The Current - October 30, 2023

The Current

October 30, 2023

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Penquis Partners with UMaine

Penquis President and CEO Kara Hay and Housing Director Jason Bird had the opportunity to join the State of Maine Legislature’s Select Committee on Housing at the University of Maine Tuesday to share how Penquis partners with UMaine to promote affordable housing, research and innovation, and energy efficiency to help Maine's economy and communities.

Hannaford Community Bag Program

Penquis has been selected to benefit from the Hannaford Community Bag program! Penquis will receive $1 from every purchase of the reusable Community Bag sold during the month of November 2023 at the 653 Broadway Street, Bangor, ME, Hannaford location.

Please consider purchasing a reusable Community Bag to support Penquis

and our programs!

Charlotte White Support Services

Special Olympics Soccer

The Charlotte White Support Services (CWSS) athletes attended the soccer competition on October 18th at Husson University. It was a foggy morning, but the weather cleared off and it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. We had seven athletes play in the team competition and they came in 5th place. We also had three athletes who chose to do the individual skills, and they placed first, third, and fourth. The athletes were excited to get on the field and show off the skills they had been working on. They showed great sportsmanship and cheered on their teammates as well as the other athletes. They enjoyed being able to see many friends that they hadn't seen since the last Special Olympics event.

The next event the athletes will be participating in is the 10-pin bowling competition and pictures will be shared for that event soon.

Congratulations to all of the athletes!

Program Coordinator Katlyn Engstrom

Head Start Learns About Fire Safety

The children at our Rockland Head Start at High Street and South School have been learning about fire safety. Carl Anderson from the Rockland Fire Department brought a fire truck to the center and the school for the children to see. Each child, if they chose, was given the opportunity to “drive the truck.” Before he left, Mr. Anderson left a fire hat and reflective bag for each child. As seen in the pictures, lots of smiling faces in the driver’s seat!

Head Start Director Mary Kay Hallett

SAY Program Participates in Pumpkins in the Park

UCP of Maine's Pumpkins in the Park was just one of the Halloween events the Substance Affected Youth (SAY) program participated in this year. This year's theme was "Hooked on Books," and our SAY program participants helped to carve the pumpkins in the fishing-themed scene below. Great job!

Development Director Janeen Feero

MECAP Summit

On October 20th, many Penquis staff were fortunate to attend the 2023 Maine Community Action Partnership Leadership Summit. This day-long summit provided insight and education into the Whole Family approach to delivering services to our clients and taught us all about the Human Services Value Curve and how to implement it into our interactions with clients, staff, and our community.

The first half of the day was spent listening to stories from families who have participated in Whole Family services throughout Maine. Their stories were so inspiring for all of us. We then learned about the importance of the Human Services Value Curve from Kimberly James from the American Public Human Services Association. The Human Services Value Curve is an approach to program development and service delivery through the lens of our clients and our community. I highly encourage all staff to take a few minutes to learn more about this approach at https://aphsa.org/organizational_effectiveness/OE_Consulting_Practice/OE_Framework.aspx

Kimberly James, APHSA

The second half of the day was divided into two sessions. Session one included direct service staff who learned about the Whole Family Approach to delivering services, resiliency factors to combat ACES, how ACES have changed over the years, and how to eco-map natural supports for our clients. They also learned about a valuable tool to use for ourselves, our teams, and our clients: The Rose, Bud, and Thorn exercise.

The second session of the day was for agency leadership, directors, and managers. Staff got to take a deeper dive into the Human Services Value Curve with Kim James and learn how it can be applied to strategic planning, program development, staff development, and even to our partners, vendors, stakeholders, and competitors to make transformative change.

Projects and Data Manager Janelle Wuoristo

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/mental-health-awareness-blog/

Shared by Call Center Manager for Transportation Brokerage Bernadette Brown

Your name: Sheree A. Brown

Where did you grow up?: Born in Lincoln, ME, raised in Corinna, ME, and currently reside in Moscow, ME, in Somerset County.

What is your title/role at Penquis?: Facilities Coordinator, Corporate Services, working as an assistant to the Facilities Director and supporting the Facilities Team with processing fiscal and payroll/human resources paperwork.

How long have you worked with Penquis?: This December will be 16 years, most of which was spent in the Dover-Foxcroft Office as an Office Coordinator/Reception Team Lead. I have been on the job as Facilities Coordinator for a couple of weeks now.

