|
The Current
August 31, 2026
| |
|
We've Got Your Back:
A Community Effort
| |
This year’s We’ve Got Your Backpack program was a huge success, providing approximately 1,400 children across our communities with new backpacks and school supplies for the school year.
That success was made possible by so many people. Our internal teams and external volunteers gave their time to sort, organize, pack, and distribute backpacks and school supplies. We are incredibly grateful for their support, kindness, and helpful energy.
We also saw tremendous support from businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the community. Every donation mattered, and together those contributions allowed us to meet a great community need for families.
One thing that really stood out this year was the level of gratitude expressed by parents and caregivers. Our teams heard repeatedly how much the backpacks, school supplies, and additional resources were greatly needed and appreciated. Those conversations were meaningful, and we wish all the children and families a great start to the new school year.
Several community events and collection efforts helped bring in backpacks, school supplies, and other resources this year. Heart of Maine United Way coordinated Fill the Bus, Townsquare Media hosted Beyond the Bus, Furniture Gallery and 207 Wellness held their Back to School Bash, Shaw’s in Dover-Foxcroft hosted Fill the Van, and the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s BRLI Infusion organized a collection. Ava Burke, through Ava Gives Back efforts, collected over 600 backpacks. Through these efforts, along with many businesses and individuals throughout our communities, we were able to see so many excited children ready for school and parents with deep gratitude.
We were also able to offer families additional items this year, including lunch boxes, snacks, and socks collected through Beyond the Bus, as well as a selection of winter coats and ski pants. Our sponsor, Katahdin Trust, donated 1,200 bottles, which were a big hit with families.
We are especially grateful for the many ways people chose to be involved, donating supplies, giving financially, hosting collections, volunteering, and helping spread the word.
Because of that collective support, approximately 1,400 children began the school year with backpacks and supplies to help them feel prepared and ready for the year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s We’ve Got Your Backpack program such a success.
Community Relations Manager Renae Muscatell
| |
Penquis was proud to partner with the Furniture Gallery and 207 Wellness for a Back-to-School Bash, bringing families, local businesses, and community organizations together for a day filled with fun, connection, and giving back. Attendees enjoyed music, games, vendors, food trucks, a dunk tank, and activities for children provided by the Penobscot County Prevention Council. The event raised more than $1,600 through donations, raffle participation, and in-kind support, helping local children start the school year prepared and ready to learn. Penquis President and CEO Kara Hay was on hand to accept the donation check, and special thanks go to the many volunteers who made the day possible, including Child Development Program Manager Vivian Perreault. Together, the community created a memorable event that was as impactful as it was fun.
Associate Development Director Carin Sychterz
| Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 | Congratulations to Penquis' Health Home Coordinator Farren Hanson! She is the owner of The Lone Pine Farm in Monson, ME, and was chosen by Piscataquis Valley Fair as this year's Year of the Woman Farmer! | | Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival | |
August 8th may have started off as a very rainy morning, but the Dexter Annual Red Hot Dog Festival turned into an uplifting community event filled with conversation, support, and appreciation for Penquis. Following the recent news that Penquis lost the transportation RFP appeal, many people stopped by to share how much they valued the transportation services Penquis has provided over the years and how sad they were to hear the news.
The steady stream of visitors helped turn the day into more than a festival appearance; it became an opportunity to listen, reconnect, and hear directly from community members about the impact of Penquis services.
Our booth was set up near Magic Wes Wonder’s magic show, where adults enjoyed reliving childhood memories and children discovered the wonders of magic. We also had a visit from a local fairy, who handed out a little extra magic to children near our booth.
Children stopped by for toothbrushes and temporary tattoos, while many adults took time to talk with us as they made their way through the festival. Again and again, people shared positive comments about Penquis and the services we provide.
By the end of Saturday, we had connected with more than 80 people and left the festival encouraged by the positive energy, meaningful conversations, and community support surrounding the event, along with plenty of memorable hot dog attire.
Transportation Analytics Manager LeeAnn Stackpole
| | |
Special Olympics Soccer Skills Competition
The athletes have begun preparing for the Special Olympics Soccer Skills Competition. During practice, they have been working to build their strength and stamina while developing their skills in dribbling, shooting, and the run-and-kick event.
On October 15th, the athletes will travel to the Waterville Youth Soccer Association's – North Street Fields (153 North Street, Waterville) to participate in the State Soccer Competition. They would love to see you there cheering them on!
Please join us in wishing all of the athletes the best of luck!
Program Coordinator Katlyn Engstrom
| |
Cooking Classes at Merry Garden Estates
On August 25th, the residents at Merry Garden Estates participated in a cooking class where they made delicious apple muffins using fresh apples picked from the trees on the property. Everyone worked together to measure and add the ingredients before topping the muffins with a tasty streusel topping. The residents shared how much they enjoyed the cooking class and the opportunity to work together. One resident expressed how meaningful the experience was, saying it “made her feel human again.” The residents are already looking forward to next month’s cooking class, when they will be making chocolate chip cookies!
