March 2023
WHAT'S NEW
DOJ Grant to Increase Support for
Human Trafficking Survivors
Penquis has been awarded funding from the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, to increase access to housing for survivors of human trafficking. The grant of $615,066 will enable Penquis, its subsidiary Rape Response Services, and collaborators Partners for Peace and CourageLIVES to provide survivors with housing navigation services and short-term housing assistance in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. The grant will also fund trainings for community members in understanding and identifying human trafficking.

Survivor access to permanent housing is a critical component of achieving long-term safety and the need for support is particularly critical, given the lack of affordable housing and the number of individuals impacted by human trafficking. More than 150 survivors of human trafficking and 200 of their family members were served in the Greater Bangor region in 2021 alone.  

For further reading on the funded project, please click HERE.
Congratulations, Special Olympics Athletes!
Special Olympics is always a whirlwind, and this year has been no different! Athletes and coaches have been very busy over the past couple of months. Athletes competed in the state candlepin bowling competition (two good buddies Dale and Sean came away with gold medals!) and the state snowshoe competition. Everyone did very well and had a great time. Congratulations to all! The Central Maine basketball tournament is up next on March 25. Good luck!
The Prevention Council would like to share with you that April is Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month and you can show your support for children and their families by participating in this year’s Wear Blue Day on March 31. Please mark your calendars to wear blue and raise awareness throughout our communities!
NEWS YOU CAN USE
The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) worked closely with other state partners to develop a Family Services Resource Guide, also known as AccessMaine.
 
The online tool launched in April 2022 and includes state-level programs that will connect OCFS staff, service providers, individuals and families to resources that can support everyone in Maine to be safe, happy, healthy and successful. This tool complements the existing 211 Maine (www.211maine.org) program where individuals can call, text or go online to be connected to community-level resources in Maine.
MaineCare: Stay Connected to Stay Covered
Changes are coming to MaineCare!

If you or someone you know is covered by MaineCare, it’s time to stay connected to stay covered. Update your contact information at http://MyMaineConnection.gov to avoid a gap in your health coverage!
Rape Response Services Offers Drop-in Hours
Rape Response Services offers drop-in options for survivors in Greenville and Millinocket once a month! Survivors can come by and chat one on one with an advocate or community members can learn more about what Rape Response Services does for individuals and communities. A rural advocate is at the Shaw Public Library from 10am-12pm on the first Monday of each month and at the Millinocket Library from 2-3:30pm on the first Thursday of the month. Check out the Rape Response Services Facebook page for more information.
Free Tax Preparation Services Continue
In-person appointments for free tax preparation assistance are still available in Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth, East Millinocket and Machias. Fully remote online assistance is available HERE.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
Greater Bangor Association of REALTORS
Gives Back
Penquis Housing and Energy team members attended a celebration at Jeff’s Catering held by the Greater Bangor Association of REALTORS to receive a check for heating assistance for Penobscot and Piscataquis County residents. The astonishing $21,650 includes funds raised through a silent and live auction held in January and a matching grant from the Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation. This will help keep many people warm throughout this winter season.
In the photos: Penquis Housing & Energy staff members Melissa Howard (left) and Lynn Lugdon (right) are joined by 2023 Greater Bangor Association of REALTORS President Gary Jordan (first photo, middle) and Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation Chair Ashlee Black (second photo, middle).
1,000 Coats Donated!
Thank you to everyone who donated a coat to our Coats of Kindness campaign! We collected 1,000 coats this winter -- a new record! Special thanks to Gold Star Cleaners for collecting and cleaning all of these winter wearables!
Foster Grandparents Needed
The Penquis Foster Grandparent Program provides income-eligible adults age 55+ with a stipend to volunteer 15-40 hours a week in schools, Head Start centers, and other sites to work with children with exceptional needs in 1:1 and small group settings. If you or someone you know is over the age of 55 and is interested in being a role model and tutor to children, please call 1-800-215-4942 to learn more about being a Classroom Grammie or Grampy!
City of Old Town
Fire and Ice Fundraiser
Supports Community
The City of Old Town held its first-ever Fire and Ice Celebration, which raised money for local groups and remembered the ice storm of ’98. Penquis is deeply thankful to be one of the groups that received funds from this celebration and will use the $769 to help keep Mainers warm this winter.
Power Match Donations Matched by Versant Power
We've partnered with Versant Power to help our friends and neighbors get the electricity bill assistance they need this winter. Donate to Power Match today and Versant Power will double your impact by matching your donation! For more information and for eligibility guidelines, call 207-973-3630 or email powermatch@penquis.org.
The Road is Calling!
Are you someone who likes to drive? If you are a safe, insured driver and like meeting people, you just might be a perfect volunteer driver! Learn more about the opportunity to be a volunteer driver for Penquis Transportation Services!
COMMUNITY ACTION AND YOU!
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