Why do you feel that the work of Penquis is important?: We mean so much to so many individuals and households in our service area. They rely on us for our many programs and services, and having safe, clean, and inviting facilities for our clients, residents, and community to come to is paramount.

How do you think your role will assist the Penquis mission?: My supportive role in Facilities is important to the mission, as it will allow the Facilities Director to have more time to direct line supervise his staff, visit locations, and focus on safety, quality control, and large projects and events that add to the Penquis asset list or improve location aesthetics or usability and performance.

What excites you about the work?: I am super excited to use some dormant skills that I haven’t been able to use as much in my previous position, such as MS Excel and organizing things. At the request of the Director, I have already started creating both electronic and physical binders for each Penquis location and have created some spreadsheets to track monthly expenses. Plus, the Facilities Work Order Maintenance system has already been modified to add some other features to make it more user friendly for those that utilize that system. I’m also excited to learn more about our many locations and what types of programs & services occur there and how I may be able to assist them with safety and compliance-related facilities issues.

Your name:

Jessica Spack

Where did you grow up?:

Parkman

What is your title/role at Penquis?:

Receptionist in the Dover-Foxcroft Office

How long have you worked with Penquis?:

2 weeks. I worked in HEAP and volunteered in prior years.

Why do you feel that the work of Penquis is important?:

I think the work of Penquis is important because the programs help with so many facets of life that people may need help with.

How do you think your role will assist the Penquis mission?:

I think Receptionists make a difference in the positive perception of the organization by being friendly, welcoming, and competent.

What excites you about the work?:

I’m excited to be back in my home community and serving its people.

Your name: Adrienne Mathieu

Where did you grow up?: Falmouth, MA, and Moscow, ME

What is your title/role at Penquis?: Receptionist in the Lincoln Office

How long have you worked with Penquis?: 3 weeks

Why do you feel that the work of Penquis is important?: I feel helping people/families with services and knowledge will ultimately help reduce poverty.

How do you think your role will assist the Penquis mission?: Directing callers to the help they oftentimes desperately need is critical to those facing uncertainty and poverty.

What excites you about the work?: Helping others and being a part of a team

Your name:

Lisa Bailey

Where did you grow up?:

Warren, ME

What is your title/role at Penquis?:

Receptionist in the Rockland Office

How long have you worked with Penquis?:

Since October 23, 2023

Why do you feel that the work of Penquis is important?:

There are so many people out in the community that need help and we are here to help as many people as we possibly can.

How do you think your role will assist the Penquis mission?:

To be there as a smiling face, friendly voice, and a helping hand for those in crisis or those facing poverty in our communities.

What excites you about the work?:

Helping people in my community and beyond to get the help they need.

Is Your Name and Address Correct in Vista?

Please login to MyVista and make sure your mailing address is correct. Human Resources often mails correspondence to employees and mailing addresses must be kept up to date. To check and/or change your mailing address, first log into MyVista. Click on “Update My Home Address” and/or “Update My Primary Phone” in the Shortcut section in the middle of the page and make those changes. Click “OK” and your changes will be sent to Human Resources for approval.

PLEASE NOTE: Your first and last name must match the name on file with the Social Security Administration. If you need to update your name, please contact me at [email protected].

HR Manager Kim Johnson

COVID-19 At-Home Tests for Free

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests this fall. Please follow this link to order.

If you prefer to call to place an order, 1-800-232-0233.

(TTY 1-888-720-7489)

It's Almost Turkey Time!

The Turkey Drive is coming right up and we have opportunities for staff to get involved! We are looking for help during the Free the Z turkey drive at the Hannaford parking lot in Brewer collecting, counting, and sorting turkeys. We also need help the night of the WABI turkey telethon answering the phones during the telethon.

The signup links are below. It is a lot of fun and provides great support to our community. Thank you for any consideration of your time.

Free the Z – Brewer Hannaford Sign Up – Nov. 14th -19^th – Friends and family are welcome to sign up together.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050944A9AC23ABFA7-45270422-2023

WABI Turkey Telethon Sign Up – Nov. 16^th – Employees Only

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050944A9AC23ABFA7-45320733-2023

Employees must seek supervisor approval for events that occur during the work week. For events that occur outside regularly scheduled work hours, non-exempt (hourly) employees are encouraged to flex their regular work schedule within the approved guidelines and with supervisor permission. As a non-exempt (hourly) employee, if flexing your work schedule is not possible, you will be compensated

It’s that time of year again! Mother Nature is full of beautiful autumn colors, but it also brings very cold temperatures. If you have a client in need of a coat to help keep them warm, Coats of Kindness is here to help. Coats are available in the lobby by the receptionists at our Harlow Street location on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis (Monday through Friday during normal business hours, 8 am-4:30 pm). Please note that the available coat sizes change week to week depending on the donations we receive. If you can’t find a particular size on the rack one week, you may be able to find it the next. We are also keeping a limited supply of coats at other Penquis locations. Contact Chantelle Haltizer at [email protected] if you have a question regarding those locations.

