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Dear Friends,
“Mon coeur est plien”… as a native French speaker there are some expressions that will always seem more impactful in my first language – this is one of them. Translated to “my heart is full,” I could not think of a better way to capture my sentiments as we enter this season of giving.
As a community, as an organization, and as individuals we have so much to be thankful for. When I reflect on the past year and what has been accomplished it takes my breath away. Yes, there are more challenges to overcome and more work to do to ensure all of our friends and neighbors have the opportunity to succeed, but the progress we are making is encouraging and inspiring.
None of what has been accomplished has been achieved by one individual. The past year has reaffirmed to me that when good people come together, great things happen. Partnerships – both among our hardworking and dedicated ACAP Team and with individuals and organizations across The County and beyond – are the key ingredients to our recipe for success.
And so it is with a coeur plien/full heart that I say thank you to all who have come to the table and shared of their time, talent and treasure to advance our community. May we continue to come together, and bring others into the fold, in 2020 and beyond with the common goal of making life better in Aroostook County!
Joyeuses Fêtes/Happy Holidays!
Jason
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Thank You for Your Support!
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The Helping Hands for Warm and Safe Homes Telethon was held on November 14th. The telethon raised more than $57,000. Those funds will stay in the County to help our friends and neighbors in need. Thank you to WAGM, United Way of Aroostook, all of the Telethon Sponsors and Volunteers and to the over 400 donors
from across Aroostook County!
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Billi joins the board after having the privilege of working with several ACAP employees as part of the Going Places Network. “I admire the dedication and passion ACAP employees demonstrate in their work, and in the opportunities they provide Aroostook County residence. I am delighted to be joining the board of such an incredible team.”
Billi has worked at Katahdin Trust Company since 2011, where she is Regional Vice President, overseeing the northern branch network and Katahdin Financial Services. Billi is active in the community, serving on the board of Wintergreen Arts Center, the Young Professionals Institute Steering Committee, and the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center, Community Advisory Board.
Billi resides in Presque Isle with her husband, Joel and their three children: Kapri, Kooper and Porter.
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Home Energy Assistance Program
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Aroostook County often plunges into winter early and fast, and this year has followed that trend. During 2018 ACAP processed 5,269 HEAP applications totaling $3.58 of funds that went back into Aroostook County. The Maine State Housing Authority receives federal funding to distribute HEAP (Heating Energy Assistance Program) Funding. The HEAP program provides assistance to low income households for their energy bills. HEAP funding statewide is distributed to the nine community action programs that are stationed around the state. Thanks to the advocacy of those agencies, HEAP funds have increased for the 2019 heating season. Individuals who believe they may be eligible can check the guidelines on the
ACAP website
. Anyone wishing to speak to someone at HEAP assistance can contact the Presque Isle ACAP office at (207) 764-3721.
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Giving Back While You Holiday Shop
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If you are doing any of your holiday shopping on Amazon, a donation could come back to ACAP!
ACAP is set up as a recipient of AmazonSmile program.
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to a charitable organization of your choice. Go to smile.amazon.com, login with your Amazon account information. Then when the select a charitable organization window pops-up, search for Aroostook County Action Program. Once selected you can shop and purchase just like you normally would!
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ACAP's Community Cupboards
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The ACAP Community Cupboards are little free pantries that help to fill a gap. These little pantries are located at the 771 Main St ACAP office as well as in the lobby of the Houlton and Madawaska ACAP locations. The concept is a simple one of take what you need and leave what you can, but these cupboards help those who are facing food insecurity. The Presque Isle location is available to all 24 hours a day and can be accessed privately without having to provide any personal information. With 15.4 percent of Aroostook County residents who are facing food insecurity, these cupboard are just one small way that ACAP can help to fight hunger. If you are interested in getting involved this project or know someone with an urgent need contact, Heidi Rackliffe at
hrackliffe@acap-me.org
.
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ACA Marketplace Navigator
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Open enrollment is now open for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace but closes on December 15, 2019. ACAP has local assistance available to anyone interested in enrolling or reenrolling. ACAP’s ACA Marketplace Navigator is available to help individuals understand all their options. Many people qualify for tax credits that could help to lower their monthly premiums. Referrals for help with MaineCare and Medicare are also available. For in-person appointments or phone-based assistance, call ACAP at 207.764.3721. Help from our Health Navigator is unbiased and free.
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Celebrating milestone anniversaries for our staff is a way for the agency to say "Thank you" for all that they do and to recognize all the great work that is happening agency-wide.
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Pictured Left to Right: Heidi Rackliffe, 5 years; Joyce Froehlich, 10 years; Sandy Williams, 30 years; Stan Targonski, 30 years; Chuck Johnston, 30 years; Cathy Edmunds, 30 years; Amy Murchison, 5 years.
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Pictured Left to Right: Debra Goodall, 15 years; Christine McLaughlin, 15 years; Tara McAfee, 5 years; Heather Carmicheal, 10 Years; Judy Putnam, 5 years.
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Barb Jalbert, 20 years; Jeannie Fox, 5 years; Megan Barnes, 10 years;
Kimberly Kelley, 20 years.
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Pictured Left to Right: Sandra Brewer, 30 years; Beth Menifield, 25 years; Connie Montpetit, 10 years; Allison Dean, 5 years; Kassandra Jordan, 5 years;
Wendy Deeves, 5 years; Heather Green, 5 years; (absent) Kristen Harris, 5 years.
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GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. It is held annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and this year it is on December 3.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
You can take part in GivingTuesday in many ways by giving:
- Your Voice; by speaking up for the causes that matter to you and encouraging others to get involved.
- Your Resources; by organizing the collection of food, clothing, blood, or other goods and resources that are needed.
- Your Time; by volunteering your time and expertise in your community.
- Your Money; by making donations to individuals or organizations that share your values and can advance the issues you care about or help others.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.
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We're hiring! Check out all of our current job openings on our
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