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News from your local United Way — November 2023
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Did you know that...85% of the 20 most common occupations in Maine pay less than $20/hour? This data was published in United Ways of Maine's new report, ALICE in Maine: A Study of Financial Hardship. Explore the data at AliceinMaine.org.
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Groundbreaking study reveals that 42% of households in Kennebec County struggled to afford basics in 2021
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There were 22,830 Kennebec County households unable to afford the county’s high cost of living in 2021, according to the ALICE Report released on Oct. 25 by United Ways of Maine. The Report was released in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.
ALICE in Maine: A Study of Financial Hardship places a spotlight on a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings and are one emergency away from falling into poverty. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The Report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. The Report unveils new measures, based on 2021 income levels and expenses, that quantify how many in Maine’s workforce are struggling financially, and why.
In 2021, a total of 16,230 Kennebec County households fell into what United Way calls the ALICE population. These are households earning more than the official U.S. poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living. This number was more than double the poverty rate, which accounted for 6,600 households in Kennebec County. Combined, ALICE households and households in poverty fell below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival and accounted for 42% of all households in Kennebec County.
“We all know ALICE,” said UWKV's president and CEO Courtney Yeager. “ALICE is the recent college graduate unable to afford to live on their own, the young family strapped by child care costs and the mid-career professional now underemployed. These folks are vital to our state’s future economic well-being, and they face barriers beyond their control – hindering their ability to become financially stable.”
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It's hard to believe that UWKV is halfway through its 2023 fundraising season! Because of all the generous folks who have given so far, we are well on our way of raising $1.9M for 58 health and human service programs across Kennebec County.
This year, with the help of our Campaign Champions, UWKV has two new 365 members — Bromar Printing and Snow Pond Technology Group — and an impressive nine new workplaces have signed on to host campaign, including our first campaign in Clinton: Wiswell Electric.
Additionally, real estate agencies are becoming more and more engaged with us, with commitments from Laflin and Wolfington Realty and Rizzo Mattson. Laflin and Wolfington Realty is donating $25 per sale to UWKV, for a total of $50k pledged over five years, and Rizzo Mattson is donating $40 per sale to one of several nonprofits.
Furthermore, Pacesetter workplaces pledged $1.1M in early support, which is an increase of $100k over last year. More then 50% of the completed campaigns have increased support, including J.S. McCarthy Printers, Kennebec Savings Bank, Charlie's Family of Dealerships, Performance Foodservice - NorthCenter, Cives Steel, Thomas College, Kennebec Pharmacy, Gagnon Dental, Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency, Marden's Surplus and Salvage, and TownSquare Media.
While we have seen a lot of wins this year, we still need help reaching our goal. If you know someone who is not yet a part of the UWKV family, let them know that as a new donor, their gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 from our Campaign Chairs Michele Pelletier and Dan Webster III. Every gift is a chance to help 1 in 4 Kennebec County residents throughout 2024.
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See us on Maine Cabin Masters next month
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Last year, UWKV collaborated with Maine Cabin Masters on a holiday episode, which will air on the Magnolia Network on Dec. 4.
Join us in viewing the heartfelt episode that will ignite the spirit of giving in everyone.
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Partner Program Spotlight - MaineGeneral's Alzheimer's Care Center
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The following is a success story from MaineGeneral's Alzheimer's Care Center, a partner program of United Way. Your donations support this program and many others across the county.
P.T. attended the Adult Day Services Program (referred to as The Club) from September 2019 to October 2022. P.T. passed away October 2022.
For over three years he participated in the program he called “camp.” P.T. was 58 years old and living with a form of early onset dementia and a long standing history of severe depression. His wife was deeply committed to caring for him at home, but needed support. His family recognized the need for respite services and the need for P.T. to have opportunities to socialize and participate in activities.
P.T. participated in programing before and after the pandemic. Some of his favorite activities were weekly van trips for ice cream, dancing, making arts and crafts to bring home to his wife, listening to live performers, dancing and playing word games. During program closures, he would take part in weekly Zoom calls with other members and benefited from the take home activities put together by staff. His wife shared with staff that after the first few months of programing he began to talk and converse more. He was sharing stories of his daily events at the Club on the way home. The Club and the support of his family helped keep P.T. home right up until the last few weeks of his life when he was hospitalized. The programing at the center truly made a difference in P.T.’s life.
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Impact2032 Spotlight — J.S. McCarthy Printers
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J.S. McCarthy Printers (JSM) is one of the oldest and largest commercial printers in New England. Around since 1947, JSM has always had a focus on customer service and industry innovation, including its newest expansion into the folding carton packaging market. Along with a commitment to its customers, JSM also remains dedicated to the success of its employees, leading to the formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2019.
With the company’s focus on quality for both customers and employees alike, it’s not surprising that JSM has already developed many strategies that already align with Impact2032’s Vision for Financial Stability.
JSM partners with local schools by providing support to middle schools, high schools, technical centers, and programs for students looking for jobs in the trades. Support includes student presentations, career days, and job fairs as well as promoting career education through opportunities for mentorships and job trainings with summer internships for both high school and college students.
Impact2032 is led by United Way of Kennebec Valley and is financially backed by Central Maine Power Company and NRF Distributors.
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VolunteerME - Kennebec County's volunteer hub
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Did you know that the United Ways of Maine has an online portal for volunteer opportunities — for both nonprofit and volunteer use?
Nonprofits and school-based organizations in Kennebec County post ongoing or upcoming volunteer opportunities through this portal, and users can browse those opportunities, sign-up and track volunteer hours all on the website.
If you are looking for ways to get involved or looking for an extra set of hands, please visit uwkv.org/volunteer.
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Corporate Champions Circle Spotlight - NRF Distributors
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NRF Distributors is a family-owned business that values integrity, hard work and collaboration. There are many options when it comes to flooring distribution, but NRF’s commitment to providing leading service sets the company apart with every order.
NRF has always been a strong partner of United Way and the Kennebec Valley community. As a UWKV Corporate Champions Circle leader, NRF demonstrates that to create long-lasting positive change, we need to invest in our local people.
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Special thanks to our 2023 Platinum Level Corporate Champions:
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