September 2026

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In Memoriam: William “Bill” Thompson

We are deeply saddened by the passing of William “Bill” Thompson, a valued member of the Penquis Board of Directors and a dedicated community advocate. We are grateful for his leadership, wisdom, commitment to service, and lasting contributions to our region.

Read Bill’s obituary

Together, Our Community Helped 1,450 Children Start School Prepared

This year’s We’ve Got Your Backpack program provided 1,450 children with new backpacks and school supplies for the school year, thanks to the support of volunteers, businesses, organizations, and community members.

Community collection efforts played a vital role, including Heart of Maine United Way’s Fill the Bus, Townsquare Media’s Beyond the Bus, Furniture Gallery and 207 Wellness’s Back to School Bash, Shaw’s Dover-Foxcroft Fill the Van, and the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce BRLI (Bangor Region Leadership Institute) Infusion collection. Through her Ava Gives Back initiative, Ava Burke collected more than 600 backpacks. Families also received additional resources, including lunch boxes, snacks, and socks collected through Beyond the Bus, as well as winter coats and ski pants. Program sponsor Katahdin Trust donated 1,200 water bottles, which were a big hit with families.

We are grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, hosted collections, or helped spread the word. Together, you helped 1,450 children start the school year prepared and ready to learn. Thank you for making this year's program such a success!

Leading with her Heart:

Kara Hay Featured in UMaine Alumni Magazine

Penquis is proud to see CEO Kara Hay featured in UMaine Alumni Magazine. In the article, Leading with her Heart, Kara reflects on her journey from UMaine student to nonprofit leader and shares her commitment to strengthening Maine communities through service, advocacy, and opportunity. Congratulations, Kara, on this well-deserved recognition. Read the article here!

Affordable Housing News Highlights Penquis' Commitment to Lasting Stability

Penquis is featured in the Summer 2026 edition of Affordable Housing News. The article, Building Lasting Stability, highlights the organization's affordable housing initiatives and explores how Penquis connects housing with the services and supports that help individuals and families build long-term stability.



We're grateful to the residents, staff, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.

Read the full article (starting on page 83).

Programs Growing Through Connection and Community Voice

Recent updates from two Penquis programs showcase the meaningful connections, expanded services, and positive outcomes being achieved across our communities.

Students Help Bring SAY Support to a New School

The Penquis Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program now serves more than 240 students in eight schools across the region, helping youth build connections and navigate the impacts of substance use. Student support for the program recently helped bring SAY to Orono High School, and Central High School and Mattanawcook Academy have also joined. With discussions underway with four additional schools, SAY continues to expand its reach and impact for youth and families.

Emphasizing the importance of the program, one teacher shared that, "[SAY] can have conversations with students that teachers/admin can’t due to lack of time or students’ unwillingness to share. They have created genuine bonds with a number of students and have become true mentors and role models to those students.” ​

Residents Reflect on Safety, Independence, and Community

As Theresa's Place nears its first anniversary, residents continue to benefit from stable housing, greater independence, and supportive services. A recent survey found that many residents value the safety, support from staff, reduced stress, and sense of community they have experienced since moving in.

When asked, “What does living at Theresa's Place mean to you?” residents shared thoughtful responses, including: “Safety, group work. A great chance at living with or in society,” “Independence. Quiet. It’s really a great beginning,” and “Giving me a chance to live & love my life & family. Also, a living a long happy life, meeting new people.”

Resident feedback is also helping guide ongoing improvements as staff work to ensure Theresa's Place remains a safe and supportive place to call home.



Connecting Generations:

Foster Grandparent Program Featured on WABI TV5

Penquis CEO Kara Hay visited WABI TV5 recently to share how the Penquis Foster Grandparent Program has been building meaningful connections that benefit both children and older adults. Click here to learn how these dedicated volunteers are making a difference in the lives of young people across Maine and why we're looking for more volunteers to join this rewarding program.

One Foster Grandparent shared that, "I am coming to the end of my fourth school year with first graders at the same school with the same teacher. My love for being a volunteer in the Foster Grandparent Program continues to grow. And hopefully, I am better able to help the students and teacher as I gain experience."

For more information on becoming a Foster Grandparent, visit Penquis' website or contact Maria Staples at 973-3611 or mstaples@penquis.org.

Special Olympics Athletes Prepare for State Soccer Competition

Penquis Special Olympics athletes have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming Soccer Skills Competition. During practices, athletes have been building strength and stamina while developing their dribbling, shooting, and run-and-kick skills.

On October 15, athletes will travel to the Waterville Youth Soccer Association's North Street Fields, located at 153 North Street in Waterville, to compete in the State Soccer Competition. Community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on these dedicated athletes as they showcase the skills they've worked hard to develop.

Please join us in wishing all of the athletes the very best of luck in competition!

Penquis in the Community

From children to older adults, Penquis programs are helping community members build connections, develop skills, and thrive.

Senator Susan Collins Visits Bright Beginnings

Penquis was pleased to welcome Senator Susan Collins to the new Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. During her visit, she toured the facility, met with staff, and learned more about how Bright Beginnings, Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care programs support children and families across the region.



We are grateful to Senator Collins for taking the time to learn more about the important work being done to help children thrive and strengthen communities.

Dexter Red Hot Dog Festival

Despite a rainy start, the Dexter Annual Red Hot Dog Festival turned into a wonderful opportunity for Penquis staff to connect with community members. Throughout the day, visitors stopped by the Penquis booth to learn more about programs and services, share their experiences, and enjoy conversations with staff.



Children enjoyed receiving toothbrushes and temporary tattoos, while a visit from a local fairy added an extra touch of fun and excitement for young festivalgoers. By the end of the day, Penquis had connected with more than 80 people and left encouraged by the meaningful conversations, positive energy, and strong sense of community that made the festival a memorable event.

Creating, Learning, and Connecting Together

Residents at Merry Garden Estates and Stearns Assisted Living recently enjoyed activities focused on creativity, learning, and connection.



At Merry Garden Estates, residents worked together to make apple muffins using fresh apples picked from trees on the property. At Stearns Assisted Living, residents created sunflower paintings during a Paint & Snack activity that combined creativity with social time. Both activities provided opportunities to learn new skills, build friendships, and have fun. Following the success of the Paint & Snack event, Stearns residents have chosen to make craft and snack activities a monthly tradition.

New Learning Strengthens Restorative Practices

In July, Heather Tryon, Rape Response Services Project Coordinator, and Amanda Chambers, Rape Response Services Division Manager, attended the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conference. The event provided opportunities to learn about restorative justice, trauma-informed approaches, and victim-centered practices while connecting with professionals from across the country. The knowledge gained will help strengthen Rape Response Services' ongoing efforts to promote healing, accountability, and positive outcomes for those impacted by sexual violence.

Choose a Way to Make a Difference

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on these stories, we are grateful for the many ways individuals, families, volunteers, partners, and staff work together to strengthen our communities. From creating opportunities for connection and growth to expanding services that respond to community priorities, each success is made possible through collective support. Thank you for being part of the Penquis mission and helping build stronger, healthier communities throughout our region.

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