Community... What a Concept

Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Community Concepts' Melissa Robinson and Kayla Gleason join us to share about the upcoming Community Baby Shower being hosted by Community Concepts next week!Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Alyson Holland joins us to share about CCI's Annual Diaper Drive for Oxford County! We're collecting diapers, wipes, and creams during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Monday, September 18th - Friday, September 22nd. Donations can be dropped off at:  Community Concepts, 17 Market Square, South ParisWOXO Country, 243 Main Street, Norway All donations will be distributed to families in Oxford County throughout the year. A special thanks to WOXO Country and Oxford Casino Hotel & Event Center for their continued support of our Annual Diaper Drive!Questions? Please call us at 207-240-2990 or email parentworkshops@community-concepts.org. Thank you!Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Leslie Ogilvie, Chief of Development & Communications at Tri-County Mental Health Services (TCMHS), joins us to share about the agency's wide array of programs and services in Western Maine. TCMHS offers specialized treatment for children, adults, and families. The agency's programs include mental health services, substance misuse services, and veterans services.TCMHS is also preparing for their upcoming Inspired Voices evening of performances on Saturday, September 23rd at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The evening includes a reception and show where TCMHS clients share their talents and tell their stories, with proceeds supporting TCMHS programming. To learn more about all of the above, visit the TCMHS website at www.tcmhs.org.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guests Hilary Harper-Wilcoxen and Chuck Wilcoxen join us to share about Team Long Run, a nonprofit promoting childhood literacy in collaboration with Title 1 Schools and Head Start Centers in Western Maine. Team Long Run's early reading programs include active play activities and are designed to help young children prepare for kindergarten and beyond. Since the organization's start five years ago, Team Long Run has given away over 10,000 curated books to families, schools, and Head Start Centers, along with hundreds of running shoes to kids who need them to participate in the active play programs. To learn more, visit the Team Long Run website at www.teamlongrun.org or contact the Team Long Run team at 618-466-2429 or by email at hilary@teamlongrun.org.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Healthy Androscoggin staff members Hannah, Rachel, and Jason join hosts Ruby and John to share about their team's work promoting healthy living in Androscoggin County. Projects and programs offered by Healthy Androscoggin focus on the main topic areas of supporting physically active communities, promoting healthy eating, preventing substance misuse, supporting tobacco-free lifestyles, and preventing childhood lead poisoning. Healthy Androscoggin is a project of Central Maine Community Health and an affiliate of Central Maine Healthcare. For more information, visit healthyandroscoggin.org.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guest Leanna Bowie with Wheelers Insurance joins us to share about the company's dedication to supporting local nonprofits and causes. Wheelers Insurance is an employee-owned business with offices in South Paris and Bethel. The company gives back to the community in a number of ways, including its Referrals Rewards Program. Through the program, each time Wheelers receives a referral, the company donates $25 to a local nonprofit organization.  Other charitable work by the company is based on what matters most to its employees. Past projects include fundraisers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cents for Kids, and Team Hailey Hugs. To learn more about Wheelers, visit their website.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guest Maureen Bilodeau joins Ruby Bean and John Williams to share about The Progress Center in Oxford, Maine, serving over 400 adults and children with developmental disabilities and/or mental health concerns and their families. Programs and services at the Center include Children and Adult Case Management, Residential Services, Community Supports, Outpatient Therapy, and more. Services are available for Southern and Western Maine residents, and referrals can be made online.  To learn more, visit the Center's website at www.progresscentermaine.org. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guests Ashley Lawrence and Mia Purcell with Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC) join us to share about CCFC's new Digital Navigation Program. Through the program, Oxford County residents can receive free, one-on-one support in getting connected to the internet and using the internet safely and effectively. Working with a Digital Navigator, residents can get help with things like: Signing up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to get a discount on in-home WiFiCreating and navigating online accounts to easily access informationCreating and operating an email accountLearning how to video chat with doctors, friends, and familyFor more information or to sign up, contact Ashley at CCFC today: (Phone) 207-333-6444(Email) ACP@community-concepts.orgSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

