Dear Women United Members + Supporters,
As our Steering and Investment committees review applications and determine where to direct the generous contributions of our members, it is startlingly obvious that our community needs our help now more than ever: 74% of single women with children in Southern Maine cannot afford the basic cost of living in our community.
This striking stat was revealed in United Ways of Maine’s new report, The State of ALICE in Maine. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Mainers live paycheck to paycheck, despite often working multiple jobs, without the ability to save money for the future.
ALICE crosses all demographics, but this statistic reveals that single mothers are disproportionately ALICE. And, unfortunately, this number has risen by 5% since the last report.
It reminds me that Women United’s mission is more vital than ever. Thank you for your support. Your contribution provides local women with job training, mentorship, afterschool care, and connection with other single mothers. In this newsletter, you can read stories of impact from our community partners that were made possible by you.
Your Support in Action
Women United currently invests in six programs throughout Southern Maine that advance the well-being of single mothers and their children. Discover what your support makes possible!
MomCore, a YCCAC program, works with single mothers to strengthen their economic support systems and stabilize their housing. The program’s multicultural outreach worker has successfully connected 13 single moms to food assistance resources, medical care, and school supplies. They introduced eight single moms to local banks to open bank accounts as a first step towards budgeting and paying their bills. Seven of these moms learned about online payments and post office payments to pay their bills on time.
Mothers Thriving, led by New Ventures Maine, remains focused on helping single mothers in their cohort gain financial independence. Mothers in their program have celebrated meaningful milestones, such as moving into their own apartment and opening a savings account for the first time. They also had the opportunity to receive match funds in the savings accounts they opened to further build their financial security.
Quality Housing Coalition’s Project HOME trust program is actively strengthening relationships with other York County partners. Their direct cash support program for single moms is gaining momentum with plans to expand into other towns.
Project WIN (Women in Neighborhoods) continues to support their cohort of single mothers in the East Bayside area through mentorship and community building. Their partnership with Anchoring Youth to Succeed ensures that their children build healthy relationships and socio-emotional skills through their afterschool programming.
Freeport Community Services remains committed to providing nourishing food for children of single mothers in the Freeport and Pownal area.
Night at the Museum
On March 13, Women United members and their families took over the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine for the second annual Night at the Museum. It was lovely to see so many of you and meet your kiddos. You may have seen my son gleefully zooming through the exhibits. I hope you and your families had just as much fun exploring and connecting.
Women United is all about building a vibrant community of local leaders to drive positive change for women in Southern Maine. Night at the Museum was a reminder of how joyful and inspiring it is to bring this group of women together.
Thank you to our event sponsor, MEMIC, for making this event possible!
Upcoming
Women United Happy Hour
Pacifico
120 Main St. Suite 254, Saco
June 25, 5-7:30 PM
Before summer takes off, let’s connect! Join us on June 25, at Pacifico in Saco, to reflect on the year we’ve had, celebrate Women United’s wins, and catch up with other members. Bring a friend who might be interested in learning more about Women United!
United Way Events
Community Bake
Flatbread Pizza Company
72 Commercial St #5, Portland
June 10, 5-9 PM
Enjoy a slice of pizza with a purpose at Flatbread Pizza Company on June 10! We are excited to partner with Flatbread on a Community Bake Night. A portion of sales between 5 and 9 pm will benefit our Community Impact Fund.
Day of Action
Join us for Day of Action on Friday, June 20! United Way of Southern Maine’s Day of Action is the largest one-day mobilization of volunteers in Cumberland and York counties. Hundreds of volunteers from more than 50 local companies participate in volunteer projects with nonprofit partners across Southern Maine.
There are a few different sites available where you can roll up your sleeves and do some good! If you are interested in participating, reach out to me at mstaropoli@uwsme.org for more details!
Backyard Yoga
Talulah’s Garden at the Cate Family Farm
36 Andrew Avenue, Gray
July 8, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Practice your sun salutations and warrior poses alongside friendly kunekune pigs during this backyard yoga session at the Cate Family Farm in Grey. A minimum donation of $10 is encouraged, but it is not mandatory. Your entire contribution will support United Way’s Keep ME Warm Fund, which provides emergency heat assistance all winter long.
We look forward to sharing our community investments with you later this summer. Wishing you all sunny days full of good Maine fun in the weeks ahead,
Mackenzie Staropoli
Senior Donor Engagement Manager, Giving Circles
Thank you to our sponsors!