Program Coordinator Katlyn Engstrom
| |
Stearns Assisted Living
Paint & Snack
The residents at Stearns Assisted Living joined together for a fun Paint & Snack activity. Everyone had the opportunity to work on new skills by using tracing paper to trace a sunflower picture and then paint their own artwork. The residents enjoyed being creative, trying something new, and spending time together sharing a snack. Everyone had a great time, and they decided they would like to continue having a monthly craft and snack activity. We look forward to seeing what they create next!
Program Coordinator Katlyn Engstrom
| |
Highlights from Staff Attending NeighborWorks Training Institute 2026:
Waves of Leadership
From August 10-14, 2026, MaineStream Finance and Housing Development staff attended the NeighborWorks Training Institute (NTI) in Miami Beach, Florida. This nationally recognized event brought together community development professionals from across the country to strengthen leadership skills, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to challenges facing communities and organizations.
As part of the institute's Waves of Leadership theme, I attended a series of courses focused on understanding and developing leadership styles. These sessions provided valuable insight into how leadership approaches influence communication, team dynamics, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.
A highlight of the week was participating in the CDFI Convening held on August 13. During this day-long event, I had the opportunity to facilitate a roundtable discussion on staff retention, recruitment, and transition planning. The discussion brought together professionals from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the country to exchange ideas, share challenges, and explore strategies for building resilient organizations and preparing for future leadership transitions. A key takeaway for attendees was that leadership teams always needed to be actively finding small but impactful benefits, such as Penquis, who offers a birthday holiday to employes as an annual holiday benefit.
Also attending the week-long institute were Linda Grindle from our Corporate Services and Larry Rogers from our Housing Development Departments. Throughout the week, both participated in courses designed to enhance their expertise and expand their knowledge in areas directly related to housing development. Their training will help strengthen the department's capacity to advance housing initiatives and better serve the communities we support.
The NeighborWorks Training Institute continues to be an invaluable professional development opportunity, providing staff with access to industry experts, peer networks, and innovative practices. The knowledge and connections gained during the week will help MaineStream Finance and Housing Development remain responsive to community needs while continuing to advance our mission of creating opportunities for individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine.
Below is a photo from the opening day ceremonies.
MaineStream Finance Department Director Dee Williams
| |
Manage Your Earned Time!
As you know, you can accrue more than your yearly maximum of Earned Time (ET) during the calendar year, but you can only carry your maximum yearly accrual amount forward to the next year. What exactly does that mean? For example, if you were a full-time employee in your seventh year of employment, the maximum amount of ET you could accrue this year is 224 hours. If you would like to save your ET for an upcoming vacation or anticipated medical leave, for instance, you can accrue more than 224 hours during the year, as long as your ET balance is at or below 224 hours by the end of business on December 31, 2026. It is important to remember that ONLY the maximum yearly accrual (224 hours, in this example) can be carried forward. On January 1st, any ET accrued in excess of the yearly maximum will be forfeited. Be sure to check the ET balance in MyVista to be sure your accrual will be at or below your yearly maximum on January 1st.You may want to schedule a meeting with your supervisor to plan some time off in the coming weeks if need be! The schedule below, which can be found in your Employee Handbook, is a reminder of annual ET accrual rates and maximums.
Employees who are scheduled to work less than 24 hours per week or are classified as a “per diem” can carry over a maximum of 40 hours into the next calendar year. As a reminder, employees may move accrued ET into their Extended Sick Leave (ESL)Account during the month of November each year. The maximum number of hours allowed in an ESL account is 280 hours. If you are interested in moving ET hours or if you have a question about your balance, please contact Carmie Gray, Tara Butler, or Leanna Burleigh, Payroll Staff Accountants. For more information about the ESL Account, please reference the Employee Handbook.
HR Manager Kim Johnson
| | |
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.) | |
We are aware of a 12 year old girl in need of school clothes due to extenuating circumstances. If anyone is able to assist, her sizes are:
Shirts and tops - size medium
Pants - size 1
Shoes - size 8 ( women’s)
Please reach out to Michelle for more information.
| |
The STARS Committee
Sprinkling Goodness
Staff Thanking Appreciating & Recognizing Staff
| |
Members of the STARS Committee delivered sweet treats to the
Lincoln office and to Stearns Assisted Living.
| |
Heather Charity shared the graphic below for fun for her Penquis co-workers.
It is completely voluntary and there are no prizes being offered.
| 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 | | |
Did you receive Bumper Crop (farmer’s market) vouchers from Penquis this year?
Don’t forget that these vouchers expire on October 31st!
Go here to find a list of participating markets near you.
| |
Wellness Reimbursement – Have You
Used Your $40?
The Wellness Reimbursement Incentive Plan reimburses benefit eligible employees (working at least 24 hours/week) up to $40.00 (taxable) annually for the purchase of wellness-related activities/items. The full list of approved activities/items is below.
The reimbursement form can be found here, and please make sure to attach your proof of purchase receipt. Forms and receipts can be sent directly to kjohnson@penquis.org.
| Click here for a delicious recipe | | |
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).
| |
HR Director Danielle Goodale and her husband Justin recently travelled to Ontario, Canada to visit Niagra Falls. They had a fabulous time! Danielle said, "The pictures do not do the Falls justice." | Client Service Representative for Lynx Mobility Services Kelly Murphy went to Cabo, Mexico and rode a camel. | | |
We hope you enjoyed this edition and that
you'll stay current with us!
| | | | |