It's NeighborWorks Week! Every year at this time, we celebrate CCI's partnership with NeighborWorks America and the impactful work of the NeighborWorks network across the country.  In this episode,  Neighborworks' Susan Jouard joins us to share about the organization and its mission to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. On July 1st, CCI will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary of being part of the NeighborWorks network! Listen to the full episode to hear about all we've accomplished here in Maine with NeighborWorks over the last two decades.  Learn more about NeighborWorks America at neighborworks.org. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Guests Misty Parker and Jacqueline Crucet with the City of Lewiston share details on exciting projects coming to life through the City's Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan. Hear updates on new housing developments, expansions to daycare and early learning opportunities in our community, beautification initiatives, and the approval of the Riverfront Island Master Plan.To learn more about the Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Guest Elizabeth Badger joins us to share about The Catholic Foundation of Maine, a nonprofit organization giving people the opportunity to charitably invest for the long term and in support of causes they care most about.Through the foundation, gifts and endowments may be given, established, or designated for a wide variety of needs, ministries, organizations, or programs. Anyone can create a fund through the Foundation, and the organization works with donors of all levels.To learn more, visit The Catholic Foundation of Maine's website.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Guests Kari Taylor, Tina Jones, and Aaron Ryder with Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI) join us to share an update on their organization and the recent grand opening of The HILLS Recovery Center in Norway.The HILLS Recovery Center,  located at 15 Tannery Street in Norway, provides a safe space for people to come to learn about recovery resources and services in our communities. The Center is open Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm, and no appointment is needed to speak with the Peer Support Specialists on staff. Appointments outside of the Center's general hours are available upon request. Learn more at: WMARI Home - Western Maine Addiction Recovery InitiativeSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guest Lisa Rodrigues joins us to share some exciting updates on The SHAREcenter, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing reusable resources and supporting Maine's environment, education, and economy. Since Lisa last joined us, The SHAREcenter has moved its Lewiston location! The SHAREcenter is now located at 1830 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, which will also be the home of the organization's new retail store, "The Green for ME Emporium." The store will be open to the public and will sell clothes, furniture, household goods, and other items at discounted prices. All proceeds will help cover the costs of the SHAREcenter's operations. Volunteers are needed at the new SHAREcenter location and with the organization's many upcoming plans! For more information, please contact Lisa at lrodrigues@auburnschl.edu or leave a voicemail at 207-333-6671.For more information, be sure to check out The SHAREcenter's new website or visit their facebook page. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Guests Susan Denoncour and Melissa Robinson with CCI's Family Services team join us to share about programs offered by their department, as well as plans and events scheduled in April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. CCI offers parenting workshops, provider workshops, family playgroups, and home visiting services with the Maine Families Program, all working to help strengthen and support families and our communities. Visit our website to learn more or to sign up for a program or workshop today!Child Abuse Prevention Month is celebrated annually in April. CCI's Prevention Councils will be hosting a number of events and activities next month to share how we can all support children and families. All events will be posted on our website and social media accounts. We hope to see you!Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special Guest Mia Purcell, VP of Economic Development at Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC), joins us to share an update on her work surrounding digital equity and expanding access to high-speed, quality internet service in the Oxford Hills region and beyond.Do you want to support expanding broadband in Maine? Join our team! Mia is recruiting a Digital Navigator who will provide assistance and support to individuals who need home internet service, affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills to become effective home internet users. To learn more and apply, click here.Looking for a faster way to get involved? The Maine Connectivity Authority wants to hear from you! Take their survey to provide feedback and help develop a Broadband Action Plan for Maine. