UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2026
This month marks an exciting milestone for me: one year as president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine. After more than a decade with the organization, stepping into this role has deepened my perspective on what United Way makes possible—and where we’re heading next. I recently shared a few reflections on leadership, community, and the work ahead on our blog.
What questions do you have for me? Send us an email, and we may feature your question in a future newsletter.
And if you haven’t had a chance to take our Community Survey, I hope you will. What would make Southern Maine a better place to work and live? Your responses directly inform where and how we focus our work.
Dan Coyne
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Maine
Strengthening Southern Maine’s ALICE Workforce
Supporting ALICE workers goes beyond wages—and employers across Southern Maine are leaning in. On March 4, more than 80 human resources professionals joined United Way for Support Beyond the Paycheck: Strengthening Your ALICE Workforce, sharing practical strategies for addressing the rising cost of living. Attendees received our new ALICE Employer Toolkit, a practical, evolving resource with high-impact strategies tailored to Southern Maine’s workforce by fellow employers.
Thank you to our speakers and panelists for sharing insights: Michelle Allen, MEMIC; Robert Asmann, IDEXX; Dan Coyne, United Way; Brian Dries, IDEXX; Celine Frueh, Allagash Brewing Company; Chris Hynes, Rhino Foods Foundation; Josh Waxman, United Way; and Kendra Wheeler, Bangor Savings Bank.
This event was made possible with the support of Presenting Sponsor, Unum, and IDEXX. We are also grateful to the John T. Gorman Foundation for supporting United Way’s ALICE in Maine research.
United Way in the News: Maine Calling
ALICE is a growing reality for thousands of Maine households, and it’s gaining statewide attention. President and CEO Dan Coyne recently joined Maine Calling to discuss what this means for working families and how communities can respond. Alongside Michelle Allen, Chris Hynes, and VIP Caller Sara Wing, the panel explored the real-life impact of rising costs on ALICE workers across Maine.
Honor a Woman in Your Life
This Mother’s Day, honor someone special and help uplift local mothers at the same time. With a donation of $15 or more, Women United will send a card on your behalf to a person you admire by Mother’s Day. Your gift directly supports Women United, a giving circle of United Way of Southern Maine that brings people together to support single mothers and their children.
Translating Taxes into Financial Security
Access to financial security starts with access to information. CA$H Greater Portland provides interpretation and translation in multiple languages so that all filers feel supported and informed.
Our skilled volunteers speak 16 languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Creole, Darija, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kinyamurenge, Lingala, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Other languages can be supported through on-site professional interpreters and an IRS helpline. CA$H also partners with Disability Rights Maine to host an annual American Sign Language (ASL) Tax Day. This year, 26 households filed with ASL interpretation, resulting in more than $17,000 in refunds.
Support for interpretation and translation is generously provided by Maine Community Bank.
Clearstead Trust and United Way Partner for Impact
Clearstead Trust and United Way of Southern Maine are partnering for greater impact! We are proud to share that Clearstead Trust is United Way’s Legacy Society sponsor, helping ensure long-term investments in health, youth opportunity, and financial security for all in Southern Maine. They are also available to assist Legacy Society members in making planned gifts and bequests to help United Way plan for a brighter future.
Quick Action Needed: Funding for LD 641
Will you take 60 seconds to keep more Mainers safe and housed? Send a message to the Appropriations & Financial Affairs Committee with one easy click and ask them to fund LD 641: “An Act to Support Diversion Efforts to Prevent Homelessness in Maine,” a bill introduced by Rep. Marc Malon in partnership with United Way of Southern Maine to increase funding for cost-effective, targeted solutions that prevent homelessness.
This is a prevention-focused investment that can save public dollars over time while helping ensure our neighbors have access to the support they need. It’s a win all around.
Please use this tool to quickly send a message to AFA members, urging them to include funding for LD 641 in the final budget: https://uwsme.quorum.us/campaign/ld641AFA/. Want to make your ask even more powerful? Personalize the template message with your story or perspective.
Upcoming Events
10 Miles to Support United Way of Southern Maine
Looking for a fun way to support United Way this spring? Lace up and join us at the Portland 10 Miler on April 26. United Way of Southern Maine is proud to be the charitable partner for the third year. The coastal course covers ten miles of Portland’s most recognizable roads and paths along Back Cove, Munjoy Hill, and the Eastern Promenade. Every mile helps build a stronger Southern Maine!
