Thank you for supporting United Way |
UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2023 |
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As 2023 draws to a close, we want to give heartfelt thanks for your support this year. Thanks to community members like you, we were able to:
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Invest $6.1 million in critical programs and innovative initiatives, like 211 Maine, Greater Portland Workforce Initiative, Biddeford Ready!, and CA$H Greater Portland, that improve lives. Shine a spotlight on Maine’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households who struggle to afford the basics. Collect 25,000 meals to fight food insecurity at the United We CAN Food Drive + Sculpture Contest. Raise $740,000 to keep Mainers warm and provide emergency heating assistance to families that have exhausted all other services. Successfully advocate for legislation that addresses barriers and inequities faced by vulnerable populations and improves education, financial stability, and health outcomes in our community.
There are many challenges ahead—but we will face them together. In 2024, we are leaning in to address the housing and food insecurity crises, availability and affordability of child care, and mental health and substance use challenges, including among our youth. These interconnected issues need urgent attention, but we also need to get underneath them to find solutions to their root causes.
We hope you will continue to support our work in 2024, and beyond. |
UNITED WAY TAKEOVER AT MAINE MARINERS |
Still looking for that perfect last-minute holiday gift? Give them the gift of tickets to United Way Takeover at the Maine Mariners! For every ticket purchased through this offer, United Way of Southern Maine will receive $5 to support programs that address housing, mental health, food insecurity, and child care. You can also bring unused hats and gloves to donate to our neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness! |
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROCESS IS OPEN |
United Way of Southern Maine invests community contributions in non-profits, community organizations, and collaborations across Southern Maine that are working to advance Thrive2027 and improve education, financial stability, and health for more people in our community. We will accept Community Investment applications through January 19 at 5 p.m. |
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL REVIEWERS |
We are seeking community members to serve as investment and financial reviewers to inform how we invest community contributions. Volunteers review and discuss applications and make recommendations for investment amounts. Though the time commitment can be significant (approximately 10-30 hours February through April, depending on the role), this is an equally significant opportunity to positively impact our community. |
LEGISLATIVE COFFEE + CONVERSATION RECAP |
Ahead of Maine's next legislative session, UWSM staff, board, and Thrive2027 council members gathered with local legislators to share our 2024 policy priorities and discuss United Ways of Maine’s recent groundbreaking report, ALICE in Maine. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basic cost of living in Southern Maine. We look forward to collaborating with policymakers on solutions that will help more Mainers achieve financial stability and thrive. Sign up for our Legislative Updates to get regular updates from Augusta. |
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY |
Biddeford Ready!, a program of United Way of Southern Maine, is proud to provide Dolly's Imagination Library books to the Biddeford community. Biddeford households with children under five can sign up to have a high-quality children’s book shipped to their home every month for free. See Biddeford Ready! featured on WMTW. |
Join our talented team and help improve lives in Southern Maine! |
United Way of Southern Maine is where the community comes together to help children, individuals, and families in ways that create a brighter future for all. |
United Way of Southern Maine 550 Forest Ave, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 www.uwsme.org |
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