News You Can Use from Project GRACE - August 2022 | |
Neighbors Helping Neighbors | |
As kids head back to school this fall, they will need school supplies at home as well as at school. So that kids start the new year ready to learn and succeed, we are gearing up this month to give families a helping hand with the essentials: new sturdy backpacks, pencils and pens, erasers, crayons and markers, highlighters, glue and tape.
If you'd like to help, bring your donations of school supplies and packs to the Scarborough Public Library anytime, or come to our drop off on Wednesday, August 17th 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the library. If you need help for your kids, please apply online or call 883-5111.
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Free Meals at School for Kids | This coming school year, all Maine schoolchildren will get free meals at school. Families that would ordinarily apply for "Free & Reduced" program are encouraged to still sign up. Enrolling in the program helps school districts get federal funding, opens the door for school fee waivers and eligibility for other benefits. | FMI email [email protected] or call Brenda at 730-4700. | |
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Library's Expanded Digital Resources | Looking for enrichment and learning resources? Check out the SPL's expanded digital "Library at Home" where you can download e-Books and e-Audiobooks to your computer, tablet or phone. Or follow the links to Udemy for access to thousands of courses in business, technology, and creative skills taught by industry experts. There's the LearningExpress with almost a 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks for all ages. Discovery your family history, learn a new language, stream movies, pick up tips for your favorite hobbies and so much more! Visit the Library's website and Facebook page for info | |
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To Get $850 Relief Checks, File Your 2021 Taxes by October | To help Mainers grappling with rising costs, the Legislature approved Governor Mills proposal to return more than half of the State budget surplus to taxpayers in the form of $850 relief checks. | To be eligible, individuals must file a 2021 Maine individual income tax return by October 31, 2022 as a full-year Maine resident, must not be claimed as a dependent, and must have an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 (single or married and filing separately), $150,000 (head of household), or $200,000 (couples filing jointly). | |
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Emergency Broadband Benefit | To help low-income Americans stay connected, the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program gives a discount of up to $30 off the monthly cost of home internet service and other benefits. Any member of a household can make the whole household eligible. So, if a child is signed up for the Free and Reduced School Lunch Program, if someone is getting SNAP or Lifeline or Medicaid or SSI etc., or if a student has a Pell grant, then you may qualify. | |
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Apply Now for Heating Help | The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP or LiHEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include help paying for fuel and emergency fuel delivery and energy-related repairs. Households are encouraged to apply now for the coming season. The application process can take several weeks to more than a month to complete, and includes both a written application and an interview. | To schedule an appointment, call the Opportunity Alliance at (207) 553-5900 or email [email protected] | |
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Affording Education with FAME | FAME helps Mainers of all ages plan, save, and pay for education after high school through financial planning tools and programs. No matter where you are on your path to higher education, FAME has resources to help you be successful. | |
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SUMMER FUN: DISCOUNTED TICKETS | Scarborough Community Services has a full slate of great programming for all ages all year long - check out their programs online or call 730-4150. They also also have discounted amusement park tickets for sale (Funtown, Splashtown, York's Wild Kingdom and Aquaboggan). Call 730-4150 for more info.The Scarborough Public Library also has free passes to museums, Maine Wildlife Park, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, and more. Call the Library's circulation desk at 207-883-4723 option 2 to reserve a pass. | Scarborough Community Services and Southern Maine Agency on Aging are offering a meal to-go program for residents 60 years or older. Three ready to heat and serve freezer meals are available for a suggested donation of $10 per meal. For more info or to sign up, call Community Services at (207) 730-4173 or visit www.scarboroughmaine.org/departments/community-services or https://www.smaaa.org | |
FOOD PANTRIES SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS | Pantries can help make ends meet when money is tight. The Scarborough Food Pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1:30-4:00 p.m.) and the South Portland Food Cupboard is open Thursday mornings (8:30-11:00 a.m.). Both pantries serve Scarborough residents and are operating safely with curbside service. | |
SCHOOL SNACKS NEEDED
The Scarborough Food Pantry, VIPS, and Project GRACE are holding a food drive on Thursday, August 11th (4:00-5:30 p.m.). Any nonperishable foods are welcome, especially PB&J, granola bars, fruit cups, and grocery gift cards in any amount to help families get ready for heading back to school. Volunteers will be on hand at the pantry to receive donations curbside.
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THANK YOU TO OUR EARLY SPONSORS OF OUR ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE: | |
Quick Links to Scarborough Resources | |
TOWN OF SCARBOROUGH
SCARBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
SCARBOROUGH SCHOOLS
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We're Neighbors Helping Neighbors | | |
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The best way to reach us is to call 883-5111 and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call within a few days (we're mostly working remotely but we check messages regularly). | | | | | |
