In just 10 days, 88,000 people cast more than 2 million votes in support of their favorite causes. As a result, 100 communities, in 34 states, including New Hope Midcoast (NHM), is getting an assist from State Farm®. The 100 winners are each receiving $25,000 grants to support local community causes.

Based in Rockland since 1981, New Hope Midcoast provides comprehensive support services for residents of four Midcoast Maine counties who are affected by domestic abuse.  The organization offers a 24/7 helpline, legal advocacy, support groups, hospital accompaniment, emergency sheltering, transitional housing and training. 

“New Hope Midcoast gained enough votes from the community to finish as one of 100 grant winners from across the country and was the only grant winner in Maine,” says State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst Jennifer Young.  “Clearly, Midcoast residents are committed to supporting their neighbors in need and realize the importance of domestic abuse prevention.”

This past February, State Farm accepted 4,000 applications for worthy causes, from throughout the country, that focus on supporting communities in need.  The 4,000 applications were reviewed and narrowed down to the top 200.  The top 200 finalists were then posted online for the public to vote on throughout 10 days.  Eighty-eight thousand people cast more than 2.1 million votes for their favorites causes.  In the eleven years of the grant program, nearly 500 causes have received a total of $12.5 million to enact change in their communities.

Domestic abuse is a leading cause of homelessness and the State Farm grant will be used to support the full range of options New Hope provides, from prevention to emergency and long-term sheltering.

“New Hope Midcoast believes that a coordinated community response is the most effective way to address domestic abuse, and sincerely appreciate that local community members rallied in support of our services by voting for us,” says NHM Development Director Joan LeMole.  “Thanks to the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant, we can now reach more individuals and provide a full spectrum of free services for those in need.”

The check was presented to NHM, at their Rockland office, by local State Farm agents January Peavey, Amanda LeClair and Sales Leader Delia Bouchard. 

For a complete list of this year’s 100 winners, please visit: www.neighborhoodassist.com.