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Lisa McGee, Energy Manager at Community Concepts, joins us to share updates on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and to announce the Winter Energy Relief Program, a new initiative providing additional energy assistance to Maine residents. If you live in Androscoggin or Oxford County and are struggling to afford heating your home, please call us! We can determine what assistance you are eligible for. You may qualify for HEAP if you are a: renter, renter with heat included, homeowner, subsidized renter with heat not included, employed or unemployed, or have income earned by wages or other sources.If you qualify for HEAP, you may qualify for many other programs. Our team will help direct you to those programs once your application has been approved. If you are over income for HEAP, you may be eligible for the new Winter Energy Relief Program. This program provides an $800 payment directly to your vendor, funded by the energy relief bill passed by Maine State Legislature and signed by Governor Mills in January. Emergency Fuel Assistance is available for anyone in danger of running out of heating fuel (oil, wood pellets, kerosene, etc.).To apply, please call us:  207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716TTY Relay: Dial 711 to connect to a Maine Relay OperatorSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Marjorie Millett, Homeownership Center Manager with Community Concepts Finance Corporation, joins us to share about the L/A CA$H Coalition's Free Tax Prep Service in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. For tax filers in Androscoggin or Oxford Counties with a total income of $60,000 or less, the Free Tax Prep Program is available by appointment only. To make an appointment:Call 207-739-6530Email laca$h@community-concepts.org Schedule online through the EzNET scheduler hereUpload documents directly online here without the need for an in-person appointment. Your file will then be assigned to a volunteer preparer. This program is funded in part by the Department of Health and Human Services. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Before diving deeper into 2023, the team catches up on all things CCI and reflects on the many impactful organizations we learned about on the podcast throughout 2022. Resource Development Manager Christian Ricci also joins us to share about our Annual Appeal, Town Campaign, and the CCI Impact Circle, and we introduce our agency's new Chief Executive Officer, Jim Martin, who joined the CCI team at the beginning of the year. Don't forget! The podcast now comes out bi-weekly on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Thank you for subscribing! Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Tricia Tomlinson and Sonia Turgeon join us to share about The Center for Wisdom's Women, a nonprofit in Lewiston providing a safe-haven for women while supporting them in building community, finding resources, and building self-esteem and resiliency. The Center is open on a drop-in basis Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am-1pm to provide a stress-free environment where women can come for rest, conversation, find support groups, and take part in activities together. The Center also offers a residential program called Sophia's House, providing 2 years of housing and programming for women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, prison, and addiction. To learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer, visit www.wisdomswomen.org.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Community Concepts Board Member Ashley Medina joins us to share about the Goodwill Take 2 YouthBuild Program, where she works as a Recruitment and Intake Specialist. Take 2 works with participants ages 17-24 in the Lewiston/Auburn area, providing pathways to help them rebuild their lives through education and job training while also giving back to their community.  Take 2 participants spend half of their time in education working in a supportive environment to attain their High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Through the program, they also learn construction and work-readiness skills to help them reach their career and life goals. New this year, students will also be learning how to upcycle furniture that will be then sold in Goodwill stores!To learn more or to schedule an information session, contact Ashley at: Office: 207.795.6820Email: Ashley.Medina@goodwillnne.org Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Special guest Erin Reed, Executive Director of the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, shares about the organization's soup kitchen, pantry, day shelter, resource center, and refugee integration program. Located at 53 Spruce Street in Lewiston, Trinity Jubilee Center has been serving the public since 1991. The Center is currently open 6 days a week and serves more than 1,000 people each week.   For more information on program hours, resources, and how you can get involved, visit the Center's website at: www.trinityjubileecenter.orgSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Host Kelsey Cote and Producer John Williams discuss the many programs and resources available for those in need this winter and giving season. It's also time for CCI's Annual Appeal! If you'd like to donate to support our programs helping individuals and families in Western Maine thrive, visit our Kindful page: Community Concepts Inc | KindfulDonations can also be mailed to our Lewiston office at: 240 Bates StreetAttn: Ruby Bean, Dir. of DevelopmentLewiston, ME 04240Thank you!Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Workforce and Education Committee of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce join us in studio to share about their work in the Oxford Hills community. