United Way Campaign Kick-Off September 12: Bill Brillant of Downeast Energy is Campaign Chair9/11/2017
 Bill Brillant UWMCM 2017 Campaign Chair United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s campaign for the community will be launched Tuesday, September 12, at the Maine Maritime Museum. “Moving Forward Together” is the Campaign theme, following on last year’s theme celebrating United Way’s 60th anniversary.
“We know that the only way we can truly all move forward and meet community needs is if individual donors step forward and increase their giving, and new donors join us to change lives,” said Campaign Chair Bill Brillant. “We need everyone’s help.” “United Way is moving forward by addressing emerging needs such as treatment for opioid addiction and at-home nursing care for elders, and by investing in babies and young children to create long-lasting change,” said Brillant. “United Way is also the best way to make sure our neighbors in need get the immediate, critical help they need to improve their financial stability, education, and health.” Brillant is Customer Service Manager for Downeast Energy. He has served on United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Board, and Basic Needs Solutions Council. Many years ago he served as a campaign Loaned Executive. Brillant is also Chair of Save Our Swinging Bridge in Topsham, member and past President of the Topsham Expresso Rotary, and has been active in many community organizations and initiatives. This year’s Campaign Cabinet also includes: Steve Cornish, Karen Race, and Bob Murray of Bath Iron Works, Bryan Campbell of Mechanics Savings Bank, Brian Wilson, Steve Bailey of the Maine School Management Association, Dave Millar of Riley Insurance Agency, Tyler Zamore of Bath Savings Institution, Richard Price of First Advisors, Kelly Holbrook of LincolnHealth, Kim Watson of Mid Coast Senior Health Center, Chris Szalay of SEARCH – Greater Bath, Mark Waltz of the Brunswick Police Department, Stacy Frizzle of People Plus, and Bob Beaumont of CHANS Hospice. Anyone who has not typically been reached by United Way is encouraged to be part of the community-wide campaign by calling the office at 443-9752. The generosity of the Mid Coast community made it possible last year for approximately 20,000 people to receive needed help through United Way’s 38 partner agencies. United Way volunteers also work on initiatives to address root causes of problems and advance long-lasting solutions for Mid Coast Maine. The Campaign Kick-off is sponsored by Mid Coast Hospital and will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. There will be refreshments, announcement of the goal, and informal remarks by community volunteers. All interested members of the public are invited to attend the Kick-off. To rsvp call United Way at 443-9752 or e-mail info@uwmcm.org. United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. For more information on results of giving, check the website: www.uwmcm.org. We're HIRING! We have an one position available -- please read below and share with your friends or network.
Donor Engagement Coordinator We are looking for a professional to provide excellent stewardship of our donor relationships. Responsibilities include creating compelling communications, recognizing donors, and planning events. The Director will also help frame strategic initiatives that advance United Way’s priorities and donors’ interests, creating meaningful opportunities for donor engagement. S/he must be responsible for careful implementation of details, ensuring excellent experiences for individual donors and volunteers. Applicants should have successful development, marketing, communications, and/or volunteer organizing experience. The position requires excellent communications and customer relationship skills. Good computer skills, the ability to produce simple, visually appealing materials quickly, and a bachelor’s degree are desirable. We offer a comprehensive benefit program and the opportunity to work on behalf of your community in a friendly work environment. Please email or mail cover letter and resume by August 23rd to: To apply: Please email or mail cover letter and resume by August 23rd to: Barbara Reinertsen United Way of Mid Coast Maine 34 Wing Farm Parkway Bath ME 04530 Email: barbarar@uwmcm.org Our mission: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. UWMCM is an equal opportunity employer The following people will be nominated for election or reelection to United Way’s Board of Directors at the May 11 Annual Meeting: Rick Bohan of L.L. Bean, Pam Gerbi of Brunswick, Sean Martin of Bath Savings Trust Company, Heidi Shott of Newcastle and the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, and Joel Wegner of Five County Credit Union.
