United Way of Southern Maine's Monthly Newsletter |
UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024 |
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Your Support Leads to Big Impact |
United Way of Southern Maine will invest $6.7 million into our community this year. This investment will strengthen our community and address Southern Maine’s challenges in food, housing, and access to health care and child care. And—it's only possible thanks to support from community members like you.
We will invest in 83 innovative programs led by 61 community partners. That includes United Way-led programs like 211 Maine, CA$H Greater Portland, Biddeford Ready!, and the Greater Portland Workforce Initiative. A team of trained volunteer investment reviewers from across our community helped determine priorities, review applications, and make funding recommendations to UWSM’s Board of Directors.
These investments lead to community change and that change is only possible because of supporters like you. Thank you! |
United We CAN Food Drive is Back! |
Mark your calendar—the United We CAN Food Drive returns September 13 at Thompson’s Point! As the cost of food and other essentials rises, ALICE families often struggle to afford the high cost of groceries. We’re partnering with Wayside Food Programs and Youth Full Maine to collect needed meals for our community and address food insecurity. It’s easy to participate—just drive through on September 13, drop off non-perishable food items, and do good!
Local businesses can join the fun by building monumental can sculptures for the Can Sculpture Contest. Gather your colleagues, develop a design, and build your creative sculpture. Who knows—your team may even bring home a coveted Can Sculpture Award! |
Thank you to our event host, Thompson’s Point, and our 2024 United We CAN sponsors!
Supporting Sponsor: Zachau Construction A/V Sponsor: Atlantic Federal Credit Union |
Staff from United Way of Southern Maine and United Way of Aroostook joined United Ways and 211s from across the country in DC in July for the 2024 Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day. They met with the staff of all four congressional representatives, including a meeting directly with Senator King, to share learnings, build relationships, and advocate for policies that help the 42% of Mainers who struggle each day to make ends meet. |
Engage Maine’s Global Talent Forum Series |
August 21, September 18, October 16 Hosted by Greater Portland Workforce Initiative
Help build a more inclusive workforce! Join a free, powerful, and interactive forum series designed for small-scale businesses and employers with limited HR capacity. We will explore creative strategies, share best practices, and leverage innovative resources to confidently hire, promote, and retain international talent. The forum will consist of three morning sessions. Participants should plan to attend or send a representative to each session. |
This forum is made possible with support from Gorham Savings Bank, MEMIC, Mariam Assefa Foundation, and Southern Maine Community College. |
Help set early elementary grade students on a path to success by sharing a love for reading. Become a United Way Volunteer Reader for the 2024-25 school year and support ongoing reader programs at local elementary schools. Training provided and no experience necessary. Multilingual volunteers are welcome! |
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Join CA$H for the 2025 tax season and help individuals and families navigate tax filing and maximize their returns while learning valuable skills. Training provided and no experience necessary. Multilingual volunteers are welcome! |
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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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