The Current

August 17, 2026

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Rape Response Services (RRS)

Attend National Conference

In early July, Heather Tryon (pictured at left above), RRS Project Coordinator, and Amanda Chambers (pictured at right above), RRS Division Manager, attended the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) Conference. The event brought together professionals from 48 states and five countries who are dedicated to advancing restorative justice practices in schools, communities, victim services, and justice systems.

Throughout the conference, Heather and Amanda participated in a variety of workshops and presentations focused on restorative justice principles, trauma-informed approaches, victim-centered practices, community engagement, and strategies for implementing and sustaining restorative programs. The conference also provided valuable opportunities to connect with professionals from diverse disciplines, learn about innovative initiatives, and share insights from RRS's own restorative practices work.

The experience reinforced the importance of restorative practices as a meaningful way to support survivors, strengthen communities, and promote accountability, healing, and positive outcomes. Many of the ideas and strategies presented will help inform and strengthen RRS's ongoing Restorative Practices Pilot Project.

Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to expand and develop restorative approaches to supporting those impacted by sexual violence in our community.

Rape Response Services Division Manager Amanda Chambers

Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program

Busy Year Ahead

The Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program is poised to have its busiest year ever.

When we began partnering with schools, we found that grades 6 through 8 were ideal for engagement. That age group is more willing to have difficult conversations. Stigma has not yet made these youth wary of discussing how their lives have been impacted by someone else's substance use.

Once we have connected with middle school students, they typically stay engaged when they transition into high school, which permits SAY to expand its presence in communities and connect with more families.

Recently, some of our middle school students from one school district moved to a high school in a different district, which wasn't on our radar. The students missed SAY so much that they asked their families to petition the school to invite our program into it. We are proud to announce that we will begin our program in Orono High School this fall.

In addition, Central High School and Mattanawcook Academy have both signed on to be SAY schools. This brings our current total to eight schools with over 240 students currently being served. We are also in talks with four additional schools.  

Scheduling is a challenge to make sure a three-person team can serve 300+ students at 12 unique sites on a weekly basis, but it's the best job we've ever had.

SAY Program Manager Clifford “Mike” Gray

Theresa's Place

Nears Completion of it's First Year

Theresa’s Place has been open nearly a year and provides residents with meaningful housing stability, increased independence, and access to supportive services. A survey was recently completed and responses reflect that many residents value the safety, staff support, reduced stress, and sense of community they have experienced since moving in. At the same time, the feedback identifies areas for continued focus, including safety concerns, guest behavior, lease compliance, and the need for consistent on-site support. The full report provides additional detail on resident experiences, program strengths, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen engagement and long-term stability.

Chief Operating Officer Heidi LeBlanc

Budgeting Tips

Basic Household and

Personal Hygiene Items Needed

Our inventory is currently very low!

Please reach out to Lisa Adkins if you'd like to make a donation.

(Click on the image below for more information.)

Donation Guidelines

New Items:

ONLY new items accepted in the following categories:

• Household cleaning items

• Hygiene items

• Diapers and wipes

Gently Used Items:

Gently used items accepted in the following categories, provided they are clean, safe, and in working or usable condition:

• Blankets

• Hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves

• Warm winter coats – Can be taken to any of Gold Star Cleaners’ locations.

NOT currently accepting the following items:

• Clothing or footwear

• Furniture - including beds, mattresses, bedding, tables, and chairs

• Small or large appliances

• Electronics of any kind

• Wheelchairs or walkers

• Food

• Opened or used items

• Collectibles or knickknacks

Questions? Please reach out to Lisa Adkins.

On occasion, Penquis may limit the acceptance of any items based on space and need.

(Click on the image below for more information.)

The STARS Committee

Sprinkling Goodness

Staff Thanking Appreciating & Recognizing Staff

Member of the Stars Committee have begun to deliver Summer Sweet Treats! Over the summer, each Penquis location will receive a delivery of treats!

Welcome Baby!

Elloit Woods Brown was born August 6, 2026 at 11:41 am in Farmington, ME, and is the first grandchild of Facilities Manager Sheree Brown (pictured below).

Education Loan Deadline

The next Education Loan deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026. Please submit completed applications to HR Manager Kim Johnson. Blank applications can be found here:  Education Loan Application 2023.pdf

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS

What are you doing for fun?

What new hobbies have you started?

What adventures have you been on?

Please share your photos and a short description

with Lisa Adkins (ladkins@penquis.org).

Trip with Dad

I climbed Katahdin twice in July because apparently reaching Maine's highest peak once didn't provide enough exhaustion. One hike was with my husband and son, the second with my son and friends. The views were spectacular both times, though the mountain seemed slightly less impressed with me on my return visit. 😄

Associate Development Director Carin Sychterz

What a memorable night on the Bangor Waterfront! Thanks to the generosity of Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, we were able to enjoy Toad the Wet Sprocket, Shonen Knife, and Men at Work from their box seats. We are grateful for the opportunity and the chance to experience such a great summer concert together.

Associate Development Director Carin Sychterz

Penquis

262 Harlow Street

Bangor, ME 04401

1-800-215-4942

www.penquis.org