Bath resident and retired Bowdoin College Professor Nancy Jennings will be nominated for election to Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors, Joel Wegner of Five County Credit Union will be nominated as First Vice Chair, Bill Brillant of Downeast Energy as Second Vice Chair, and Sean Martin, Vice President of Bath Savings Trust Company as Treasurer. You are Invited to United Way’s Annual Meeting! All members of the public are invited to United Way’s Annual Meeting on May 11, 8 – 10 a.m., at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Simply register by calling United Way at 207-443-9752 (or by e-mailing info@uwmcm.org). Keynote speaker Sue Mackey Andrews will address “Healthy and Resilient Children and Families.” Community Builder Awards will be presented to organizations and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Mid Coast Maine community. There will be a review of United Way accomplishments in 2016, and election of Board members and officers
 “We are so grateful for the early supporters, Board members, and Campaign fundraisers,” said United Way Board Chair Connie Jones of LincolnHealth. “They built the firm foundation for United Way that has made it possible for us to continue to meet changing needs and support the people of Mid Coast Maine. We are a caring community, and this character has been shaped by those who came before us.” Jones went on to say that while United Way honors its past, “we are very much looking forward. There’s no time to rest; we are heading into the next 60 years and we need to do all we can to make sure people’s lives are good, and they get help when they need it.” Jones noted that the anniversary is coinciding with a demographic shift, in which many of United Way’s long-time, very generous donors have recently retired or are retiring. “We know we need to bring in new, younger donors and more leadership donors,” said Campaign Chair Rick Bohan of L.L. Bean. “We are very excited to announce that a number of generous donors have agreed to offer a special Match for all new and increased giving. “It’s a match of $60,000 for our 60th anniversary!” New donations, and increases from current donors, will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $60,000 campaign-wide. “This is a great opportunity for a donor to double their impact,” said Bohan. Any individual not reached by a workplace campaign can send a donation to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, Maine 04530. People can also call 207-443-9752 to give monthly via credit card or bank debit, ask to be billed, make a credit card donation, or contribute stocks or securities. All individuals in Mid Coast Maine are included in the community effort and encouraged to give. More information on United Way’s results in improving lives can be found at www.uwmcm.org. Every workplace in Mid Coast Maine, of any size, is urged to include a United Way presentation in a meeting so employees can hear about local services and make a personal decision whether to contribute through payroll deduction. Brief meetings that fit a workplace’s schedule can easily be arranged by calling United Way at 443-9752. Additional incentives for workplace meeting attendance, new and increased gifts, and leadership gifts were donated this year by Sebasco Harbor Resort, L.L. Bean, M.W. Sewall, Hannaford, and Amtrak. Bohan, who grew up and still lives in Brunswick, said there have been some excellent early Campaign results, with MSAD 75 employees raising over $14,000 so far, and RSU1 school employees raising $12,655 – a 30% increase over last year. Other highlights include increased corporate gifts from L.L. Bean, FHC, and Riley Insurance, and early employee campaigns at UPS, Target, Walmart, Brunswick Schools, Maine Region 10 Technical High School, AOS 93 Schools in the Damariscotta area, and Lincoln Academy. Employees of Bath Iron Works who are Sustained Givers – donating 1% or more of their salary to United Way – were given special thanks at United Way’s Kick-off. Together they have raised over $133,000 already for United Way. Bohan announced that as of the Kick-off, the campaign has raised $370,105, or 20% of the Goal. He noted that United Way Board, Cabinet, and staff members have 100% participation in the Campaign. Members of the 2016 Campaign Cabinet, in addition to Bohan, include: Steve Cornish, Local S6/BIW; Bob Murray, BIW; Adele Suggs, BIW; Bill Brillant, Downeast Energy; Brian Wilson, FHC, Inc.; Steve Bailey, AOS 93 Schools; Dave Millar, Riley Insurance Agency; Tyler Zamore, Bath Savings Institution; Stacy Miller, LincolnHealth; Kim Watson, Mid Coast Senior Health Center; Lennie Burke, Norway Savings Bank; Bob Beaumont, CHANS Hospice; Mark Waltz, Brunswick Police Department; and Stacy Frizzle, People Plus. Loaned Executives working on the campaign for ten weeks include: John Descoteaux of Brunswick, Diane Herrick of Lisbon Falls, K.L. Long of L.L. Bean, John Portela of BIW and Local S6, and Deni Tirrell of South Portland. Organizations that have sponsored Loaned Executives are: Bath Iron Works, Local S6, Bath Savings Institution, FHC, Inc., L.L. Bean, and Norway Savings Bank. Kick-off attendees brought diapers or dollars for diapers, continuing a tradition started at the 2014 Kick-off. Many parents struggle to pay the roughly $1,000 per year cost of enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. Jones announced that since the Diaper Project began two years ago, United Way has raised the equivalent of 115,435 diapers for Mid Coast children. “The Diaper Project is one great example of what we can do together. This convening people in initiatives to create change is one of the key ways United Way works to fulfill its mission: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities,” said Jones. Jones said the second key way United Way advances its mission is through its partnership with 37 wonderful local agencies, whose staff and volunteers “work every day to: help people have a home, teach them to read, provide good health care, support survivors of domestic violence, make sure young people at risk have good mentors and positive activities, call on isolated elders or get them out and interacting, give young children the “Best Start” in life, and much more.”  L-R: 2016 Campaign Chair Rick Bohan, Diane Herrick, John Portela, John Descoteaux, KL Long. Not pictured: Deni Tirrell Author: Barbara ReinertsenContact: Barbara Reinertsen 207-443-9752 or barbarar@uwmcm.org  Chris Chase — Coastal Journal The Mustard Seed Bookstore was one of the top five Bath businesses that collected Dollars for Daipers. BATH — United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Dollars for Diapers fundraising campaign has come to a close after raising $4,594.
