The executive director of the Maine School Management Association discussed many issues facing Maine schoolchildren, including bullying and suicide, during the annual meeting of the United Way of Mid Coast Maine on Tuesday.

Steve Bailey, of West Bath, said school report cards are based on academic results and standardized test scores, but Bailey asked if there was other things schools should look at to gauge a student’s performance.

The former superintendent said a Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey showed that 4 out of 10 students feel like they don’t matter to their community, and he said half of the middle school students in Sagadahoc County reported being bullied on school property.

“Bullying is defined differently by different people,” Bailey said. “But what we do know is that the feeling of being bullied really affects young people’s ability to engage in activities and school.”

The survey also showed that 30 percent of high school students in Sagadahoc County reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two weeks or more than it altered their activities. And about one in five middle and high school students said they’ve seriously considered suicide.

During his keynote address, Bailey talked about the efforts schools are making to address these socio-emotional factors, including maintaining small class sizes to get to know students well, increasing intervention against bullying, training all staff in suicide prevention and increasing the number or guidance counselors and social workers.

In other business at the meeting, outgoing United Way board chairwoman Nancy Jennings said over 23,000 midcoast residents were helped to better lives through United Way donations and its 37 local partner agencies.

“We’re honored to play the role of helping people transform their caring into real results and real change,” Jennings said.

Joel Wegner, of Five County Credit Union, was elected as the new chairman of the Board of Directors; Bill Brillant, of Downeast Energy, was elected as first vice chairman; and Mary Ellen Barnes, of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, was elected as second vice chairwoman. Sean Martin, the vice president of Bath Savings Trust Company, was voted to be the next treasurer.

The Bath Housing Authority, Merrymeeting Gleaners, Lincoln County Gleaners and Peter and Teresa Fogg, of Fogg Art Restoration, received Community Builder awards for making “an outstanding contribution to the Mid Coast Maine community.

The following people will be nominated for election or re-election to United Way’s Board of Directors at the annual meeting: Christine Anderson of LincolnHealth, Mary Ellen Barnes of Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Heather Biggar of Maine Behavioral Healthcare, Chuck Dorn of Bowdoin College, and Nancy Jennings of Bath.
 
Joel Wegner of Five County Credit Union will be nominated for election to Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors, Bill Brillant of Downeast Energy will be nominated as First Vice Chair, Mary Ellen Barnes of Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission 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!
 
United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 15, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at The Daniel, 10 Water Street, Brunswick. All members of the community are invited to attend. Registration for the event is available online at uwmcm.org or by calling United Way at 443-9752.
 
Steve Bailey, Executive Director of the Maine School Management Association, will speak on the many issues young people face today in his keynote address: “Going to School… and we thought this was only about academics.”

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 2017, and election of Board members and officers.

January 22, 2018

Midcoast CA$H is a member of CA$H Maine and is one of over 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the country that the IRS relies on to help people file their taxes every year, completely free of charge.

In 2017 alone, our IRS certified volunteers helped over 300 individuals in the Midcoast area qualify for and keep 100% of their refunds without worrying about hidden fees or unexpected charges.Many of our clients receive over thirty percent of their annual income in tax refunds, making their tax returns vital to their financial lives.

"For 10 years, Midcoast CA$H has helped individuals and families get their maximum refund that they use on necessities, like paying bills, paying down debt, making new purchases, and saving,” Maria Hinteregger, United Way of Mid Coast Maine and Midcoast CA$H lead coordinator. “We are dedicated to helping as many community members as we can.”

“I’ve always felt that I was in good, capable hands at Midcoast CA$H and trust the volunteers’ expertise to find our family the best tax breaks that we are eligible for.” Anna, Midcoast CA$H free tax preparation program user.Generally, individuals who make less than $54,000 are eligible to have their taxes prepared and e-filed for free.

To see if you qualify or schedule an appointment at tax sites in Bath, Brunswick, or Wiscasset, call (207) 699-0752. For more information on CA$H Maine, their expert tax preparation services, and to find a tax preparation site near you, visit cashmaine.org.

The volunteer tax preparers at CA$H Maine free tax preparation sites go through extensive training and are certified by the IRS. We make sure our customers get high-quality, professional service by trained volunteers who are equipped to identify tax refund opportunities for customers. Our goal is to help our customers get their maximum refund and claim all the credits that they have earned.
​
Midcoast CA$H is a partnership of community leaders and industry experts working together to help empower individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Members of the Midcoast CA$H Coalition include: Bath Housing Authority, Bath Savings Institution, Bowdoin College, Camden National Bank, CEI, Davenport Trust, First Federal Savings, Goodwill Industries of NNE, Internal Revenue Service, John T. Gorman Foundation, KeyBank, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Mid Coast Charitable Foundation, New Ventures Maine, Norway Savings Bank, The Gathering Place, United Way of Mid Coast Maine.
​
Media Contact:
Maria Hinteregger, United Way of Mid Coast Maine, (207) 443-9752, mariah@uwmcm.org

​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 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.” 

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.