Starting November 1st, our coat collection drive will be in full swing! Do you want to help with the cause? People are encouraged to drop off “gently worn” coats of all sizes at Gold Star Cleaners locations in Penobscot County where, thanks to the incredible generosity of Gold Star Cleaners, they will once again be cleaned for free! New this year, we also have a Coats of Kindness collection box located at Penquis at Harlow Street in the area outside of the HEAP offices.

Please look in your closets and see if there are any coats that you or your children have outgrown that could help someone else stay warm this winter season. Thank you for your consideration!

Gold Star Cleaners drop-off locations:

220 Union Street, Bangor

Brewer Shopping Center, Brewer

200 Wilson Street, Brewer

Corner of Main & Depot, Lincoln

University Mall, Orono

Old Town Plaza, Old Town

Resource Development Coordinator Chantelle Haltizer

Slip and Fall Prevention

A slip occurs when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface. Many factors can cause a slip. Ice, oil, water, cleaning fluids, and other slippery substances are probably the most obvious causes. To prevent a slip, avoid walking in areas that pose slipping hazards. When it’s not possible to avoid slipping hazards, use the appropriate precautions.

You are expected to use proper footwear (boots or shoes with tread); walk at an even pace; not run; never carry objects that obstruct your view; keep your hands free for balance; and not wear headsets or headphones while walking – you need to hear warnings.

HOUSEKEEPING AND INSPECTION

Everyone has a role in preventing slips, trips, and falls. We expect you to:

1. Keep aisles and workplaces clear; keep tools or materials neatly and securely stored.

2. Keep exits, stairways, and landings clear and free from material or dirt.

3. When a slippery substance such as grease or oil is spilled on the floor, clean it up immediately or spread sand or ice melt material on the spot until it can be cleaned up.

Penquis will:

1. Visually inspect buildings and grounds for slip and fall hazards on a regular basis and findings will be shared with the Facilities and Grounds Director and remedied immediately.

PROPER FOOTWEAR

We expect you to:

1. Protect your feet by keeping work shoes (especially the soles) in good shape.

2. Wear footwear with closed toes and at least a strap around the heel if you work in a childcare setting, in residential locations, or in other situations with direct client interaction. Wear boots or shoes with good tread when winter conditions (such as ice-covered walkways, parking lots, entrances, and exits) exist or anytime you will be outside as part of your work duties.

Penquis will:

3. Upon request, provide ice grippers for shoes for staff who visit client homes or work outside during the winter months. Other employees will be provided with ice grippers as they are available, upon request.

SNOW REMOVAL AND WINTER SAFETY

Penquis will complete snow removal and sanding of all roadways, parking areas, walkways, and building access points through a combination of contracted snow removal and shoveling and sanding by Facilities and other assigned staff.

1. All employees who are expected to shovel or use a snow blower will be trained in the safe use of equipment and proper body mechanics.

2. The grounds will be plowed and sanded during the day as needed.

3. Grounds at any leased building will be maintained by the entity specified in the lease agreement.

4. Penquis and the contracted snow removal companies will agree on appropriate snow removal schedules with the utmost consideration given to daily work schedules and overall safety concerns.

5. All contracted snow removal companies will be required to provide proof of liability insurance prior to the commencement of any services.

6. During winter months, containers of sand or ice melt material will be maintained at the exits of all Penquis buildings with signs reminding employees to use the sand or ice melt material to treat the steps and/or walkway.

With community violence in the news, more of us are experiencing increased anxiety and fear as we go aobut our daily lives. If this sense of fear is ongoing or we are in close proximity to violence, we can find ourselves constantly reacting to a high level of stress. This may result in decreased productivity at work and can have a traumatic impact on our daily living.

Coping with fear and other difficult emotions

If you are feeling increased fear, anxiety or other intense emotions as a result of high profile crimes or violence being discussed in the media or happening in your community, the following tips may be helpful.

