NEWS RELEASE
United Way of the Tri-Valley Area continues to move mountains
with its community support.
$151,000 just allocated to 21 programs serving Greater Franklin County.
The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is pleased to announce that it has recently completed its annual allocation process, funding 19 Community Partners and 21 programs. This annual process involves dedicated community members reviewing applications from non-profit 501©3 human service organizations and then spending time interviewing the applicants over a two week period. This year, Lillian Lake, chaired the process. She was joined by Lorraine Pratt, Julie Libby, Mary Frank, Larissa Larrabee, Dennis O'Neil, Lisa Laflin, Ken Lust, Erin Arthers, Dr. Mike Rowland, Vickie Gammon, Brenda Clark, Tammy Hutchinson, Lesa Rose, Ray Glass, Dee Webber, and Luke Kellett. $151,000 was allocated this year to a wide range of organizations improving people’s lives in Greater Franklin County. A complete list is below.
Applicants share compelling stories throughout the process. Here is one from Safe Voices. Names have been changed to protect confidentiality:
“Making a change can be hard, even more so when faced with changing almost everything about one’s life. This is the place Amy found herself a few short months ago. Amy had been in an abusive relationship and found her life turned upside down. After her partner and father to her 4 month old baby assaulted her once again she knew she was facing an uphill battle. With no support from family or friends she had to start making some really hard decisions about her safety and the safety of her two children. Without knowing what resources and help were available she felt like she was floundering. After the involvement of DHHS/child protective services she had finally been given Safe Voices contact information and decided to reach out. She had temporarily lost custody of her children and was unsure what direction to turn. After speaking with the local advocate Amy finally felt like she had a plan. She began to come to our weekly support group gaining knowledge about domestic violence and processing what she had experienced. Along with the help of the advocate, she filed for and was granted a temporary then final protection from abuse order from the Farmington District Court. Currently, her abuser is in jail awaiting trial and with the help of the Safe Voices advocate Amy is working with child protective services to reunify with her children.
When talking with the advocate Amy expressed that she wished she had reached out sooner, she had felt so alone and helpless in the beginning. “Now,” she said, “I feel like I can do this.” So much of Safe Voices service revolves around just being there for someone who may have no one else, someone who may not feel like they deserve to be happy and live free from abuse. When someone comes to us for help we strive to make a plan that fits their needs, capitalizing on their strengths and natural supports. We connect them with resources and provide ongoing encouragement as they make hard decisions and are faced with endless challenges.
Our partnership with local community resources such as the United Way of the Tri-Valley area make this a possibility. We are fortunate to have an organization such as the United Way at the helm of our community making the work we do and the work of so many other organizations a reality. They provide support, resources and critical funding to our organization. Without them, we would not be able to provide the services we provide and effect change within our communities.”
The United Way is able to make significant community investments because of the generosity of individuals, small businesses, corporations, and funders. You are invited to celebrate the extraordinary results of ordinary people at the United Way’s Campaign Celebration and Annual meeting on Wednesday, March 19 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m at the Homestead Kitchen, Bar, & Bakery. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost is $15. Please RSVP to volunteer@uwtva.org.
United Way 2014 Community Partners
INCREASING INDEPENDENCE AND FINANCIAL STABILITY
LEAP, Inc.
313 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. www.leapcommunity.org
The DREAM program. Family respite and community integration for adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Literacy Volunteers serving Franklin & Somerset Counties
108 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. www.literacyvolunteers.org.
Reading instruction to adults on a one-on-one confidential basis. Programs are also offered in family literacy and teen tutoring.
Rural Community Action Ministry
81 Church Hill Rd., Leeds, ME 04263.Contact: Gil Ward, (207) 524-5095. www.rcam.net.
Housing and homelessness programs including housing rehabilitation, shelter, and financial and technical assistance.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services
PO Box 349, Farmington, ME 04938. www.savesrapecrisis.org.
School-based sexual assault crisis intervention, prevention, and support services.
SeniorsPlus
8 Falcon Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240. www.seniorsplus.org.
Meals on Wheels Nutrition program for Greater Franklin County, which ensures older, isolated adults receive regular nutrition and social interaction.
United Methodist Economic Ministry
1458 Salem Rd., Salem Township, ME 04983.
Outreach and assistance with basic needs, including housing repairs, food, clothing, and fuel in northern Franklin County.
Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc.
76 Merrow Rd., Auburn, ME 04210. www.wmtsbus.org
Community Rides Program which allows WMTS to provide public transportation in Greater Franklin County to those who otherwise would not be able to access medical and other critical services.
Women, Work and Community
108 Perham St., Farmington, ME 04938. womenworkandcommunity.org
Matched savings program for emergencies.
Work First, Inc.
PO Box 86, Farmington, ME 04938. www.workfirstinc.org.
Meaningful work experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. This increases independence and improves quality of life.
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES AND MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM) - Care and Share Food Closet
227 Main St., Farmington, ME 04938. www.faemchurches.org
Emergency food assistance to residents of Farmington and surrounding towns..
Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM) - ECU HEAT
PO Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. www.faemchurches.org
Emergency heating assistance for any Franklin County resident unable to afford fuel, after all resources have been exhausted.
Safe Voices
PO Box 713, Auburn, ME 04212. www.safevoices.org.
Franklin County outreach, emergency services, and community education for victims of domestic violence, including court advocacy, support groups, children’s and youth services, and emergency shelter.
United Valley American Red Cross
1180 Lisbon St., Lewiston, ME 04240.www.maineredcross.org.
Area disaster aid and relief services including, food, clothing and shelter to victims of fire and other disasters.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Community Concepts, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
240 Bates Street., Lewiston, ME 04240. www.community-concepts.org
School and community-based mentoring program in Greater Franklin County.
Franklin County Children’s Task Force
113 Church St., Farmington, ME 04938. www.fcctf.org.
Community education efforts that prevent child abuse and neglect, including the ‘Baby Think it Over’ and ‘Nurturing Fathers’ programs. Programs are offered to adults and students alike throughout Greater Franklin County.
IMPROVING HEALTH
Community Dental
366 US Route One, Falmouth, ME 04105 www.communitydentalme.org.
Dental services, dental health education and emergency care to children and adults who otherwise could not afford them.
Healthy Community Coalition
105 Mt. Blue Circle, Ste.1, Farmington, ME 04938. www.fchn.org/hcc.
Mobile Health Unit outreach program which provides free health screenings, information and education to northern Franklin County area residents and nutrition education program that promotes healthy eating by growing food locally.
Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
PO Box 2008, Lewiston, ME 04241. www.tcmhs.org.
Access to mental health services for low-income individuals and families; and support for veterans’ mental health services.
Western Maine Community Action
PO Box 200, E. Wilton, ME 04234. www.wmca.org.
Emergency heating assistance administration for Greater Franklin County.
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Photo(s) Caption: The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area recently allocated $151,000 to area non-profits ranging from improving access to dental care by supporting the Patient Assistance Program at Community Dental, to the Care and Share Food Closet. Help celebrate these community investments and learn more about the United Way at its Annual Campaign Celebration and Annual meeting Wednesday, March 19 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Homestead Kitchen, Bar & Bakery. RSVP to volunteer@uwtva.org.