United Way of Mid-Maine awards additional $27,764.50 in COVID-19 Relief Funding

June 10, 2020 United Way of Mid-Maine has awarded an additional $27,764.50 in COVID-19 relief funding to thirteen mid-Maine non-profit organizations through its Community First Fund. Organizations throughout Maine are finding themselves under resourced to serve a growing demand for crucial services and basic needs.

The Community First Fund was initially established to provide funding to organizations affected by the Coronavirus pandemic but will be available year-round to fund programs addressing emergent needs in the community and crisis recovery.

“When the Coronavirus first hit, we realized we needed to establish a way to support our partner agencies outside of our general granting process.” Said Bethany Drouin, Resource Development Directory for UWMM. “The Community First Fund will provide year-round access to funds that will be crucial in addressing emergent needs in our communities.”

The UWMM has been able to provide this funding through local support from individual donors as well as businesses like GHM Insurance Agency, and groups like the Rotary Club of Waterville. Organizations who have most recently received funding are:

  • CenterPoint Community Church Food Pantry
  • Central Maine Growth Council
  • Children’s Discovery Museum
  • Cornville/Athens Food Cupboard
  • Family Violence Project
  • Kennebec Behavioral Health
  • Messalonskee Middle School
  • Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.
  • Partnership for Children’s Oral Health
  • People Who Care Food Cupboard
  • Sexual Assault Crisis & Support
  • Skowhegan Community Food Cupboard
  • Town of Jackman

“During these very stressful times, Kennebec Behavioral Health has continued to be here for our community members.  And United Way of Mid-Maine is here for us.  Thanks to the support of UWMM and other organizations, KBH has been able to keep our focus on the health and safety of our clients and staff.” Said Tina Chapman, Development and Communications Director at KBH. “With a combination of telehealth and in person services, during which staff and clients utilize personal protective equipment and follow all CDC guidelines, we are pleased that we have provided largely uninterrupted services to our clients, patients and Clubhouse members. We know we all have a long road ahead of us. If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use concerns, please contact us at 1-888-322-2136. Together, we will get through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The Town of Jackman is both honored and excited to have been selected as a recipient of the UWMM’s Community First Fund.” Said Victoria Forkus, Jackman Town Manager, “We are hopeful that our Food Pantry, and community members in need, will benefit from these grant funds. We are grateful that the UWMM recognized the increased community need in Jackman created by the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

United Way of Mid-Maine has invested a total of $55,514.50 in COVID-19 relief funding to twenty-two non-profit organizations servings Somerset, western Waldo, and northern Kennebec counties since March. They continue to collect donations for their Community First Fund and distribute funding for COVID-19 relief.

Any 501(c)(3) serving Somerset, northern Kennebec, or western Waldo counties may apply for funding by visiting https://www.uwmm.org/community-first-fund-application-for-funding/.

To help support the Community First Fund, please consider making a donation online at https://www.uwmm.org/community-first-fund/ or text COMMUNITY to 207-424-2429.

Previous Awards

As of April 27, 2020, United Way of Mid-Maine has awarded $20,750 in COVID-19 relief funding through their Community First Fund. Nine local programs will receive funding. These programs provide crucial services and address emergent needs throughout the mid-Maine community. The United Way continues to accept and review applications from non-profit organizations serving Somerset, northern Kennebec, and western Waldo counties.

The Community First Fund was established in March to support local non-profit organizations that are finding themselves under-resourced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the United Way’s current efforts are to fund COVID-19 relief, the Fund will be available year-round, accepting applications on a rolling basis.

“We are proud to be working with local business partners and donors to provide funding to the non-profits on the ground fighting this crisis,” said Al Smith, president and CEO of UWMM. “It’s amazing to see how the mid-Maine community has come together to make sure those in need are taken care of.”

The first round of funding was made possible thanks to donations from Maine businesses, including Kennebec Savings Bank, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and Central Maine Power, as well as many individual donors. Organizations that have received funding so far include:

  • Alfond Youth & Community Center
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine
  • Catholic Charities Maine
  • Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County
  • Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
  • Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers
  • Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter
  • Snow Pond Center for the Arts
  • Waterville Winslow Interfaith Council

"KVCAP is grateful for the financial support from United Way of Mid-Maine. The $3,000 in Emergency COVID funds will be used to help people affected by COVID-19 who are in need of basic necessities, including food, shelter, and hygiene supplies. We will be able to directly help 10-15 families with these funds, based on need," said Suzanne Walsh, KVCAP CEO.

"The high school students from the Sharon Abrams Teen Parent School Program at The Maine Children’s Home have had their plans and routines turned upside down from COVID-19 closures.  The emergency funds from the United Way are helping us reach vulnerable teens and their infant children with critical supplies, academic support and mentoring to decrease social isolation.  This emergency grant and other donations are helping MCH be able to provide food, formula, and other essentials, as well as regular check-ins to assure the health and well-being of pregnant and parenting teens whose networks need extra support at this time," said Rick Dorian, MCH Executive Director.  "We are very grateful to UWMM, and we are grateful for the Emergency Response Fund UWMM has established."

The United Way of Mid-Maine continues to collect donations for their Community First Fund and distribute funding for COVID-19 relief throughout mid-Maine. Funding from the recent Maine United telethon, held in partnership with News Center Maine and United Ways of Maine, will soon be available.

Any 501(c)(3) serving Somerset, northern Kennebec, or western Waldo counties may apply for funding by visiting https://www.uwmm.org/community-first-fund-application-for-funding/.

To help grow the Community First Fund, please consider making a donation online at https://www.uwmm.org/community-first-fund/ or text GIVE to 207-424-2429.

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