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Grace Kendall and Elise Johansen with Safe Voices join us to share about their work supporting and empowering those affected by domestic violence and sex trafficking and exploitation. Safe Voices serves Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin Counties, and operates the only shelter and support services in the region for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking and exploitation. The Safe Voices team provides one-on-one safety planning, support groups, information and referral, court advocacy, transportation and accommodation for shelter, community education, and professional trainings.The Safe Voices helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-559-2927. The helpline is free, confidential, and anonymous. Advocates can help callers looking for more information, offer support with a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, simply be there to listen, or provide other assistance.Visit the Safe Voices website to learn more. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Diane Madden and Stephanie LeBlond join us to share about the programs and services offered by the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine.The Cancer Resource Center serves cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone affected by cancer with support, education, and concepts in healthy living. Offerings include assistance with resource navigation, wellness programs and activities, support groups, therapy, comfort items, travel and food assistance, and more, all offered at no cost. The Center also has weekly drop-in hours at their Norway office, located at 59 Winter Street on the Stephens Memorial Hospital campus, from 9am-3pm every Thursday. Appointments are also available to schedule throughout the week. Volunteers are always welcome to join The Cancer Resource Center team and opportunities are always available. Apply today!To learn more about The Cancer Resource Center, visit their website. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Ruth Burke and Claire Alexander with Community Concepts' Maine Families Program join us to share about their work helping families in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Northern Cumberland Counties. Maine Families is offered to all families who are expecting or have a new baby at home. Whether it is a family's first or third baby, Maine Families certified family visitors can provide information, encouragement and support around the topics that matter to parents and caregivers regarding health, nutrition, safety, development, and well-being. Program staff visit families in their home or an agreed upon location at the family's convenience. Utilizing the Parents as Teachers Model and Touchpoints Approach, Family Visitors partner with families to help children have great starts to life. Home visits are designed to meet the needs and desires of families.  Family Visitors provide developmental screenings, as well as information on children's developmental milestones and early learning, connect families to important community resources, and more. Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Dan Cronin, President of CGI Business Solutions, joins us to share how his company supports nonprofit organizations across New England and beyond, including Community Concepts!As an agency, CGI provides businesses with employee benefits solutions and administration, wealth management, payroll services, HR support and more. CGI's commitment to its communities extends into helping nonprofits raising money for their programs and with volunteer opportunities. We want to send a special thanks to CGI for sponsoring CCI's Annual Golf Tournament as our Tournament Sponsor in 2021 and 2022! To learn more, visit cgibusinesssolutions.com.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Meredith Cook with the Pink Feather Foundation joins us to share about the Foundation's work and mission to improve the lives of students by partnering with teachers to provide students with clothing and accessories at no cost.​Through the Foundation's unique design, students in need of clothing are given access to an online store where they can "shop" for items that fit their personal style. All items ordered are delivered to the student's school in a Pink Feather Foundation branded package within 2 business days. Students are given the option to bring the package home themselves or have a parent or guardian pick it up. Pink Feather Foundation currently serves students and teachers in MSAD 17 and RSU 16.Volunteer opportunities are available to help sort and organize donations, as well as fulfill orders. To learn more, visit the Pink Feather Foundation's website or Facebook page.Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Karen Henderson joins us to share about the services available for both job seekers and employers through CCI's Workforce Development Program. In partnership with Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC), CCI's Workforce Specialists are dedicated to helping Maine residents find meaningful employment. CCI's team can help you further your education, change career paths, connect with on-the-job training opportunities, receive funding for books, materials, uniforms, and so much more. Services are available at no cost to you. Start the conversation to help grow your career! Contact us today: (Phone) 207-491-1859(Email) workforce@community-concepts.orgSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Guests from The Table, a nonprofit based in Norway, join us to share about the many ways they serve our community, including weekly clothes giveaways, community breakfasts, group outdoor activity opportunities, and more!   

