UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2026
Dear Neighbor,
Earlier this year, our mighty United Way of Southern Maine team set a bold goal of gathering the voices and perspectives of at least 3,000 people who live and work in our region.
We know that nearly 4 in 10 households in Southern Maine are struggling, but in order to create solutions that work for our community, we need to hear directly from the people navigating financial insecurity every day.
So we went to libraries, schools, places of worship, and workplaces. We spoke with people who know us well and people who had never heard of United Way. We sought input from voices that are often unheard. We may have even spoken with you (if you took the time to share your perspective, thank you).
In the end, we heard from more than 3,150 neighbors (3,159 to be exact), surpassing our original goal. The voices and perspectives have been compiled into our Voice of Community Report, and what we heard from the community is already influencing our work.
There’s one quote I keep thinking about. A parent in Cumberland County said, “It seems no matter how much I work, as soon as I get paid, it all goes to some type of bill and then I am broke again. It’s a never-ending cycle.” Voices like this are a call to action for us to work together for a stronger future.
This report is not the end of the conversation. It is the beginning of a deeper understanding of what our community needs and how together we can help ensure every household has the stability and opportunity to thrive.
READ THE REPORT
United is the way,
Dan Coyne
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Maine
SOUTHERN MAINERS REPORT THAT STABILITY FEELS OUT OF REACH
United Way’s Voice of Community Report represents the voices and perspectives of more than 3,100 people who live and work in Cumberland and York counties. Across communities, backgrounds, and experiences, one message emerged clearly: stability feels increasingly out of reach.
Rising housing costs, higher prices of everyday necessities, limited child care options, transportation barriers, and lack of access to health care are common challenges that prevent households from finding stability.
People also highlighted what they love about Southern Maine: strong non-profit organizations, neighbors who help neighbors, engaged employers, trusted schools and faith communities, and a shared commitment to community well-being.
Taken together, these findings point to a shared aspiration across Southern Maine: ensuring every household has the stability needed to navigate daily life and the opportunity to build a stronger future. The report provides a foundation for community leaders, organizations, and residents to work toward that goal together.
READ THE REPORTThe findings will help inform United Way’s future community investments, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and strategic direction, while serving as a resource for others working to strengthen Southern Maine.
32,000 POUNDS OF FOOD COLLECTED TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES
The final United We CAN Food Drive and Sculpture Contest brought in 32,000 pounds of food to help local families meet basic needs and strengthen household stability. The donated food is already making its way out into community thanks to our partners, Wayside Food Program and York County Food Hub.
13 companies build giant sculptures out of non-perishable food items and competed for highly coveted awards. Congratulations to the winning teams!
- BEST IN SHOW: WEX
- COMMUNITY CHOICE: L.L.Bean
- JUDGE’S CHOICE: The Holy Donut
- BEST MEAL: Hannaford Supermarkets
- MIGHTY: Martin’s Point Health Care
- MOST CREATIVE: Zachau Construction
- ENGINEERING MARVEL: CCB, Inc.
- ROOKIE: Machias Savings Bank
Thank you to all of the companies who built sculptures or donated food or equipment to make the event a success: Bank of America, Dead River Company, IDEXX, Kennebec Savings Bank, Maine Celtics, MaineHealth, Systems Engineering, and W.D. Matthews.
Special thank you to Hannaford Supermarkets for their longtime support of this event and for transporting the donated food to our partners each year.
SEE THE WINNING SCULPTURESUpcoming Events
Women United Fall Gathering: Power of Partnership
Tuesday, October 20, 5:30-7:30 PM
The Woodlands Club
FREE
Join Women United on October 20 at The Woodlands Club for a free gathering to network and connect, celebrate this giving circle’s positive impact, and learn how you can get involved. Women United’s community partners will join us to share how your support helps single moms get on a path to financial security, so they can build a better future for their children.
RSVPThis event is made possible with generous support from KeyBank.
Planned Giving: Strategy, Impact, and Legacy
Tuesday, October 13
10-11 AM | Virtual
Discover how thoughtful charitable planning can help you support the causes you care about while creating a lasting impact in Southern Maine.
RSVP