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News From Your Local United Way—May 2026
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In Maine, many of the most common jobs don’t pay enough to meet basic living costs. Recent data indicates that 12 of the 20 most common occupations paid less than $20 per hour. As a result, 28% of workers in these roles lived in households below the ALICE Threshold—meaning they struggle to afford essentials like housing, food and transportation despite being employed.
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Our 26th Annual Day of Caring is off to a Great Start!
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| The first eight of our 26 events have been filled with incredible energy! With 18 more to come across Kennebec Valley throughout the spring and fall, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all who've participated: our schools, sponsors, students and dedicated volunteers. Thank you for making these vital community events possible!
This year’s Day of Caring events are made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, including Team EJP and G&E Roofing (Headline Sponsors), Pine State Trading (Presenting Sponsor), Kennebec Savings Bank (Diamond Sponsor), and others. |
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| Thank You to Our Day of Caring Presenting Sponsor, Pine State Trading Co. |
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| Pine State Trading Co. is a Maine-based, family-owned company that has proudly served communities across the state since 1941. As a leader in beverage marketing and distribution, they bring top brands to local retailers while upholding core values of integrity, teamwork and a deep commitment to community support. Their long-standing dedication to making Maine stronger is evident in their generous sponsorship of Day of Caring—thank you for being true partners in our mission! |
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Share Your Story to Make a Difference
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| Stories are a fundamental part of our work—they show how United Way of Kennebec Valley and our partners support our community so no one’s needs are left behind. Stories shine a light on what might otherwise go unseen, helping us understand where needs exist, showing others in similar situations how to find support and resources, and inspiring people to give and be part of the solution.
And your story matters. We’re collecting stories from community members who have found support through or benefited from our programs. If you’d like to contribute, tell us what you want others to understand and share how a UWKV-supported program—such as a funded partner program, 211 Maine or an Impact2032 initiative—has helped you or someone in your household.
With our upcoming campaign focused on youth opportunity, we’re especially interested in hearing how these programs helped a young person stay on track, build skills or imagine a future they once thought out of reach. We would love to hear how you or a youth connected to you have been supported through a UWKV-funded program. Your submission may play a vital role in our upcoming campaign video (though you don’t have to be on camera) and could help drive our fundraising efforts this fall.
Only share if you’re comfortable doing so, and you can choose how much detail to include. You can also share anonymously if that feels safer or more appropriate. |
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May's Featured Community Hero
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| As part of our 70th anniversary celebration, we invited the community to nominate local heroes who make Kennebec County a stronger, more caring place. Throughout 2026, we’ll be sharing their stories here in our newsletter and on social media—shining a light on the people who quietly (and not so quietly!) make a difference every day.
This month’s featured Community Hero is Chris Maloney from Augusta Teen Center.
Nominated by: Lily Gagnon
Reason: He does everything in his power to make sure teens' needs are met. |
| Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see other community heroes we’re celebrating! |
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May Spotlight Program—Motivational Services Inc.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight the following success story submitted by Motivational Services Inc. Dollars given to UWKV support this program as well as many others across Kennebec Valley.
A man in his 40s began coming to the LINC Peer Support Center about a year ago during a time when he was making major changes in his life. After years of being in and out of incarceration and struggling to stay sober on his own, this was the first time he was truly trying to build something different.
When he first came to LINC, he mostly kept to himself: sitting back, taking things in, and getting a feel for the space and the people. Over time, that began to shift. He started showing up more regularly, joining groups and gradually connecting with others. Those connections turned into relationships he now describes as some of the most meaningful he’s had.
As he became more comfortable, he began volunteering at LINC, helping out, checking in with others and becoming part of the day‑to‑day routine. He showed up consistently for recovery groups each week, and over time, his confidence grew. He wasn’t just coming in anymore—he was part of the community.
Today, he is celebrating more than a year of sobriety, something he had never experienced outside of incarceration before. He now has stable housing and continues to stay connected at LINC, both for support and to support others. Recently, he shared that he’s interested in becoming a peer support specialist and is moving forward with that process. |
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| Impact2032 is a community-wide initiative focused on advancing health, education and financial stability across Kennebec County through a shared vision. This spotlight highlights how Central Maine Power (CMP) is contributing to that vision through targeted strategies and community partnership. To learn more about Impact2032 and how to get involved, visit the Impact2032 web page. |
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| CMP continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening Kennebec County by investing in the education and well-being of its customers, employees and broader community. As one of the region’s largest utility providers, CMP has long recognized that safe, informed and resilient communities benefit everyone. Its ongoing efforts and future plans demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting lifelong learning, youth development and community knowledge that aligns closely with the goals of Impact2032.
CMP’s charitable giving already prioritizes education, community needs, and veteran support, and employees are encouraged to volunteer with organizations that reflect these pillars. Education is woven into many of the company’s outreach efforts. Programs like Safety City offer students an interactive way to learn how to stay safe around electricity, power lines and other structures.
CMP also donates books from Maine authors and illustrators to schools and early learning programs statewide, reinforcing literacy and early education. The company regularly supports local classrooms, high schools, career and technical centers, and JMG programs by participating in career days, job fairs and classroom presentations. |
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UWKV's 2026 Corporate Champions Circle Platinum Sponsors — Thank You For Your Support!
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