Our Annual Diaper Drive for Oxford County runs from Monday, September 26th - Friday, September 30th! We will be collecting diapers, wipes, and diaper related items all week long to distribute to Oxford County families throughout the year. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:Community Concepts17 Market Square, South ParisWOXO Country243 Main Street, NorwayCan't shop for items but want to participate? We will also be collecting monetary donations that will go directly towards purchasing diapers and diaper related items for families in needed. Thank you for your support!

 Join John, Kelsey and special guests Dianne Nelder and Kim Bessette with Community Concepts Head Start. 

Emma DayBranch, Lisbeth Wierda, and Brendan Schauffler join us to share about Resilience Matters to ME, a community project focused on helping build resilience and a healthy community in the Oxford Hills area. Comprised of a group of community members from many different walks of life, Resilience Matters to ME is spreading messages about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and resilience across the community. The project is based on decades of research about ACES, showing that the more challenges we face when younger, the greater our risks for poor health and quality of life, unless we build resilience or the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward. Why is this important? Childhood adversity is very common, not only in our community, but around the country. In Oxford County, 25% of high school students report having 4 or more ACES. Resilience Matters to ME is working to ensure all community members, no matter what age, know about the effects of ACES and the many resources available to help everyone build their resilience and a healthier community. To learn more about Resilience Matters to ME messages and for resources and support opportunities, visit ResilienceMatterstoME.org. Be sure to also be on the lookout for the messaging and how you can get involved throughout the Oxford Hills region!

Special guests Shirley Boyce and Pat Ingersol with Responsible Pet Care join us to share abut the important work their shelter is doing for the homeless dogs, cats, and pocket pets in our community. Responsible Pet Care is a no kill, non-profit shelter and adoption center located at 9 Swallow Road in South Paris. The shelter accepts stray animals from local towns and other agencies when space allows, as well as animals surrendered by their owners. All animals are provided time to decompress as they adjust to staying at the shelter and are cared for by the agency's staff and volunteers. Interested in adopting a pet from the shelter? Please visit their website to see all available cats, dogs, and small animals and to fill out an adoption application. All applications are reviewed by shelter staff. Looking for another way to help? Monetary donations are always welcome, and items can be purchased for their evergreen wish list or on the agency's Amazon Wishlist or Chewy Wishlist. Donation checks can be mailed to: Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, P. O. Box 82, Norway, ME 04268. The shelter is also looking for volunteers and fosters to join their team. Click here to complete a volunteer application online.  Responsible Pet Care also manages a local thrift store, Pawsibilities and Fabulous Finds, located at 124 Waterford Road in Norway. All proceeds from the store support the homeless pets at the Responsible Pet Care shelter. The shop also accepts donations, and a list of acceptable items to donate can be found here. Want to learn more? Be sure to visit the Responsible Pet Care website or call the shelter at 207-743-8679. The shelter's hours are Monday-Thursday by appointment only, and Friday-Sunday 12-4pm.

Special guest Patty Rice of The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills joins us to share about the many ways the Club serves our community and more. As stated in the Club's mission statement, The Rotary Club of Oxford Hills is a diverse group of service-oriented men and women providing hands-on and financial support within Oxford Hills and beyond.  The group exemplifies "Service Above Self" while encouraging high ethical standards, enjoying fellowship and promoting world understanding, peace and goodwill.A few projects sponsored each year by the Rotary include The Mary Lou Burns Dictionary Project, providing all third grade students in SAD 17 with dictionaries, May Day Play Day, a day of fun and free activities for kids and families hosted at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS), and Lobsters for Scholars, seafood meals sold to support the scholarship fund for OHCHS students. The Rotary is always looking for new members and is excited to support new endeavors to help the community in any way a member feels passionately about. The Club meets every Wednesday at the 1st Congregational Church in South Paris (17 East Main Street) at 7:30am. Members are not required to attend every meeting. For questions, to sign up to join, and to learn more, please contact Club President George Rice here.