Get reliable information. One of the best ways to manage fear is to understand what is being done to protect your community. The more we know about the current situation, the more effective steps we can take to minimize our risk. Be sure to get information from a reputable source. Know and follow all directions from state and local authorities.
Be aware. When you are in a situation where there is potential violence, it's important to remain vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings; have a plan for seeking shelter if needed.
Focus on what you do have control over. The images we see on social media and television, along with the stories we hear and our own thoughts about violence, can increase our anxiety. Think about what you can control and how you can reduce your risk of being a victim. This may include avoiding an area where violence is occurring. You may want to review your workplace safety plan and discuss safety with your family and friends.
Minimize your exposure to media. Once you have the facts, it's a good idea to limit watching replays of the events. While it's important to stay informed, constant exposure may add to feelings of distress. Try to give yourself a break from the intensity of what is happening and thoughts and feelings stirred up by emotional news stories.
Allow your feelings. If you notice that you are having strong feelings, acknowledge them to yourself. Don't try to ignore or deny them.
Talk about your fears or concerns with people who support you. We get emotional support by giving voice to and sharing concerns.
Maintain a normal routine and lifestyle as much as possible. This encourages us to feel normal by acting normal.
Take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest and eat a healthy diet so that you feel your best. Avoid overuse of alcohol and/or substances.
Try relaxation techniques. When emotions run high, deep breathing or meditation may be helpful. These gentle techniques can help you get control over the physical symptoms of anxiety and calm your thoughts.
Those who have been directly impacted may want to seek professional help or support services. These services can be accessed through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Helping your children cope with emptions related to violence

Our children are particularely vulnerable to fears in the wake of violence. They have a harder time understanding what is happening and putting it into perspective. We need to pay special attention to their needs. Here are some tips for doing this.

Give them honest information about the event(s), at a level they can understand. Offer only as much information as they request.
Encourage your children to talk to you about their thoughts and feeling related to the event(s).
Listen to their concerns, and then reassure them. For example, point out that this is limited to a small number of people, and the risk to any particular individual is very low. Communicate that you will always do your best to keep them safe.
Limit your child's exposure to broadcast news and social media. Watching repeated images of the event(s) can be as disturbing to a child as if it were happening anew each time. Try to watch it with them, and discuss it afterwards.
Share stories about heroes, volunteers and public servants. This may help to counteract some of the negative event(s).
Maintain family routines, particularly around meals, bedtimes, and scheduled social and leisure activities. Structure helps a child feel safe. Make time for soothing activities such as reading with them or playing board games as a family.
Be especially patient with your children, your family, and other loved ones. Give them signs of reassurance such as hugs and affection. Also be patient with yourself and understanding of your own needs.

$40 Wellness Reimbursement Reminder

The Wellness 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.

How do you do it?

Purchase any of the item(s) below, complete the Wellness Incentive Reimbursement Form 2020.pdf, and send the form and your item(s) receipt to HR Manager Kim Johnson (fax to 973-3699 or email scan to [email protected]). The reimbursement will be processed through payroll. Remember that this is a calendar-year program, so if you have not used your 2023 funds yet, you have until December 31st to purchase your item(s). Happy shopping!

HR Manager Kim Johnson

Apple Cider Donut Cake

A tender and moist apple spice Bundt cake with a cinnamon sugar coat.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp (1 g) nutmeg

• 1 tsp (5.6 g) salt

• 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) baking powder

• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar

• 1 cup (224 g) vegetable oil

• 3 eggs,

• 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened applesauce,

• 1 cup (248 g) apple cider juice (not vinegar),

• 1 tsp (5.6 g) vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 2 tsp (5 g) cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a Bundt pan with non-stick spray and then dust with flour. Set aside.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to combine. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Mix on medium speed to combine.

4. Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and mix on medium speed for about two minutes.

5. Add the applesauce and vanilla. Mix to combine.

6. With the mixer on low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by half of the apple cider. Continue alternating the flour mixture and the apple cider, finishing with the flour mixture. Mix until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be slightly thin, not thick.

7. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake for 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs on it.

8. Let the cake cool for an hour in the Bundt pan before turning it over onto a cake plate or cooling rack.

9. Using a pastry brush, coat the cake in butter.

10. Combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon and then sprinkle onto the top and sides of the cake. To coat the sides, it's best to fill your hand with the mixture and pat it on the cake.

https://cakebycourtney.com/apple-cider-donut-bundt-cake/

Shared by Site Manager Trudy Bacon