Bath Savings Institution donated $1,000, an anonymous donor made a $500 contribution, and the Bath Rotary gave $1,000 to the cause. In total, the money raised should be able to keep local young families outfitted with diapers for nearly a year. “We’re well on our way to providing diapers for the Bath Food Pantry for almost a year,” said Nancy Jennings, who was integral to organizing the campaign. “We really got a great head start with all of this.” In addition to the money raised, posters and displays pinned all over downtown helped raise awareness of an issue that many people don’t think about. “It wasn’t money in canisters that put us over the top; it was the awareness of people who said, ‘how can I help?’” said Jennings. The top five businesses that received the most canister donations are One Stop Deli, Witch Spring Hill Ice Cream, Now You’re Cooking, Five County Credit Union, and Mustard Seed Bookstore. Wendy Morris, owner of One Stop Deli, said she had no idea that her business raised the most. She attributed it to the reputation of United Way. “I think United Way does a great job. We’re always happy to support any good cause,” said Morris. “I think anything that goes through United Way, people are going to support.” Bath Food Pantry Executive Director Kimberly Gates said that the support is sorely needed. “Their diapers have been a lifesaver,” she said. “Our biggest growing number right now is young families with young children.” Prior to the United Way’s efforts, Gates said she wasn’t able to carry diapers.“They’ve shopped around, they’ve done their homework. They got a great deal on diapers that I never could get.” Gates said the generosity of people in town doesn’t surprise her, as the donations and outpouring of support she recieves on a regular basis always exceeds her expectations. “This community is just itching to make a difference, and when they find something they can sink their teeth into, they do,” she said. http://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/ODN/CoastalJournal/default.aspx United Way of Mid Coast Maine is accepting applications for new funding partnerships with Mid Coast non-profit agencies that work to improve people’s lives in the core building blocks of education, financial stability, and health.
