In This Issue:

• SUFU North Wrap Up
• Jon's Corner
• Western Foothills - Year In Review
• Greater Portland Kick Off
• SUFU Statewide
• York County Celebrates with Coffee
• Discussion and Action
• Save The Date

SUFU Office Hours

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support throughout the year.  

Please note that our office will be closed from December 24 through January 2. We will reopen on January 5 and look forward to connecting with you in the new year.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!  

SUFU North 2025 Newsletter Year-end

Celebrating a Year of Growth, Community, and Self-Advocacy Across Northern Maine

By Stacy G., SUFU North Project Coordinator & Advisor

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year filled with learning, leadership, and community connection across all four SUFU North chapters. From new partnerships and accessibility initiatives to advocacy, skill-building, and chapter growth, members showed determination and pride in making their communities more inclusive.

 Northern Aroostook Chapter

The Northern Aroostook Chapter continued to grow and strengthen its foundation this year. Members held ongoing discussions about speaking up, setting personal goals, and becoming more involved in their communities. They also learned how to navigate policies, services, and resource systems, while beginning to plan outreach efforts to expand membership. Increased participation in local events helped members build stronger communication and leadership skills, setting the stage for future growth.

Central Aroostook Chapter

Central Aroostook celebrated one of the year’s biggest highlights through their StoryWalk® project at Mantle Lake Park, created in partnership with librarian Elyse and the Presque Isle Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library. Members laminated and assembled pages of The World Needs More Purple People and installed them along the accessible trail, promoting inclusion and outdoor engagement.

Beyond the StoryWalk®, members attended Advocacy Day sponsored by Disability Rights Maine and practiced self-advocacy skills by arranging transportation to Disability Pride at Mills Park in Augusta and other community activities. These experiences increased independence, strengthened confidence, and deepened connections across the region.

Southern Aroostook Chapter

The Southern Aroostook Chapter focused on rebuilding consistent engagement and reconnecting with community support. Members worked on understanding their rights and responsibilities, learning more about advocacy and life skills, and discussing real-life scenarios involving decision-making and access needs. Looking ahead, they identified new goals for 2026, including more community outings and potential partnerships, showing resilience and dedication to strengthening their chapter.

Northern Penobscot Chapter

Northern Penobscot launched one of the most ambitious projects of the year: the Jerry Pond Accessibility and Community Improvement Initiative. Members completed a detailed accessibility assessment of the park, developed recommendations to support recreation for all, and partnered with community members, municipal staff, and outdoor organizations. They are preparing to work with Region III students to develop a community presentation and continue taking leadership roles in shaping the future of Jerry Pond.

Statewide SUFU Conference

The statewide SUFU Conference in September was a resounding success, bringing self-advocates from across Maine together for friendship, learning, and celebration. Workshops covered personal planning, health and wellness, employment, teamwork, and community involvement. By popular demand, new art-focused workshops were added, including Planting Relationships, Craft with Teamwork, and Art Your Best Life. Artwork created during these sessions was proudly displayed at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle.

Kimberly, a first-time attendee from Northern Penobscot, summed up the experience: “It was just so nice to be with people like me. I can’t wait until next year!”

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we step into 2026, SUFU North members are ready to build on the strong foundation created this past year. Across all chapters, self-advocates are preparing for an exciting legislative season, learning more about current policies, and continuing important accessibility and community projects. Chapters are also focused on growing membership, strengthening advocacy skills, and creating new partnerships throughout Aroostook and Penobscot counties.

The year ahead promises hands-on learning, deeper community connections, and powerful opportunities to make voices heard. With determination, teamwork, and pride, SUFU North is moving forward with confidence — ready to shape a brighter, more inclusive future together.

Winter Schedule

Beginning in January, SUFU North will return to a winter schedule. The first chapter meeting of each month will be held on Zoom, while the second meeting will take place in person, extending the topic into hands-on discussions. Each chapter will focus on learning, practicing, and building action steps to strengthen relationships with local councils and state legislatures. Members will create activities to put these lessons into practice. Northern Penobscot will continue learning about local government with real-life interactions through the Jerry Pond Project.

SUFU North members have shown dedication, leadership, and pride throughout the year, and the momentum is only growing. Thank you to all members, supporters, families, community partners, and leaders who helped make this a powerful year of advocacy and inclusion.

Here’s to a bright, accessible, and empowering 2026!

Stacy G. SUFU North Project Coordinator & Advisor

Jon's Corner



Hi, this is Jon McGovern

I know this has been a year of growth for me.  I am looking forward to the future! I have been doing the NH-ME Lend Program and working with my LEND Team.  It’s been going great for me and I am learning.

