October 2026

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Community Support Brings Bright Beginnings to Life

What a wonderful day for children, families, and our community! On September 23, donors, businesses, foundations, elected officials, community partners, supporters, and Penquis staff came together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center.

The new center represents a shared vision and the commitment of so many people who helped bring it to life. We are especially grateful to our Child Development and Nutrition staff, Rockbound Bar & Beverages, our Facilities team, and the many Penquis staff members who worked behind the scenes to make the celebration possible.



Bright Beginnings is more than a beautiful new center. It is a lasting investment in children, families, and the future of our community.

See the SAY Program in Action

Supportive relationships can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and families. A new documentary offers a closer look at that work through our Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program.

Through stories from the field, the film highlights SAY’s trauma-responsive approach and shows how supportive relationships, skill-building, and community connections can help young people thrive.

We invite you to see firsthand how the SAY Program is making a difference for youth across our region. The documentary was produced by Mtn Craft in partnership with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) as part of the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (OAYI). Watch it here.

Milford Place is Taking Shape

A new housing option for 40 older Mainers is getting closer to becoming a reality. Construction of Milford Place, located on Milford Street Extension in Bangor, has now passed the halfway mark.

Exterior work is nearly complete, with siding and trim 99% finished, and work inside continues with tub and shower installation, drywall finishing, and elevator installation.

It is exciting to see Milford Place taking shape and to reach this important construction milestone.

Join Us for the Penquis Turkey Drive This November

The annual Penquis Turkey Drive returns this November, providing an opportunity for our community to help ensure local families can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Beginning November 17, Penquis, in partnership with Z107.3 and WABI, will collect frozen turkey donations at the Brewer Hannaford parking lot. Community members who prefer to give financially can also make a monetary donation, helping Penquis purchase additional turkeys and food for families in need.

Whether you donate a turkey or contribute funds, your generosity will help bring comfort, nourishment, and holiday cheer to households throughout our region. Every donation, large or small, helps make Thanksgiving a little brighter for our neighbors.

Connection and Community at the Midcoast Baby Shower

What happens when families, service providers, volunteers, and community members come together? At the 2nd Annual Midcoast Community Baby Shower, it meant a day filled with support, resources, and connection.

More than 72 families and 28 service providers participated this year, and the baby boutique and raffle were twice the size of last year’s. Every donated item went directly to local families.



Thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible. The event was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support parents, children, and families across the Midcoast region.

News You Can Use

There’s something for everyone in the weeks ahead. Take a look at our upcoming events, workshops, and trainings and join us when you can.

Penquis Workshops and Trainings

To view the Penquis Trainings Newsletter, click here!

To be added to the mailing list, sign up here!

Save the Date:

Rape Response Services Dessert Auction

Delicious desserts, friendly bidding, and a chance to support an important cause are all on the menu November 20! Join us at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor for the annual Rape Response Services Dessert Auction.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details. We look forward to celebrating with you while helping support the vital work of Rape Response Services.

Celebrating October Observances

Celebrating Creativity During National Arts & Humanities Month

Creativity is something worth celebrating!

The Penquis Day Program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through opportunities for growth, skill development, and community engagement. Through the program’s art classes, participants can express themselves, build confidence, develop skills, and share their creativity with the community.



Each year, participants' artwork is featured in the Penquis Art Calendar. Artists are compensated for the use of their artwork, and calendar sales support the program.



Watch for the 2027 Penquis Art Calendar, coming this November, and another opportunity to celebrate the creativity of Penquis artists!

Celebrating 50 Years of Weatherization

For 50 years, the federal Weatherization Assistance Program has been helping households reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and increase energy efficiency.



As communities across the country celebrate National Weatherization Day on October 30, Penquis is proud to be part of that legacy. For generations, weatherization has helped strengthen homes and communities, and this anniversary gives us an opportunity to recognize that lasting impact.

Did You Know?

• Weatherization delivers 18% annual heating savings for households.
• Weatherized homes see 7% annual electricity savings on average.
• Households with low income spend 14% of income on energy, compared to 3% for higher-income households - weatherization helps close this gap.
• Since 1976, weatherization has helped 7.4 million households nationwide.
• Weatherization funding helps employ energy auditors, installers, and contractors across the country, while also lowering energy costs in the communities where the work is performed.

Choose a Way to Make a Difference

Closing Thoughts

From a new child development center and new housing taking shape to creative expression, community connections, and programs that strengthen homes, this month's activities remind us how much is possible when people come together. Thank you for being part of the Penquis community and for the many ways you help create opportunities for children, individuals, and families across our region.

Join us on social media and keep up with Penquis news as it happens!