Kari Taylor, Director of the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI), joins us to share about the organization's work supporting addiction recovery in our state. WMARI's mission is to build a collaborative, non-judgmental environment to support addiction recovery through education, advocacy, and compassionate community action. Supportive meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month starting at 6pm for anyone who would like to join, and are currently held on Zoom due to pandemic precautions. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please email info@wmari.org. WMARI also supports education in the community, and helps those struggling with addiction through Project SaveME. Through the program, anyone who walks into a police department or emergency room in Oxford County asking for help with addiction is paired with a trained Recovery Coach. Those asking for help are also allowed to turn over drugs and drug paraphernalia without fear of arrest or charges. Recovery Coaches will help the individual connect with available treatment options and support them through their treatment and recovery. To learn more about WMARI and how you could get involved, including opportunities to become a Recovery Coach, visit their website. 

Avesta Housing's Catherine Elliott joins us to share about the opening of Gauvreau Place, a multi-story apartment building in Lewiston owned by CCI that is providing 35 new homes for individuals and families in our neighborhood. CCI and Avesta, who partnered as a developer on the project, celebrated the building's opening on July 12th with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Governor Janet Mills, MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan, Avesta President and CEO Dana Totman, CCI's Shawn Yardley, and Johanna Gauvreau spoke at the event honoring the opening of the building  as well as Paul Gauvreau, whom the building is named after. Paul Gauvreau was a well-known Lewiston attorney and state legislator who served for more than 20 years in the Office of Maine's Attorney General. Gauvreau also served as a CCI board member and supported many local organizations including Tri-County Mental Health Services, The Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis, and Legal Services for the Elderly. He passed away unexpectedly in April of 2020. Located at the corner of Blake and Pine Streets in Lewiston's Tree Streets Neighborhood, Gauvreau Place will bring much needed safe and affordable housing to the city. Learn more about the building and ribbon cutting ceremony here. To donate to the Paul Gauvreau Legacy Fund, established in honor of Paul to provide CCI flexibility to quickly respond to the changing needs of the community, please visit our website.

Special guest Peter Morton with Norway Paris Community Television (NPC-TV) joins us to share about the community access station for the Greater Oxford Hills region. NPC-TV is an independent, 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation with a mission to strengthen the fabric of community life by providing communication tools, training and opportunities for individuals, nonprofit groups, governments and educational institutions.NPC-TV programming can be found on cable channels 11 and 1302 in the Greater Oxford Hills area. You can also find video on demand on the station's website as well as their Vimeo account.If you have an idea for a community-based television program, NPC-TV would love to hear from you! Call the NPC-TV office at (207)-743-7859 or visit their website to send a message. 

June is National Homeownership Month, and Kevin Smart of Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC) joins us for this week's episode to share about CCFC's  mortgage and home improvement lending options. CCFC offers loans for Maine residents who may not qualify for traditional lending. Kevin, a Business Advisor, Systems Administrator & Residential Loan Officer at CCFC, explains what options are available and how CCFC not only approves or denies loans, but also works with residents to help them increase their financial stability. Resources include an 8 hour Homebuyer's Education Course, Money Management classes, foreclosure prevention counseling, and more. To learn more about CCFC's Homebuyer Resources, visit their website at: Homebuyer Resources | Community Concepts Finance Corporation (ccfcmaine.org)Questions? Contact CCFC today: (207)-333-6419

Special guests Hollie Legee-Cressman and Stephanie Masland of Healthy Oxford Hills (HOH) join us to share about their work in the Oxford Hills region. HOH promotes health and wellness among Maine's people with programs supporting active living, healthy eating, substance and tobacco use prevention, Covid-19 prevention, and more. Have Questions about any of HOH programs and services? Looking to host a COVID-19 community clinic in your town? HOH would love to help!Email: healthyoxfordhills@mainehealth.orgWebsite: Home - Healthy Oxford HillsFor Covid-19 prevention resources, free rides to vaccine appointments, free tests kits, information on what to do if you test positive, and more, visit the HOH Covid-19 resources webpage or sign up for the Western Maine Covid-19 Newsletter. Looking for information on the newly released pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for 6mths - under 5yrs?: Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination | MaineHealthWhere to order free test kits online: www.covid.gov/tests or call 1-800-232-0233 accesscovidtests.org Free rides to vaccine appointments with Western Maine Transportation  Call 1.800.393.9335 to book

