United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes the caring power of our community through giving, advocacy, and volunteerism. Below you can find resources offered by many local organizations that help our community thrive.
Want to get more involved in our community? Find in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities with non-profits and other organizations through Southern Maine.
When a crisis hits, having somewhere to turn is invaluable. For thousands of people in Maine, that place is 211 Maine, a collaborative effort of the United Ways of Maine, the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and The Opportunity Alliance as the Contact Center partner. 211 Maine answers over 80,000 calls each year from individuals looking for answers. During the pandemic, the number of calls increased by 141%. 211 is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 for anyone looking for answers. Just call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211maine.org. Tell a friend or family member about 211 – you never know when someone might need it.
Operated by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, this collaborative community initiative and website contains an ever-growing library of ideas, tools, and resources for Mainers to support businesses, organizations, and each other during the pandemic.
Child care is essential to the functioning and success of a family. It is often extremely difficult to access all while being at a significant financial cost. This journey map and FAQ can help guide you through the various options available.
Maine CareerCenters provides a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. Check out their resource guide.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Maximize your employment opportunities through work-training community service experience. To be eligible you must be over the age of 55, unemployed, and meet income requirements. FMI: Contact SCSEP.OADS@maine.gov or call (207) 287-9200.
HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING OFF WRITING A WILL?
Learn how you can create one for free, in as little as 20 minutes, through a partnership with United Way by visiting FreeWill.
LOOKING FOR AN ONLINE WAY TO MANAGE YOUR STUDENT LOANS?
United Way has partnered with Savi, an online student loan management platform, to help people freely and easily manage their student loan debt. Users answer a few questions on the secure website, and the software automatically determines repayment plan options, loan forgiveness qualifications, and other potential savings. Through Savi, users can easily complete, submit, and manage government provided student loan debt relief products. Individuals earning less than $80K/year who sign up in 2021 will receive free access to personalized support from Savi’s student loan experts through 2022. Visit unitedway.bysavi.com to get started today!
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a range of emotions, including anxiety, grief, uncertainty, and sadness. Find four simple tips to help you manage anxiety related to COVID-19 in this guide.
If you see a person on the street who needs help and it is not an emergency (in which case call 911 or Portland Police Dispatch at 207-874-8575), Amistad’s new APPLE Line may be a good solution. The Amistad Portland Peer Line (APPLE) will connect you to one of Amistad’s Peer Outreach Workers, who are trained to support people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. The line (207-550-7920) is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
The Yellow Tulip Project’s 48 Tips is a self-care/advice kit, written by youth for youth, to help young people feel less alone and more hopeful about these uncertain times ahead. The kits include non-judgmental, adaptable tools and self-care advice, created through the trained lens of youth mental health warriors who know the effects of COVID-era anxiety inside and out. FMI: 48 Tips Care
Lots of things are different right now due to COVID-19, and that can feel overwhelming. NAMI Maine is combating isolation with a teen support text line. This peer support text line is for Maine youth 13–24 years old. The line is staffed every day from noon to 10:00 p.m. by individuals ages 18–24, who are overseen by a clinician and can provide support and information about available resources. Teens can text 207-515-8398 to talk about their feelings and get support from another young person.
Partners for World Health helps individuals and organizations looking to PURCHASE medical supplies. Through their Medical Supply Program (MSP) they offer a wide variety of medical supplies, and durable medical equipment (DME) for purchase at extremely reduced rates. Each request is reviewed thoughtfully by a medical professional. FMI: contact medicalsupplies@partnersforworldhealth.org or call 207-705-9020
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Community Resources
Community Resources
United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes the caring power of our community through giving, advocacy, and volunteerism. Below you can find resources offered by many local organizations that help our community thrive.
General
VOLUNTEERME SOUTHERN MAINE
Want to get more involved in our community? Find in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities with non-profits and other organizations through Southern Maine.
