UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
JULY 2026
Our hearts are with the Biddeford community during this difficult time. In moments like these, supporting one another and coming together as a community matters deeply.
For anyone seeking support or local resources, 211 Maine is here 24/7. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, food assistance, housing resources, or other local services, help is just a call or text away.
Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 and chat with a local, caring call specialist.
211 Maine has been a critical lifeline for the Maine community for two decades. On July 7, we celebrated 211 Maine’s 20th anniversary and the impact this essential service has had across our state.
Since launching statewide in 2006, 211 has answered more than 1.3 million calls, texts, and emails from Mainers.
During everyday challenges and times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, 211 has helped people navigate difficult situations and connect to needed resources. 211 is more than just a number. Behind every call, text, and email is a Maine-based specialist who is knowledgeable, patient, and deeply caring.
The United Ways of Maine were a founding partner of 211 Maine, alongside the State of Maine Health and Human Services and The Opportunity Alliance. We look forward to supporting for the next 20 years and beyond.
211 MAINE
United 4 Child Care Opens Second Location in Freeport
United 4 Child Care (U4CC) opened their second location in Freeport this month, adding 90-100 child care slots to our community. Combined with its South Portland location, U4CC is now providing approximately 180 child care spaces in Southern Maine.
United 4 Child Care will do more than add child care slots, it will strengthen our entire child care ecosystem by supporting the workforce behind the workforce and filling operational gaps through shared services such as substitute teacher pools, employee benefits, and technical or administrative assistance for providers.
Are you, or someone you know, looking for child care in Southern Maine?
ENROLLMENT INFOWe are grateful to U4CC’s partners: 2 Stonewood, LLC., Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation, Colby Company Engineering, Cumberland County Government, Davis Family Foundation, Kennebec Savings Bank, L.L.Bean, Machias Savings Bank, Maine Beer Company, Maine Community Bank, MaineHealth, MEMIC, Northern Light Health, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Town of Freeport, and Zachau Construction.
Welcome New Board Members!
We are excited to welcome four community leaders to United Way of Southern Maine’s board of directors! We look forward to working alongside these individuals to improve health, financial security, and youth opportunity for all in our community.
- Kevin Bunker, Developers Collaborative
- Charles Nadeau, Hussey Seating Company
- Teddy Smith, R.M. Davis
- Betsy Tod, Allagash Brewing Company
We are deeply grateful to the following board members who completed their tenure this year: Brian Ballute, Michael Bourque, Todd Cesca, Tom Hussey, and Luc Nya. Thank you for all you have done for United Way and our community!
Board of Directors
Day of Action
Rainy weather did not stop hundreds of volunteers during June’s Day of Action. Teams from local companies shared their time and skills with nonprofits, so our partners could devote more resources to serving our community. Volunteers helped paint, organize, clear trails, and more.
Thank you to the participating companies for joining us on June 18 or rescheduling for a sunnier day!
IN THE NEWS
Clearstead Trust + United Way Financial Event Series
United Way of Southern Maine is excited to continue our partnership with Clearstead Trust to help more families build stronger financial futures. Join us for one or more free sessions to grow your financial knowledge with insights from Clearstead Trust’s industry experts.
Sustaining Wealth Across Generations
Tuesday, September 15
8:30-9:30 AM | In-Person, Breakfast at the Cumberland Club, Portland
Join us as we explore the key financial, legal, and family governance considerations that help successful families preserve and transfer generational wealth.
Planned Giving: Strategy, Impact, and Legacy
Tuesday, October 13
10-11 AM | Virtual
Discover how thoughtful charitable planning can align your philanthropic goals with tax and estate planning strategies to create a lasting impact.
The Year-End Planning Playbook
Tuesday, November 10
10-11 AM | Virtual
Join us for a timely discussion of the key tax, investment, trust, and estate planning opportunities to consider before year-end.
REGISTERUpcoming Events
Save the Date for United We CAN!
United We CAN is back on Friday, September 18 for its 10th and final year. Join us and help us collect 30,000 meals to benefit Wayside Food Programs and Youth Full Maine to kick off our 2026 Community Campaign!
How to Participate:
- Build a Can Sculpture: Gather a team, create a design, and get ready to build a monumental can sculpture on September 18.
- Drop-off Food Donations: Drop off food donations at United We CAN
