Over 1,200 Local Students Attend Summer Camp:

Thanks to the TOPS Program, 1,230 local students attended 55 area summer camps this year – a 25 percent increase from the previous year! The program, an initiative of the Libra Foundation and the Legacy of Maine Philanthropist Elizabeth Noyce, gives eligible public school students in Lewiston a scholarship (up to $1,000) to attend summer camp. In its seventh successful year being administered through the United Way of Androscoggin County, TOPS has introduced over 5,000 children to summer camp.

2-1-1 Goes Live in Maine:

As many of you know, Governor John Baldacci helped launch the state’s 2-1-1 call service on July 6. Joining the Governor at the launch were representatives from the 10 United Waysof Maine, including our own 2-1-1 Resource Coordinator Angela Coombs and Director of Community Impact Larry Marcoux.

Dialing 2-1-1 is an easy, confidential and free way for people in each of Maine’s 16 counties (on a cell phone or land line) to obtain information on any health or human service issue.
The 2-1-1 call centers are staffed by trained specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The United Way of Androscoggin County has partnered with the other United Way agencies, Ingraham and the State of Maine to bring this vital new service to our area. Information is also accessible at www.211maine.org

September 2006 News

Hello from United Way...

With the 2006 United Way Campaign now officially underway, our office is brimming with activity and excitement. During this particularly eventful time, I wanted to take a minute and let you know about a few important developments – the statewide launch of 2-1-1, our local roll-out of Community Impact, the conclusion of another successful summer for the TOPS program and the campaign goal for 2006.  

Community Survey Identifies Five Impact Areas:
Based on the recent needs assessment, which involved a survey of over 200 Androscoggin County residents from age 15 to 65, our local United Way is working to improve lives and creating lasting change in the following Five Community Impact Areas:    

1. Thriving Families and Successful Children–Success By 6: Supporting families and ensuring that children are ready to succeed when they enter school, as well as beyond.
2. A Dynamic Community: Promoting, supporting and enhancing independence and self-sufficiency.
3. Healthcare and Other Essential Needs: Ensuring that individuals and families have food, shelter, clothing and access to services promoting physical and mental well-being.
4. Life-Long Learning: Promoting opportunities for job training, education, collaboration and volunteerism.
5. Personal and Community Safety: Advocating that individuals and families are safe and protected.

The five Impact Councils, which will allocate United Way funds, have already started their meetings to identify the more specific goals for each impact area and determine measurable outcomes. 

United Way of Androscoggin County Announces Campaign Goal
During the 2006 Campaign Kickoff, Chairperson Jeff Gosselinannounced this year’s goal of $1,800,000.This is an increase over last year’s goal. In an effort to attain this goal, the United Way of Androscoggin County is asking each donor to consider increasing their weekly donation by one dollar per week. Partnering with the United Way of Androscoggin County and making this weekly increasewill help create a healthier and stronger Androscoggin County for all of us to enjoy. You can hold the date of November 16 for the Campaign Celebration – more details will soon follow. 

Thank you for your commitment to our community through your gift to United Way. 


Sincerely,
Joleen Bedard