“United Way works with many in our community to improve the lives of our neighbors throughout the region,” said Connie Jones of Boothbay who is currently Chair of United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Board of Directors. “We partner with community organizations in many different ways, one of which is through funding programs that help us all reach our community goals around education, financial stability and health. We look forward to working with new and our current partners who have highly effective, well-managed programs.” There is a two-step process to apply for United Way funding for a two year cycle starting July 1, 2017, and going through June 30, 2019. New agencies must first apply to become Eligible for Funding, and this application deadline is no later than noon, Tuesday, November 1, 2016. During this first step, United Way volunteers review the agency’s finances and financial control systems, how well the agency is governed, and how well the agency will account for funds donated during United Way’s annual Campaign. Once an agency is found to be eligible for funding, then the agency may apply in February to one of United Way’s four Community Solutions Councils for specific program funding. Volunteers review applications and meet with program representatives in the spring to determine how well this particular program addresses one or more of the 23 Community Goals identified by United Way in a community outreach and strategic planning initiative. The volunteers make specific program funding recommendations to United Way’s local Board of Directors. Organizations interested in applying for partnership should contact John Washburn, Director of Finance & Administration at United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, 04530, 443-9752, immediately for a copy of the Partnership Agreement and Eligibility Application. Meetings or telephone conversations to explore partnership feasibility are welcome. These applications must be completed and returned no later than noon, Tuesday, November 1st to be eligible for consideration of funding during the two year cycle beginning July 1, 2017. Times Record
2016-07-11 / Front Page Dollars for Diapers happening in Bath BY DARCIE MOORE Times Record Staff BATH A United Way of Mid Coast Maine pilot program called “Dollars for Diapers” is coming to Bath this week to help get diapers to families that need them while raising awareness about the shortage of diapers. Since 2014, United Way has distributed more than 62,000 diapers to programs such as food pantries. Now, United Way volunteers have developed an additional outreach model which capitalizes on its new ability to purchase diapers at a significant cost savings. Dollars for Diapers will be in Bath from Tuesday to July 18. More than 40 businesses have agreed to have canisters available all week where people can donate money for the program. People can put their change in the can as they leave a restaurant or store or donate through the United Way of Mid Coast Maine website. United Way volunteer Dodie Jones said Bath Savings Institution has agreed to offer a $1,000 match. The organization is emphasizing the money donations because it is collaborating with Jet.com, the makers of Cuties diapers, which will allow them to buy diapers at only 13 cents per diaper without sales tax. Buying in bulk at local stores costs closer to 20 cents per diaper. According to the United Way, diapers can cost at least $500 per year per child. For a parent working full time at Maine’s minimum wage, that’s more than 3 percent of their income. There is no federal assistance for the purchase of diapers through programs like SNAP and WIC. “Lacking an adequate supply of diapers causes undue stress on both baby and parents,” the United Way of Mid Coast Maine announcement states. “Not having enough diapers can affect a baby’s physical and mental health — now and in their adult lives.” Smart shoppers can same money on diapers by buying them at bulk at big box stores, but many low-income families who may not have transportation aren’t able to buy in bulk. Cloth diapers aren’t an option for many because many daycares won’t take cloth diapers and expect parents to bring a day’s supply of diapers, Jones said. And most people who aren’t making a lot of money do their laundry at a Laundromats, which generally don’t want diapers being washed there. They have to go through a sanitizing cycle, she said, which most Laundromat machines don’t have. According to Kim Gates, director of the Bath Area Food Pantry, a client cried recently when we learned the food bank had diapers available through the United Way. The White House blog “The Diaper Divide” states: “Nearly 1 in 3 families struggle to afford diapers for their babies. In some cases, moms and dads stretch the time between diaper changes to make their limited resources last.” A donation of $25 provides enough diapers for the first three weeks of a newborn’s life, according to United Way. The funds raised through Dollars for Diapers will purchase diapers for organizations including Bath Area Food Bank, Little Flock Non Food Pantry, Early Head Start Home Visiting, Maine Families — Home Visiting, Tedford Shelter, and Healthy Generations. People can donate online at uwmcm.org/diapers or send a check payable to UWMCM - Diapers to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530. People can also donate diapers by dropping them off at United Way at 34 Wing Farm Parkway or at Bank of America from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open packages are welcome. dmoore@timesrecord.com Diaper details • THE FUNDS raised through Dollars for Diapers will purchase diapers for organizations including Bath Area Food Bank, Little Flock Non Food Pantry, Early Head Start Home Visiting, Maine Families — Home Visiting, Tedford Shelter, and Healthy Generations.
“We cannot arrest our way out of the opiate crisis,” said Bath Chief of Police Mike Field. “It’s a community problem and we need a multi-pronged approach of enforcement, treatment, and public education.”