Special guest Fatuma Hussein joins us to share about the programs and services offered by the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine (IRCM) and details on the upcoming World Refugee Day celebrations in Lewiston. World Refugee Day is back in person this year! Celebrations will be held on Monday, June 20th from 4:30-7:30pm in Lewiston's Simard-Payne Memorial Park. Join the IRCM and many other community partners, including Community Concepts, for an evening of international food, music, activities, and dialogues. Maine's CDC Director Nirav Shah will be the night's keynote speaker. The IRCM's mission is to embody and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the organization's work and it continues to create a more equitable and inclusive Maine for all communities. Programs include housing services, community development, gender-based violence services,  Covid-19 and social services supports, and more. For more information, including ways to get involved, visit the IRCM website at: www.ircofmaine.org

Special Guest Kristen Short, Founder and Executive Director of the Short Folks for Hope Foundation, joins us to share about her organization's work empowering, encouraging and celebrating cancer warriors. Kristen, a breast cancer survivor, founded the Foundation in 2012 to help others impacted by cancer and to inspire youth to be involved in charitable efforts. The Foundation meets its mission with a number of different projects:The Vivian St. Onge Memorial Rickshaw Team (enabling cancer warriors to experience the joy and exhilaration of charity cycling events with team pedicab drivers; inspired by SFFHF Board Member Vivian St. Onge)The Hope Bear Project  (providing Hope Bears and Encouragement Packs to cancer patients to bring comfort and foster hope)Wishes for Hope (creatively fulfilling little wishes for cancer patients)Furry Ambassadors For Hope (bringing smiles with visits to kids with life-threatening illnesses, respite camps, hospitals, charity and community events)Supers For Hope and Princesses For Hope (encouraging kids to "Stay Strong!", be kind, and never give up hope)Musicians For Hope (with Singer/Songwriter Kristen Short brings music, prayer and comfort to those in cancer care and hospice)Youth Ambassadors For Hope (motivating, guiding and providing opportunities for youth to be compassionate, creative, hope-fostering members of our communities, and recognizing outstanding charitable efforts by youth)Team Short Folks For Hope and The Short Family's Cool Treats for Charity (nonprofit frozen treat pushcart business raising funds and awareness for other hope-fostering organizations)The Foundation supports cancer patients of all ages and works with patients in Maine and beyond.To learn more about the Short Folks for Hope Foundation and how you can get involved, visit their website or Facebook page. 

Stephanie LeBlanc, Executive Director of Oxford County Mental Health Services (OCMHS) joins us with Ashlee Brooks, Clinical Program Manager, to share about OCMHS programs and services. OCMHS offers crisis response, outpatient therapy for adults and children, residential care, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral health home services for adults and children, a community integration program, addiction services, and a consumer-operated service program called the Beacon House Peer Recovery Center. Find details on all of these programs on the OCMHS website.If you are in need of immediate assistance, the Maine Crisis Line is available 24/7 at:1-888-568-1112 If you are in need of any mental health services, contact OCMHS at 207-364-3030. Staff will be happy to talk with you about all of the programs available and what might be the best fit for you or your loved one. The OCMHS main office can also be reached at 207-364-3549. Looking to get involved? Visit ocmhs.org to learn about volunteer, internship and advocacy opportunities. 

Oxford County Touch-a-Truck 2022 is just a few days away, and we're back in person this year! CCI's Alyson Holland, Community Educator, joins us to share all about the FREE event with fun for the whole family. Explore fire engines, police vehicles, ambulances, big rigs, and more at Oxford Hills High School from 11am-2pm on Saturday, May 21st.Quiet hour will be held from 11am-12pm with no sirens or horns.Food for purchase will be provided by Mainly Melts Food Truck, Shut Up N' Eat It!, Cool Treats for Charity, and Chenery's Cotton Candy.Join us for a day of family fun with music, fire department displays & demonstrations, yard games, and more!Special thanks to our event sponsors Ripley and Fletcher Ford, Oxford Federal Credit Union, Paris Farmers Union, and Wheeler's Insurance for making Oxford Touch-a-Truck 2022 possible! 

