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Community Connections lifts up the people, organizations, and issues that make Maine a better place to live, work, and play.

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24 MAR 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Dan Coyne, Chief Impact and Governance Officer for United Way of Southern Maine. Dan shares the many ways that the United Way of Southern Maine has a positive impact on the communities in Cumberland and York counties.
The United Way has a program where they have volunteers do income taxes for people making less than $67,000 annually.
Dan also explains ALICE: Every day, 38% of households in Southern Maine make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care and paying the rent. This includes the 8% of households living below the federal poverty level and another 30% known as ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.Â
To learn more about the good things that the United Way of Southern Maine is doing and to make a donation, please visit uwsme.org.
Transcribed
17 MAR 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Jean Saunders, Executive Director of Age Friendly Saco, a nonprofit with a mission to help those 55+. Jean discusses programs and offerings including rides to medical appointments and much more. Learn more, volunteer, or donate at AgeFriendlySaco.org.
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10 MAR 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Becca Gildred, Executive Director of United Midcoast Charities. Becca shares how the organization works with other non-profits "to raise all the boats in the harbor".Â
Becca talks about the many programs and offerings that United Midcoast Charities delivers and shares exciting news about a volunteer fair at the Flanagan Center in Rockland on Tuesday, March 11th, from 4-7 PM.
To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit UnitedMidcoastCharities.org.
Transcribed
3 MAR 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Rick Wilson, an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) specialist for the Maine Department of Education. Rick is also the ELO Coordinator for Brunswick Schools.
Rick shares the different types of experiential learning opportunities that exist today for youth outside of the classroom. He discusses many partnerships and shares that these opportunities are avialable for credit and in some cases, are even paid jobs.
Transcribed
24 FEB 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Sophie Piconi, Executive Director of American Red Cross Central and Midcoast Maine. Sophie talks about the critical need for blood donations following winter storms.Â
Additionally, Sophie discusses Red Cross Disaster Services and services that the Red Cross offers to veterans and personnel serving in the armed forces.
Learn more about the Red Cross programs and how to volunteer by visiting RedCross.org.
Transcribed
17 FEB 2025 · Heads Up: This show contains mature content.
Host Stella Mars speaks with Grace Kendall, Director of Development and Engagement at Safe Voices. Safe Voices is a resource center for survivors of sexual exploitation, sexual trafficking, and domestic violence. Their free, confidential, anonymous 24/7 helpline is 1-800-559-2927.
From SafeVoices.org:Â
Safe Voices currently operates the only shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking and exploitation in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. Our offices provide one-on-one safety planning, support groups, information and referral, court advocacy,transportation and accommodation for shelter, community education, and professional trainings.
Learn more about Safe Voices at SafeVoices.org.
Transcribed
10 FEB 2025 · Host Stella Mars speaks with Julie Pezzino, Executive Director of the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Julie shares information about their programs and offerings at the facility at Thompson's Point. She discusses membership, theatrical productions, exhibits, and more! Learn more at kitetails.org.
Transcribed
13 JAN 2025 · Emily Elliot, Community Relations Manager with Living Innovations joins us. Living Innovations, based in Saco and with a presence in all regions of Maine, provides programs and assistance to better the lives of Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of their flagship programs is the Shared Living program, which allows residents to live at home with qualified family members or caretakers. Living Innovations also has programs to benefit children, and job training as well. Find out more at https://www.livinginnovations.com
Transcribed
13 JAN 2025 · We sit down with Caitlin Marshall, Communications Director, and Emily Baisden, Seed Center Director at Wild Seed Project. This organization promotes the restoration of native plant life in Maine. The Project offers in-person and virtual workshops, a number of helpful online resources for gardeners, educational resources for schools, and maintains an ethically sourced online seed store. Learn more at https://www.wildseedproject.net
Transcribed
13 JAN 2025 · We chat with Amy Whitmore, Director of Development and Communications of The Iris Network, and Lisa Rouelle, Director of the Iris Park Apartments. The Portland-based Iris Network is a statewide organization that provides programs, assistance and hardware for citizens with serious visual impairments and blindness. Part of The Iris Network’s mission is operating the Iris Park Apartments in Portland, which caters to and has programs benefitting Mainers with low vision and blindness. Find out more at https://www.theiris.org
Community Connections lifts up the people, organizations, and issues that make Maine a better place to live, work, and play.
Information
Author | Binnie Media |
Organization | Michael Czarnecki |
Categories | Non-Profit |
Website | - |
smars@binniemedia.com |
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