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Dear Friend,
For many of us here in Maine, the end of 2023 is coming with twists and turns. As I sit writing this, my home remains without electricity, like so much of the state in the aftermath of a powerful storm. Mainers are resilient, however, and Mainers take care of each other. And I still feel the joy of the season surrounding, even in these times of challenge.
Our MaineShare members also bring care, resilience, and joy to our communities. I remain so grateful to be even a small part of their work. I encourage you to read on today for some updates from them, continue to learn more about all their work, and if you are so moved, I encourage you to give to our annual appeal today which further supports their work.
In the New Year, we have exciting changes and growth coming to MaineShare, along with further integration within the Maine Initiatives community. I am excited to share these updates with you all soon, so stay tuned!
In gratitude and joy,
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Amanda Langley (she/her/hers), Director of the MaineShare Program
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Exciting Member Updates and Events! | |
Programs serving the low-income and immigrant communities in southern and central Maine | |
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ProsperityME is pleased to announce the launch of several programs to serve the low-income and immigrant communities in southern and central Maine. Our PROSPER Scholarship is a two-year academic scholarship that assists asylum seekers in earning their associate degree and covers tuition and books at any accredited community college or university in Maine. Students are paired with mentors to help make the most of their college experience. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we invite you to share this opportunity with eligible students within your organization. The application is open now, and deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2024. Learn more here!
If you reside in Cumberland County and need assistance with your heating expenses, our staff can help eligible households apply for the 2024 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides money to help income qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include help paying for fuel and emergency fuel delivery. You can also qualify for energy-related repairs if you are eligible for HEAP. Learn more about income eligibility here. For questions about this program, including application requirements, please email HomeEnergyAssistance@prosperityme.org.
The IDA matched savings program will provide ongoing 1:1 financial education, higher education coaching, small business mentorship and technical assistance. Participants will receive one dollar for every dollar they save towards the purchase of a productive asset (small business or higher education, with a focus on Maine’s technology sectors) up to $5000 over a savings period of 6 months to 2 years. IDA savers must complete our Basic Money Management course and training specific to their goal before they can receive matching funds. The mission of our IDA program is to create opportunities and resources for low- and moderate-income first generation immigrant Mainers at or below 100% of area median income to increase their personal net worth through matched savings accounts that can be used for post-secondary education or small business start-up or expansion. For further information on this, or any programs, visit our website or call 207-797-7890.
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Powering Change: Addressing the Battery Dilemma | |
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Join us for an enlightening webinar as we delve into the pressing issue of battery disposal and recycling. In our tech-driven world, the demand for batteries is higher than ever, but the safety and environmental consequences of improper disposal are staggering. During this webinar, we’ll explore the current state of battery disposal, shedding light on the challenges and environmental hazards associated with our current practices. Our speakers will discuss the urgent need for sustainable solutions and how we all play a crucial role in mitigating the situation.
This webinar, held on January 24, 2024 at 8:45am, will be an engaging discussion on how we can collectively address the battery disposal dilemma and work towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now! Registration Link
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Last month, we told you that our 16th annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash is coming up on December 31st. This month, we urge you to consider creating a Corporate Team as a way to engage your employees & foster some healthy competition all the while raising funds to fight climate change. A corporate team registration includes 8 individual registrations, with the registration code sent to you to share with your employees once you have created your corporate team. You also have the option, as always, to register as an individual or create a team of friends & family to participate. We hope to see you in South Portland on December 31st.
Learn more & register at https://nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash
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Birding Basics with Maine Audubon | |
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Start 2024 off right by honing your birding skills in the comfort of your own home! Back by popular demand, Maine Audubon will spend twelve weeks revisiting the basics of birding. This is the perfect online opportunity for people newly interested in birding, novices needing a refresher, and for even the ‘pros’ to learn something new. Each week we will cover a different topic that is essential to birding and while they do build off each other, attendance to all programs is not necessary. You can review the courses and join us for the topics that interest you!
Birding Basics
Weekly on Tuesdays: January 2 - March 19, 6:30 - 8pm
FREE Online Programs
Weekly topics listed at https://maineaudubon.org/news/events/birding-basics-2024/
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Open enrollment for marketplace plans through Maine’s state-based exchange, CoverME.gov runs through January 16th for coverage to start February 1, 2024.
Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) is proud to be Maine's Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program. We provide free, confidential assistance screening individuals and families for eligibility and for enrollment. We also provide help with MaineCare, screening Mainers with employer sponsored health insurance for more affordable options through the marketplace, other health care programs, and appeals assistance.
If you are eligible for Marketplace coverage during open enrollment, you must enroll on or before January 16th. Have questions? Call CAHC at 1-800-965-7476. We are here to help!
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Do you have a question about different kinds of biking - mountain, gravel, road? Maybe you need some safety tips for biking and walking at night or in urban settings? Are you looking for guidance in planning your next outdoor adventure? Or are you interested in just learning more about the world of biking?
If you answered yes, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) Wednesday Webinar series is for you! Sponsored by our friends at Tandem Coffee Roasters, our webinar topics range from bike safety and seasonal riding tips to mechanics courses and bike-packing trips. Here are upcoming webinars:
1/10 Bike Fit with SoPo Physical Therapy
Join BCM and SoPo Physical therapy as we talk about the benefits and special magic that is Bike Fit. Laura Peaselee DPT, PT, co-founder of SoPo Physical Therapy will lead us on how bike fit works, its benefits from a performance and comfort standpoint, and ways you can improve the experience on your bike.
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/wednesday-webinar-bike-fit-with-sopo-physical-therapy/
1/24 Trash to Treasure
There is no such thing as a bad bike, and sometimes all you need is a little elbow grease to get your rundown ride into show-stopper form. Join Dan Bassett and Erik daSilva from the BCM as we talk about how to rehab your bike. We will also discuss how to shop for used bicycles, things to look for, and what can be changed to improve those wheels!
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/wednesday-webinar-trash-to-treasure/
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Learn more about historical artifacts! | |
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The HHRC has a significant collection of artifacts related to the Holocaust and civil rights. Last year, we began to archive these valuable objects– assigning each one a number and category; storing them in professional archive containers; and using protective display cases in the Michael Klahr Center for our visitors to safely enjoy them. The next step, facilitated by funding from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation, involves two separate and yet connected projects.
The first is a workshop for teachers to familiarize themselves with the Holocaust artifacts that we have at the HHRC and how to use them (digitally) in their classrooms. The second involves creating individual programs that center on specific objects. Our three programs available so far are: One based around a child’s shoe found at one of the camps; Another focusing on currency from the Lodz ghetto; and the third exploring letters from a Berlin doctor, Hans Muehsam, asking for help obtaining a visa to leave Germany and emigrate to the United States.
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This is just a small sampling of the critical work MaineShare members do to build a better Maine. Please join us in supporting and learning from the great work of ALL our member groups.
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