211 MAINE
When a crisis hits, having somewhere to turn is invaluable. For thousands of people in Maine, that place is 211 Maine, a collaborative effort of the United Ways of Maine, the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and The Opportunity Alliance as the Contact Center partner. 211 Maine answers over 80,000 calls each year from individuals looking for answers. During the pandemic, the number of calls increased by 141%. 211 is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 for anyone looking for answers. Just call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211maine.org. Tell a friend or family member about 211 – you never know when someone might need it.
PAY IT FORWARD MAINE
Operated by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, this collaborative community initiative and website contains an ever-growing library of ideas, tools, and resources for Mainers to support businesses, organizations, and each other during the pandemic.
BASIC COVID-19 INFORMATION IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
Financial Stability
RESOURCES FOR FINDING CHILDCARE
Child care is essential to the functioning and success of a family. It is often extremely difficult to access all while being at a significant financial cost. This journey map and FAQ can help guide you through the various options available.
CAREER JOURNEY MAP
Working with new Mainers or foreign-trained professionals? Check out the Career Journey Map from Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
QUICK AND EASY WAY TO FIND AVAILABLE SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Maine CareerCenters provides a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. Check out their resource guide.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Maximize your employment opportunities through work-training community service experience. To be eligible you must be over the age of 55, unemployed, and meet income requirements. FMI: Contact SCSEP.OADS@maine.gov or call (207) 287-9200.
HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING OFF WRITING A WILL?
Learn how you can create one for free, in as little as 20 minutes, through a partnership with United Way by visiting FreeWill.
LOOKING FOR AN ONLINE WAY TO MANAGE YOUR STUDENT LOANS?
United Way has partnered with Savi, an online student loan management platform, to help people freely and easily manage their student loan debt. Users answer a few questions on the secure website, and the software automatically determines repayment plan options, loan forgiveness qualifications, and other potential savings. Through Savi, users can easily complete, submit, and manage government provided student loan debt relief products. Individuals earning less than $80K/year who sign up in 2021 will receive free access to personalized support from Savi’s student loan experts through 2022. Visit unitedway.bysavi.com to get started today!
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder
SIMPLE TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a range of emotions, including anxiety, grief, uncertainty, and sadness. Find four simple tips to help you manage anxiety related to COVID-19 in this guide.
AMISTAD PORTLAND PEER LINE
If you see a person on the street who needs help and it is not an emergency (in which case call 911 or Portland Police Dispatch at 207-874-8575), Amistad’s new APPLE Line may be a good solution. The Amistad Portland Peer Line (APPLE) will connect you to one of Amistad’s Peer Outreach Workers, who are trained to support people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. The line (207-550-7920) is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
YELLOW TULIP PROJECT — 48 TIPS
The Yellow Tulip Project’s 48 Tips is a self-care/advice kit, written by youth for youth, to help young people feel less alone and more hopeful about these uncertain times ahead. The kits include non-judgmental, adaptable tools and self-care advice, created through the trained lens of youth mental health warriors who know the effects of COVID-era anxiety inside and out. FMI: 48 Tips Care
NAMI TEEN HOTLINE
Lots of things are different right now due to COVID-19, and that can feel overwhelming. NAMI Maine is combating isolation with a teen support text line. This peer support text line is for Maine youth 13–24 years old. The line is staffed every day from noon to 10:00 p.m. by individuals ages 18–24, who are overseen by a clinician and can provide support and information about available resources. Teens can text 207-515-8398 to talk about their feelings and get support from another young person.
Other
IN NEED OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES?
Partners for World Health helps individuals and organizations looking to PURCHASE medical supplies. Through their Medical Supply Program (MSP) they offer a wide variety of medical supplies, and durable medical equipment (DME) for purchase at extremely reduced rates. Each request is reviewed thoughtfully by a medical professional. FMI: contact medicalsupplies@partnersforworldhealth.org or call 207-705-9020
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Volunteer Opportunities