Community members and partners joined United Way of Mid Coast Maine to celebrate their collective efforts throughout the Midcoast this year at its annual meeting and campaign celebration. The event highlighted the incredible work made possible by community partners, volunteers, and donors to help achieve United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s community goals to give kids the best start, help build financial stability, and ensure everyone can live healthy and connected lives. The event theme “Navigating Together” represented the collective work necessary to achieve the goals, and a community-wide call-to-action to join partners in their efforts.

The event celebrated efforts this year to launch the Community Response Initiative, which helps to support community partners working together to respond to emerging and unmet community needs. The organization is now helping to lead the Brunswick New Mainers Initiative, Sagadahoc County Working Communities Challenge Initiative, and Midcoast Hub of the Maine Homeless Response Initiative. United Way continued to fund 50 local programs and initiatives, including Midcoast CA$H and Diaper Project, lead the local boards of the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and join United Way partners throughout Maine to support statewide initiatives 211 Maine, KeepME Warm, and “ALICE in Maine: A Study of Financial Hardship”, which shines a light on the financial hardships faced by individuals and families across the state. To learn more about United Way’s work, please visit www.uwmcm.org.

Event keynote speaker and Brunswick resident, Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative, was featured for his leadership in using public-private partnerships in the development of statewide transitional and affordable housing projects that address complex, systemic challenges.

Two awards were given to represent and celebrate those who are helping United Way of Mid Coast Maine achieve its mission.

The Community Builder Award was given to Nancy Jennings and Gene Wiemers for going above and beyond in working to build an even stronger, more compassionate Midcoast community. The couple have been volunteering for United Way in various capacities for years, leaving a legacy of incredible community impact. Currently, Nancy and Gene volunteer for United Way’s Midcoast CA$H, Diaper Project, and Community Response initiatives.

The Campaign Excellence Award was given to Five County Credit Union for their long-standing partnership and efforts to lead and come together to help United Way achieve its campaign goal. Previous award recipient, Hannaford, handed off the award, a half hull model of America's Cup winner, the "Ranger", to Five County Credit Union. The award has traveled to leading organizations each year since 1992.

The event was made possible through the support of attendee ticket sales, and event sponsors Bowdoin College, Wild Oats, and Fogg & Dalton Art Restoration. These partnerships ensure United Way donations remain designated for community impact investments.

United Way can invest in the community thanks to the collective support of individuals and workplaces through its community campaign, which raised $1.58 million last year. This support will help United Way of Mid Coast Maine and its community partners achieve its community goals, and work toward the vision of “a connected community where everyone belongs, has the resources they need, and can fulfill their potential.” Thanks to these critical donations, United Way and its funded partners were able to help 27,439 individuals and their families throughout the Midcoast last year, and continue to bring people together to solve community challenges that not one organization can do on their own. In the coming months, the organization hopes to raise an additional $70,000 to support its work, and recruit additional volunteers to serve on committees.

To begin to accomplish this goal, members voted four new volunteers onto the board of directors, along with the 2024-2025 slate of officers. Exiting board members Sarah Foulger, Constance Jones-Morris, Joel Merry, and Scott Zamer were also recognized for their service, advocacy, and partnership.

New board members include April Caron, financial advisor at Edward Jones, Brunswick; Anni Pat McKenney, director of the Coulombe Center for Health Improvement at Lincoln Health; Ryan Morin, assistant store manager of the Boothbay Harbor Hannaford; and Ray Steen, vice president of human resources at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

The 2024-2025 slate of officers include board chair Coleen Farrell, retired human resources professional; first vice chair Sean Martin, vice president and senior investment officer at Bath Savings Trust Company; second vice chair Catherine Showalter, manager of manufacturing planning, scheduling & procurement at L.L.Bean; and treasurer Bob McCue, retired finance professional.

The 2024-2025 United Way of Mid Coast Maine board of directors include: Christopher Bowe, Mid Coast-Parkview Health; April Caron, Edward Jones, Brunswick; Kelly Creamer, LincolnHealth; Carol Dexter, retired; Louisa Edgerton, community volunteer; Coleen Farrell, retired; Sean Martin, Bath Savings Trust Company; Anni Pat McKenney, Coulombe Center for Health Improvement at Lincoln Health; Bob McCue, retired; Ryan Morin, Hannaford Supermarkets; Anne Morong, L.L.Bean; Graciela Ramos, SaviLinx; Barbara Rapoza, SERVPRO of Bath/Brunswick - Belfast/Camden/Rockland; Hannah Reese, Bowdoin College; Sarah Seames, Bowdoin College; Catherine Showalter, L.L.Bean; Ray Steen, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works; Leslie Trundy, RSU 1, Morse High School; Cindy Wade, LincolnHealth; and Nate Wildes, Flight Deck Brewing.

About United Way of Mid Coast Maine

United Way of Mid Coast Maine opened its doors to the community in 1956. As a locally governed and independently run non-profit organization, United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In partnership with community partners, donors, and volunteers, United Way works to give kids the best start, build financial stability, and help everyone live healthy and connected lives. Investing in United Way supports 50 local community programs and initiatives every year—the best way to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the Mid Coast. Join United Way by visiting www.uwmcm.org, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, respond to community need surveys, and follow United Way of Mid Coast Maine on your favorite social media channels.