We had a busy year at SUFU.  In January we started the Legislative Season.  SUFU went and testified on some bills.  In addition, I gathered information about different bills to share at our Legislative Statewide Meetings.  We also held Advocacy Day back in the spring and it was great to go to the statehouse.  We had many people attending that had never been before. We were able to share what bills were important to us.  and SUFU has been Testifying on Bills that were important to us

Over the summer I attended Disability Pride Day in Augusta. I got to help at the RevUp table telling people about the ballot questions we were going to be voting on November. 

In September we had our SUFU Conference.  I got to speak to a lot of people about the conference.  Many liked the workshop on Patrice The Movie.  They said it was uplifting because they liked that Patrice got her new accessible van.  It also shined a light on the Marriage Penalty.  This is a topic that many self-advocates are still passionate about and we will continue to work on.  

In December I was able to participate in the Region 8 SABE Conference with a team from SUFU to share an update on what we were doing.  Our presentation was well received. 

I am looking forward to 2026! 

Western Foothills - Year In Review

It has been a very busy year at SUFU. In the Western Foothills Chapter, we have seen a lot of growth and have had many new members join. Some at our biweekly meetings and others at our in-person events.

SUFU hosted two in-person picnics in the Western Foothills area. Both were held in late summer. The turnouts for these were fabulous. It was a lot of fun getting to see everyone in person. Meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. I am looking forward to warmer weather so we can get outside together again.

I had the pleasure of being invited to watch a few Special Olympic events during the summer. What a fabulous time. Seeing everyone cheering each other on and having so much fun was wonderful. I enjoyed it so much. I am thankful to have been invited to these events. I am looking forward to next year’s Special Olympics. I have heard the Bocce Ball is a cannot miss! 


Our 2025 SUFU Conference was a big hit again this year! It made me so happy to see everyone having a good time and interacting with each other. I think we may have sold out half of the hotel! From the workshops to the food, awards and dancing, a lot of fun was had by all. I would like to take a minute to thank all the staff that came and made it possible for their individuals to come. We appreciate you beyond words.


With the year coming to an end, I have had a chance to reflect. I am so very thankful for each and every one of you. I love talking with you at each meeting. To hear your stories. To laugh with you. To learn about your lives. It is such a privilege to be your Chapter Advisor. 


Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. See you all in the New Year.

-Cherie

Greater Portland Kickoff

From Laurie Coldwell

Self-Advocates in the Greater Portland area met on brisk November morning at a coffee shop in Portland. We were able to find space to gather around a few tables to share what was going on in our lives, make connections, and plan for future gatherings. We are excited about our plan to continue. Our next meeting is February 4th at Coffee By Design. If you are interested in joining us, you can contact Laurie at lcoldwell@sufumaine.org We hope to see you there!

SUFU Statewide Meetings

We wrapped up our statewide meetings for 2025 with a look back at the past year. Members shared skills they learned, accomplishments, what they were thankful for and more.

We will come back together on January 6 to start the new year. 

Please consider joining us! We meet on zoom on the following dates at 1:00 PM



January 6 - Welcome Back, Kickoff

January 13 - Legislative

January 20 - What is in the Constitution?

January 27 - Legislative

February 3 - Your Voice - Voting and Testimony

February 10 - Legislative

February 17 - Who is my legislator and how do I contact them?

February 24 - Legislative

March 3 - What are my questions?

March 10 - Legislative

March 17 - To be determined

March 24 - Legislative

March 31 - Why teamwork works




Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/911978966





York County Celebrates with Coffee

From Laurie Coldwell

Self-Advocates gathered at a local coffee shop to connect with each other and celebrate each other. Members were presented with awards for the work they had done in the past year that their peers recognized them for.

In addition, members were able to see the responsibilities of a board member. As one SUFU board member received his new board binder, and we reviewed some of the documents others began to ask questions. Many realized that they do have the skills and the desire to be leaders in their life, in their community and more. We are planning to have a leadership class in York County in the spring. The class still has openings, and we hope more will join us. If you are in York County, or know someone who is and they would be interested in leadership please contact SUFU at info@sufumaine.org

In January the chapter is going to begin learning more about the legislative process and how to ask questions to candidates that are running for office. The group is going to be brainstorming questions, drafting letters and more. They want to be informed voters!

Discussion and Action

From Laurie Coldwell

Our Discussion and Action chapter continues to grow! We welcome self-advocates to join us and talk about issues, and how we can advocate for change. In the new year the chapter will be working on putting together their own questions to send out to candidates for office. Chapter members want to be well informed voters.

To end the year the members of the chapter spent one meeting sharing their own tips to using items in their pantry, and how to find recipes. Members had great ideas! The final meeting is on celebrating their wins for the year. What went well, what are they proud of more!

Save The Date

Details for the 2026 Conference will be announced in January. A location has been booked and we are finalizing information to share!