November 2025 Member Update
November 26, 2025
Dear Women United members and friends, We recently announced investments in eight partner programs making a difference for single mothers and their families—more than
Women United
Women United is a Giving Circle of United Way of Southern Maine whose mission is to inspire and deeply engage individuals as positive change agents in support of the advancement of single mothers and their children in Southern Maine.
As a member of Women United, you will be part of a vibrant community, bound together by a sense of belonging — to each other, to our mission, and to the communities we call home. Donating to Women United helps make an impact in the lives of local women AND gives benefits to you, including:
- Network and connect with other members as well as community leaders at exclusive events.
- Learn about critical issues impacting single women and their children.
- Be part of a community of like-minded women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to build a stronger community.
- Volunteer alongside others looking to create lasting change.
- Advocate for key community issues, like childcare and affordable housing.
PHILANTHROPIC FOCUS
Through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy, Women United members are leading critical work that will positively influence single mothers’ ability to meet basic needs, educate children, and achieve optimal health and well-being.
Members of Women United invest contributions in local programs that help single mothers and their families move toward financial stability. Our member-led Investment Committee determines where investments will have the most impact, supporting strategies such as Early Childhood Education, Family Economic Supports, and Family Development and Social Capital.
Community Investments
- Anchoring Youth to Succeed – Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and A Company of Girls.
Afterschool program with wraparound services to support youth development. - Career Success for Single Moms – New Ventures Maine.
Facilitates class series, group series, and coaching to empower mothers. - Housing Navigation and Financial Stability – York County Community Action Corporation.
Targeted coaching program focused on improving financial knowledge and household stability for single mothers in York County. - Immigrant Women Achieving Independence – In Her Presence.
Supports the career trajectory and enhances financial security for immigrant women.
- Legal Assistance for Victims – Caring Unlimited.
Direct cash assistance, individualized skill-building, and peer-to-peer support. - MaineMom – Day One.
Offers wraparound care for perinatal women affected by substance use disorder. - Project HOME – Quality Housing Coalition.
Direct cash assistance, individualized skillbuilding, and peer-to-peer support. - Project WIN (Women in Neighborhoods) – The Opportunity Alliance.
Gathers single mothers in a cohort and provides an evidence-based coaching model to help them identify and pursue goals for their families.
By joining Women United, members become part of a community of like-minded peers who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to build a stronger community. Members gain access to exclusive networking events, leadership volunteer opportunities, and the ability to advocate for key community issues like childcare and affordable housing.
Newsletters
May 2025 Member Update
May 28, 2025
Dear Women United Members + Supporters, As our Steering and Investment committees review applications and determine where to direct the generous contributions of our
February 2025 Member Update
February 28, 2025
Dear Women United Members + Supporters, As we step into February, Women United is more energized than ever by our shared commitment to advancing
membership Levels
Membership is based upon an annual contribution designated to Women United and is open to all interested community members.
Gold Level
$
2,500
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Receive regular newsletters
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Invitations to the fall kick-off and spring social events
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Access to volunteer and networking opportunities
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Public Recognition on the website
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Access to leadership volunteer activities
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Exclusive pre-event reception at the spring social event
Leader Level
$
1,500
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Receive regular newsletters
-
Invitations to the fall kick-off and spring social events
-
Access to volunteer and networking opportunities
-
Public Recognition on the website
-
Access to leadership volunteer activities
-
Exclusive pre-event reception at the spring social event
Member Level
$
500
-
Receive regular newsletters
-
Invitations to the fall kick-off and spring social events
-
Access to volunteer and networking opportunities
-
Access to leadership volunteer activities
Friend of Women United
$
1-499
-
Receive regular newsletters
-
Invitations to the fall kick-off and spring social events
-
Access to volunteer and networking opportunities
Women United Members
Gold Level
- Michael Bourque
- Emily Bruce
- Anne Dalton
- Kelly Elkins
- Diane Garofalo
- Lisa Gorman
- Lily Hanstein
- Nicole Lewis
- Erin Lessard
- David Littell
- Heather Paquette
- Cam Peden
- Jordan Peden
- Hilary Rapkin
- Meredith Rousseau
- Kimberly Simard
- Liz Cotter Schlax
- Melinda Sheehee
- Melissa Smith
- Amy Thompson
Leader Level
- Michelle Allen
- Jennifer Anderson-Benevides
- Janice Avignon
- Mary Axelsen
- Iris Ayotte
- Gillian Ballute
- Jaime Berg
- Sarah Calder
- Diane Cipollone
- Tony Cipollone
- Kristin Chase Duffy
- Laura Desmarais
- Stephanie Eckersley-Ray
- Kathy Harvey-Brown
- Leah Hitchcock
- Lynn Howe
- Bryson Hopkins
- Eileen Fongemie
- Karen Johnston
- Beth LaBossiere
- Wendy LePage
- Erica Maguire
- Kaila McCracken
- Nicole Parkinson
- Megan Santiago
- Heather Shields, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Lianna Della Torre
- Alexandra Turnbull
- Tammy Volock
- Tammy Weston
Women United Sponsors
For More Information
Mackenzie Staropoli
Director, Donor Engagement
mstaropoli@uwsme.org
207.347.2333