Chief Field was joined by Tom Kivler, Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Mid Coast—Parkview Health, to speak on: The Opiate Crisis in Mid Coast Maine: How Bad Is It? What Can Be Done? at United Way’s Annual Meeting on May 18. “The opiate crisis is a problem which exists in every community in Maine,” stated Field, “and there is no longer a stereotype user – addicts are people like you and me.” To address the escalating crisis, a Maine Opiate Collaborative was assembled, including leadership by US Attorney Thomas Delahanty, Maine Attorney General Janet Mills, Maine Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, Maine Sherriff Association President Sagadahoc County Sherriff Joel Merry, and Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health at Mid Coast—Parkview Eric Haram. The Collaborative has made several recommendations, including increased intelligence sharing between state and local police to better prosecute drug dealers. Kivler talked about neurobiological theory around addiction, sharing that “addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works.” He discussed a variety of effective treatments for opiate addiction, including medication-assisted treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and a program for addicted pregnant women called “Snuggle Me.” Meeting attendees were invited to take part in the prevention of drug abuse by disposing of prescription drugs correctly. “The most common place people get illicit opiates is the medicine cabinet of someone they know,” said Kivler. “The community can now dispose of medications at many law enforcement agencies, and some pharmacies.” Field and Kivler both mentioned investment in early childhood as a key to prevention. Kivler referenced Dr. Vincent Felitti’s 1998 study on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to show how important the first year of life is. “The critical brain development that occurs in the first 1,000 days leads to solid cognitive function, social intelligence, and emotional intelligence. Without this strong foundation a child’s risk profile goes up across all domains of health and social functioning.” High ACE scores directly correlate with high rates of adult smoking, alcoholism, and intravenous drug use. One conclusion of the study is “the cause of addiction is experience-related rather than substance-dependent,” said Kivler. Adverse childhood experiences occur from more than just everyday stress of life. “It’s when situations of extreme stress are prolonged and unrelenting, in the absence of supportive adults, that a child is affected by toxic stress,” said Kivler. “These situations can include extreme poverty, physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, severe maternal depression, substance abuse, or family violence.” Kivler ended on a hopeful note: “As a community, we are on the right track to reducing the risk of addiction for our local children.” United Way’s early childhood initiative work was mentioned as “making a difference by supporting new parents with real-life parenting support and strategies that encourage healthy brain development for their babies.” United Way 2015 results highlighted at the meeting included a campaign which raised $1,850,538 for the community. Approximately 20,000 Mid Coast residents were helped by United Way-funded strategies last year through 37 partner agencies and several United Way initiatives, including the Best Start Initiative which focuses on giving every Mid Coast infant the best possible start in life. United Way also helped leverage $4 million worth of volunteer power, and assisted over 5,000 local residents find help through 2-1-1 Maine, a free, confidential, and 24/7 referral service started by United Ways of Maine to make sure people who needed services could find them. Community Builder Awards were presented to Jaki Ellis and Craig McEwen, Bowdoin College, and the Best Start Initiative Team. The Best Start Initiative Team was recognized for their collaborative efforts to help local children get the best foundation for their brain development by creating of a new unified system for all or most new parents to experience the benefits of research-based home visiting services. The team is comprised of members from multiple agencies, including Early Head Start, The Opportunity Alliance, the Teen and Young Parent Program, Public Health Nursing, Martin’s Point Health Care, CHANS Home Health Care, Mid Coast Medical Group – Women’s Health Care, Mid Coast Hospital, Hornby-Zeller Associates, the John T. Gorman Foundation, and United Way. Ellis and McEwen were recognized for their many years of leadership in the Mid Coast region, most recently successfully leading a team charged with finding resources and information about healthy parenting for new parents. Bowdoin College was recognized for their ongoing and extensive role in engaging with the common good by encouraging student and faculty involvement in the community, supporting local agencies, and embodying philanthropy-in-action. “Our Mid Coast Maine community is healthier and stronger because of Bowdoin College’s commitment to social responsibility,” said United Way Executive Director Barbara Reinertsen. Eight nominees were elected or reelected to the Board of Directors: Claire Berkowitz of the Maine Children’s Alliance, Bill Brillant of Downeast Energy, Matt Cunio of UNUM, Glenn Hutchinson of Bath Savings Institution, Connie Jones of LincolnHealth, Tom Kivler of Mid Coast—Parkview Health, Bruce MacDonald of Boothbay, and Pat Thomas of Bath Iron Works. Connie Jones was elected Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors, Nancy Jennings of Bowdoin College and Joel Wegner of Five County Credit Union were elected 1st and 2nd Vice Chairs. Bowdoin College VP for Finance and Assistant Treasurer Matt Orlando was reelected to the position of Treasurer. “We’ve set a great course for the future,” said incoming Board Chair Connie Jones before adjourning the meeting. The Annual Meeting was sponsored by Oxford Networks. United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In partnership with thousands of donors, United Way works to improve education, financial stability, and health for people in Brunswick and Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties. |
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