.
- In 2023, the South End Teen Center was awarded $22,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Learning Center
- The Learning Center is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families. The program fosters supportive relationships, creates developmentally appropriate experiences, and encourages the unique and diverse qualities of all children and their families. With UWKV support, the Learning Center is able to offer access to affordable, quality childcare to families in the Kennebec Valley area. The program provides care for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The after-school program offers care for children ages 5 to 12 years old during school along with workshop days, vacation days and snow days. The unique facility, environment, and resources provide the Learning Center children participation in activities beyond the classroom such as swimming and gym activities.
- In 2023, the Learning Center was awarded $9,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Digital & Community Literacy
- Digital and Community Literacy (DCL) addresses educational disparities through equitable learning services, meeting social and educational needs, all relevant in achieving improved outcomes of employability and self-sufficiency. An extremely significant focus is on digital access disparities, which are addressed by the DCL Digital Access Project. This project provides tablets/laptops to tutors and learners so they can work collaboratively, communicate, complete learning tasks, and help learners develop capacity to utilize technology in real-world ways.
- In 2023, the Digital and Community Literacy program was awarded $18,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Wrapping Around Our Students
- Mental health needs in Kennebec County communities have increased significantly. With increased family and student access with social workers directly, the implementation of social emotional learning programming systematically in K-5, and a redesign of school schedules to enable daily intervention periods, MSAD 11 now needs to focus on the increasing levels of anxiety across students, staff, and families and develop strategies for managing anxiety while also increasing awareness and strategies in health and wellness. Partnering with Gardiner Thrives, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, and specialist Lynn Lyons, MSAD 11 can lean into deep learning across students, staff, and families. Ms. Lyons specializes in anxiety and will help MSAD 11 with building skills and strategies across stakeholder groups.
- In 2023, the Wrapping Around our Students program was awarded $20,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
- MaineGeneral’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program offers healthy foods as well as nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, tips for staying healthy, recipes and referrals to other health care and community resources. WIC is open to anyone living in Maine, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be: women and birthing parents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or had a baby in the last six months; infants and children up to age five, including adopted and foster children; and non-birthing parents or guardians.
- In 2023, the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program was awarded $10,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Early Care & Education
- Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation (SKCDC) is a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee. These early care and education programs provide high-quality, comprehensive, multi-generational programming to low -income, at-risk children in our community, including engaging and supporting families to ensure success beyond their Head Start years. The primary goal of SKCDC’s program is school readiness. The comprehensive School Readiness Plan acknowledges the importance of close partnership with families to ensure the best possible child outcomes.
- In 2023, the Early Care & Education program was awarded $31,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Winthrop Area YMCA Kids Club
- The Winthrop Area YMCA Kids Club offers a safe and fun place for kids who require after-school care. The program includes an after-school snack, required reading and homework time, and recreational activities (outdoors, as the weather allows). The academic enrichment offered through homework help and reading time has become the backbone of Kids Club. The program is able to use the school facilities, with an indoor gym, outdoor playground, and sliding hill, to create an experience that is convenient for parents and enjoyable for the kids.
- In 2023, the Kids Club program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
FINANCIAL STABILITY PROGRAMS
- 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In 2023, 211 Maine 24/7 Services was awarded $39,489 through the Community Investment Process.
Supporting Family Futures
- Supporting Family Futures is a program that empowers Kennebec County parents to earn credentials and receive technical training as a means of increasing their employment prospects and achieving financial independence. By offering free childcare at multiple Kennebec County sites to parents enrolled in degree and certificate programs, AYCC will eliminate a major barrier preventing parents from receiving the education and training necessary to achieve financial stability.
- In 2023, the Supporting Family Futures program was awarded $24,600 through the Community Investment Process.
Homeless Shelter
- Bread of Life (BOL) has two shelters that are staffed 24/7 and provide a safe and structured environment for people in Southern Kennebec County. UWKV funding supports BOL’s family and individual shelter — a 40-bed facility. BOL’s Emergency Shelter provides services to people in the Kennebec County community as part of a holistic package. BOL staff work directly with each person to develop a plan of care, providing the resources to help people become self-sustainable, develop a budget, set goals for developing a housing plan, and address the barriers that lead them to homelessness. BOL creates opportunities for long-term supportive rehabilitation through its transitional housing program.
- In 2023, the Homeless Shelter was awarded $25,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Bretter Housing Program
- Capital Area New Mainers Project’s (CANMP’s) Better Housing Program helps families find, finance, and furnish appropriate, affordable housing. CANMP helps families find appropriate housing by assisting them with filling out applications, taking them to view potential homes, and negotiating with landlords on their behalf. The organization offers micro-loans to help families pay for security deposits and first month’s rent. These loans are repaid with no interest, allowing the funds to be cycled through the community. CANMP owns five units and rents five additional units for which CANMP co-signs leases, collects rent, and does basic property maintenance. CANMP also offers homeowner education to help families understand how to maintain their homes.