Amanda and  Aaron Ouellette, owners of Daddy O's Diner in Oxford, join us in studio to share about the restaurant's "Acts of Kindness Foundation," self-serve food pantry, community meals, and much more.Daddy O's free food pantry is located in the restaurant's foyer at 1570 Main Street in Oxford. Anyone in need can pick up items at no cost during business hours. Collection bins are also located in the foyer for anyone wishing to make a donation of nonperishable food. Community meals are held regularly at the diner, offering meals free-of-charge or by donation only. Donations collected during each community meal go directly to the Acts of Kindness Foundation or other local non-profits and programs serving Oxford Hills residents. Since 2015, Daddy O's has raised more than $100,000 to give back to the Oxford Hills community. In 2021, through their “12 Days of Christmas” program,  Daddy O's gave out $16,500 to area food pantries and non-profits. This is made possible by generous donations from community members to the Daddy O's Acts of Kindness Foundation throughout the year. Interested in getting involved? Join Daddy O's at their upcoming events:  CRUISE NIGHTS! Cruise Nights take place every Monday night through the summer, beginning May 23, 2022. Admission is free. Proceeds from the Cruise Night food sales on the first Monday of every month go directly to the Daddy O's Acts of Kindness Foundation.ANNUAL CAR SHOW! Mark your calendars! Daddy O's Annual Car Show will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Learn more about Daddy O's on their website, Facebook page, and the Daddy O's Acts of Kindness Facebook page.

Special guest Steve Wallace, CEO of the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston, joins us to share about the organization's mission, history, and commitment to our communities. The Y offers a diverse range of healthy, fun and educational programs at three different locations in Auburn for kids, teens, and adults of all ages.The Y has been part of the greater Auburn-Lewiston community for more than 100 years. The organization will soon be looking for a new home base and is always accepting donations! You can partner with the Y in a number of different ways, including volunteering, writing a check to support your favorite Y cause, and making an online donation.  Interested in becoming a member? Visit the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston's website today!

Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice joins us in studio to share about their health services and commitment to our communities. Androscoggin is the largest non-profit healthcare provider in Maine, offering home health care, hospice, telehealth, bereavement support, palliative care, and other services across the state. With the agency's recent acquisition of Care and Comfort, Androscoggin is reaching more Maine communities than ever before. We are excited to share that Androscoggin is supporting Community Concepts in 2022 through their  AndroGIVES Program! Staff are participating in fundraisers and drives throughout the year to support CCI and will also participate in volunteer opportunities. There are many ways to get involved with Androscoggin, including their Hike for Hospice fundraising event on May 14th. Registration is open now! All proceeds support Androscoggin's hospice program to ensure all Mainers have access to high-quality hospice care, regardless of their ability to pay.Contact Androscoggin today for more information or to connect with any of their services:Website: www.androscoggin.orgPhone: 207-777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412Social Media: Visit Androscoggin on Facebook

Special guest Sandy Albert, CCI's Director of Housing and Energy Services, joins us to share about her department's programs and services. We learn about LIHEAP, Self-Help Housing, Built By Me, weatherization and renovation services, and more!

Alyson Holland and Cassandra Wallace from Community Concepts' Family Services Department join us to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, starting April 1, 2022. Listen to the full episode to hear about CCI's plans for the month of April, and learn about the work needed in all communities to ensure a better, safer future for all children. Our Family Services Department offers Parenting Workshops and Provider Workshops each month to support parents and those working with children in our communities. Find the full list of workshops on our website. To sign up for a workshop or if you have questions, please contact us at: (Phone) 207-402-1621(Email) parentworkshops@community-concepts.org