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February 2024

What's New?

Financial Capability Program Gets Financial Boost

The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, recently donated $20,000 to Penquis as part of the foundation’s commitment to giving back to the community.

The funds from the TD Charitable Foundation will support Penquis’ Financial Capability Program, which offers six-to-eight-week classes and one-to-one financial coaching to help individuals maximize their income, manage finances and increase assets. The program will help 150 to 200 individuals improve their financial well-being through goal setting, budgeting, saving, credit building, bank services and community resources.

This contribution supports TD's longstanding commitment to community enrichment through TD's corporate citizenship platform, The TD Ready Commitment. The TD Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental well-being, and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world.



“Penquis' proactive commitment to financial coaching is an important step in improving financial health for all Mainers," said Sheryl McQuade, Regional President, Metro New England, TD Bank. “TD is dedicated to supporting organizations that share our focus to improve financial literacy across communities. Penquis' work investing in income stability and creating solutions for building security is driving meaningful change throughout the region.” 

Below: Jeff Pangburn (back row, middle) and Michelle Cobb (back row, right) of TD Bank join Rebecca Grant of Penquis (back row, left) in a demonstration of the bean game, used by the Penquis Financial Capability Program to teach money management.

CWSS Athletes Participate in Special Olympics Maine

The Penobscot, Piscataquis and Hancock Area Winter Games took place on February 12 at Hermon Mountain. There were nine athletes from Penquis Charlotte White Support Services who competed in the snowshoe events. Everyone joined the opening ceremonies, which included the lighting of the torch and the Special Olympics Athlete Oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Athletes competed in the 25m, 50m and 100m snowshoe races. If an athlete was not competing, they were on the sidelines cheering others on!  

That night, the athletes attended a banquet and dance at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. They were treated to a delicious meal, and the athletes were given the opportunity to speak in front of their peers. Many of the athletes chose to stand up and talk about how important Special Olympics is to them and how much fun they have with their friends. It is truly wonderful to see their passion for Special Olympics and how they care for one another. 

2024 Sarah Dubay Professional Service Award

Penquis congratulates David Dunning, winner of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce 2024 Sarah Dubay Professional Service Award. Penquis was honored to sponsor this year's award, which recognizes an individual who embodies Sarah's generous spirit, donating over an extended period of time his or her expertise to both the Chamber and the community at large. David Dunning is vice president of human resources and marketing at S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc. To learn more about the award and this year's recipient, click here.

News You Can Use

You work. Let EITC work for you!

For more than 40 years, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has made life better for millions of workers. You may have extra money waiting for you. If you qualify and claim the credit, it could be as much as $7,430 from the IRS for some workers.

EITC eligibility depends on several factors, including income and family size. If you don’t have a qualifying child and earned under $17,640 ($24,210 married filing jointly), find out if you qualify for a smaller credit, worth as much as $600. Don't guess about EITC eligibility. Use the EITC Assistant to find out if you qualify for EITC, and see what other tax credits are available. 

It’s easy to find free tax help to prepare and file your taxes. Use the VITA Tax Program locator tool on IRS.GOV or go to www.cashmaine.org to find a VITA Volunteer site near you. Or you can prepare and e-file your own taxes with brand-name software using IRS’s Free File. 

Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Freeze

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Enrollment Freeze for the Affordable Connectivity Program began. For more information and to download a copy of the Public Notice released by the Federal Communication Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau, click here.  

It Takes a Community!

Project HEAT is Helping Keep ME Warm

NEWS CENTER Maine's 2024 Project Heat Telethon raised $281,914 for the Keep ME Warm Fund, which will help 726 households across the state receive emergency heating assistance. The Keep ME Warm fund is a partnership of Maine's United Ways and Community Action Agencies. It is the only statewide fuel assistance fundraising effort in the state. Thank you to everyone who donated!

It's not too late to help a family stay warm this winter. Donate online at keepmewarm.org.

Prepare to Wear BLUE

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States. It is a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and to promote the safety and well-being of children. Penquis will join in celebrating Wear Blue Day on April 5th. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue to show support!

To order your Wear Blue Day t-shirt and to support the Prevention Council, click here. Orders need to be placed by March 22nd and all proceeds raised will go to the Prevention Council's programming to support families with education materials, events and concrete supports.

Power Match Donations Matched by Versant Power

Coat Donations Accepted at Gold Star Cleaners Locations

Give the gift of a new or gently worn coat today! Drop off your donation at any Gold Star Cleaners locations in Penobscot County.

Penquis | 1-800-215-4942 | 262 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401 | www.penquis.org