- In 2023, the Better Housing program was awarded $7,500 through the Community Investment Process.
Language Program
- CANMP’s Language Learning program provides structured, in-person language instruction for immigrant students. CANMP offers beginner- and intermediate-level classes. With support from UWKV, CANMP has added an entry-level New Arrival class for students who arrive with no English skills whatsoever. This class is taught in six-week modules on an ongoing basis and serves as a feeder class for the beginner class.
- In 2023, the Language program was awarded $7,500 through the Community Investment Process.
Resource Connection, Support & Outreach
- The Resource Connection, Support & Outreach (RCSO) department embodies Bridging the Gap’s (BTG’s) long-term solution efforts, which are offered year-round. Staff engage with individuals who reach out for assistance and begin by building trusting relationships and collecting information. Individuals and families self-refer or are referred by local agencies/municipalities and seek help with housing, transportation, substance use disorder/recovery, employment, securing case management, emergency shelter and more. RCSO staff help connect the dots by suggesting area resources, advocating, or supporting someone via the Centralized Helping Fund to bolster their self-sufficiency.
- In 2023, the Resource Connection, Support & Outreach program was awarded $22,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Wraparound Workforce Access Fund
- Goodwill NNE’s Wraparound Workforce supports help participants remove barriers to employment and build a sustainable future. Goodwill NNE’s methods unite the best practices of social work and workforce development to help people navigate life challenges known to inhibit personal stability. Comprised of a career advisor and a life navigator, the workforce services teams employ a holistic approach to helping participants set, achieve, and maintain their work and life goals. Together they address root causes of instability such as homelessness, domestic violence, or a lack of transportation or childcare and help participants establish credit and savings for both immediate needs and long-term stability.
- In 2023, the Wraparound Workforce Access Fund was awarded $24,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Kennebec Community Investors
- The Kennebec Community Investors (KCI) initiative secures financial contributions from local donors to address specific challenges to an individual or family’s stability when no other resource exists. Common requests are for car repairs to maintain employment, beds for safe sleeping, and medical needs. Supporting activities include providing monthly laundromat credits, hygiene and cleaning supplies, and vouchers to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for basic household items. KCI is a grassroots effort to reach our most vulnerable community members.
- In 2023, the Kennebec Community Investors program was awarded $7,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Mobility Management
- The Mobility Management program operates under a “one size does not fill all” philosophy that focuses on providing the residents of Kennebec County with a variety of travel options that allows them to participate fully in their communities. Services providing travel assistance include but may not be limited to: KV van door-to-door service on accessible vehicles, volunteer drivers’ mileage reimbursement, gas cards, taxi vouchers, Explorer public bus passes, travel training, and bicycles/adult tricycles.
- In 2023, the Mobility Management program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Homeless Outreach
- Homeless Outreach helps to provide basic needs to individuals experiencing homelessness to get them back on their feet and to connect them with resources and stable housing.
- In 2023, the Homeless Outreach program was awarded $5,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Legal Assistance for Older Tenants
- This program provides free legal representation to older tenants who are facing situations that are making them housing-insecure and financially unstable. Attorneys provide free legal help with a variety of housing problems including eviction, denials of rental assistance, denials of reasonable accommodation requests, unsafe housing conditions, and denials or terminations of housing subsidies. Attorneys also ensure older tenants are connected to other community resources that improve their financial stability and housing security.
- In 2023, the Legal Assistance for Older Tenants program was awarded $15,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Journey Program
- Supporting young parents on a path to self-worth and positive parenting, the Journey Program provides young parents with a stable and productive community environment that empowers them with the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to be academically, financially, and emotionally successful individuals and parents. Building upon the strengths of parents, Maine Children’s Home (MCH) offers classes in prenatal education, parenting instruction, independent living skills, mental health access and supports, and other practical knowledge. Participants are provided individualized guidance as they learn parenting and life skills. The young parents, their children, and members of their support system are given structured opportunities to bond as a group and grow together.
- In 2023, the Journey program was awarded $13,000 through the Community Investment Process.
Homeless/Hunger Prevention Services
- The Rural Homeless-Hunger Prevention (HHP) program is at the heart of Rural Community Action Ministry’s (RCAM’s) mission to reach out to vulnerable rural Maine residents to meet their basic needs. Each core program service addresses specific barriers facing the target population, focusing on increased financial independence. Low-income people in crisis become more financially stable as a result of program services and resources. The core principles of RCAM’s service delivery approach focus on family/individual self-empowerment and personal responsibility and accountability, recognizing that all people and families have strengths yet may need and deserve support. The kinds of support, how much support is needed, varies throughout life.
- In 2023, the Homeless/Hunger Prevention Services was awarded $23,500 through the Community Investment Process.
