I often get asked why I love living and working in Maine. One of the primary reasons? When neighbors are in need, Mainers rise together.
During the recent federal government shutdown, essential programs like SNAP were in question – with families and individuals across Maine acutely feeling the uncertainty. When someone walks a financial tightrope each month, losing even one support can be a crisis.
Fortunately, United Way’s 211 Maine answered the call–literally. 211 Maine experienced a 135% increase in food assistance inquiries.
United Way’s 211 is here for Maine, always. Day or night, our local call specialists listen to and connect people to local programs and resources when they need it most.
Although the shutdown has ended, challenges remain. Programs like LIHEAP, which provides heating assistance to low-income households, may still face delays. 211 Maine will continue to connect Mainers seeking heating assistance with available resources. One of those resources is United Way’s Keep ME Warm Fund, Maine’s only statewide heating assistance fundraising effort, providing emergency support to keep our neighbors safe, warm, and thriving.
KEEP MAINERS WARMDuring this season of gratitude, we at United Way of Southern Maine are deeply grateful for how you rise to make a difference.
Dan Coyne
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Maine
A Safer Community for All
On November 4, Maine voters cast their ballots for safer communities and overwhelmingly passed Question 2, a “red flag” law that gives families and household members a way to prevent tragedy by temporarily removing dangerous weapons from individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others. United Way supported a “Yes” vote on Question 2 because we are dedicated to building healthier communities, and one of our goals under Thrive2027 is to reduce preventable premature death in our communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 for suicide and crisis support. For non-emergency mental health support and resources, call 211 Maine at 211 or visit 211maine.org.
United Way in the News
Have you heard or read the recent news stories about United 4 Child Care? Over the last two weeks, both the Portland Press Herald and Maine Public have written articles about the new public-private collaboration, led by United Way, seeking to address the child care crisis in Southern Maine.
Women United Celebrates Community Partners
Women United continues to make an impact for single mothers and their children—families facing the greatest financial challenges in our region. The giving circle recently invested $277,000 in eight programs that provide mentorship, direct cash assistance, job coaching, afterschool care, and more to single moms.
Last month, members gathered at Pacifico Restaurant in Saco to celebrate those program partners. Thanks to a generous match from the Women United Steering Committee, members raised nearly $3,000 that night to invest in helping single moms and their families thrive! We are grateful to KeyBank for making this event possible.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Building Careers Through Community Engagement
“Time, treasure, talent: share it.” This was one of the gems shared during Emerging Leaders United’s dynamic panel discussion on November 5. Panelists spoke about how community engagement, volunteering, and supporting causes they cared about helped build their careers and connections and enriched their lives.
Looking for ways to get more involved? Emerging Leaders United can connect you to a vibrant community of changemakers who give back to help Southern Maine youth succeed.
Engage Maine’s Global Talent Forum
Learn practical tools and frameworks designed to build a more inclusive and supportive workplace at Southern Maine Workforce Initiative’s Engage Maine’s Global Talent forum on December 4.
This free event at the picturesque Nonantum Resort is designed to support employers in filling critical workforce gaps while improving employment outcomes for internationally trained professionals.
Register by 11/25 at uwsme.org/globaltalent. This event is made possible with generous support from MEMIC and Haley’s Metal Shop, Inc.
REGISTER NOWPartnering for Impact
Holy Donut + United Way = Greater Impact
The Holy Donut and United Way are joining forces for greater impact! This month, they launched a register round-up to support 211 Maine and help connect Mainers to resources that meet their needs. Be on the lookout for more delicious ways to support your community with Holy Donut!
Brickyard Hollow Community Nights
Tuesdays in November
Join us at Brickyard Hollow in November and support United Way!
- $1 off every special fall pizza all month long
- 5% off every purchase, including take-out, on Community Nights
Community Nights:
- November 18 – New Gloucester
- November 25 – Biddeford + Freeport
