Community Connections in Maine

Our guest is Patrisha McLean, founder of Midcoast-Maine based Finding Our Voices. We discuss Finding our Voices' work in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and providing prevention education and resources. Finding Our Voices once again is working with scores of Midcoast and Downeast eateries in July with "Into the Light," where the sale of highlighted menu items benefits the work of the organ...

We explore the programs of SailMaine with the organization's executive director Michael McAllister. Portland-based SailMaine teaches kids and adults the ins and outs of sailing, and offers scholarship programs as well as adaptive programs to improve the accessibility of sailing.

Emily Southard joins us from the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. The Trust holds over 3000 acres of land in Cumberland County. Many of these parcels are open to various forms of public recreation. We learn why preserving this land is so important, and how the Trust acquires and stewards these properties.

With the onset of the busy summer season, the American Red Cross says the need for blood donations is great. Dan Dowling of the American Red Cross also shares the importance of platelet donations, due to its short shelf life and its usefulness for cancer patients. We also discuss some incentives the Red Cross are offering in the month of June to encourage donations.

We sit down with Emily Gormley, Development and Community Engagement Director of Caring Unlimited. This organization provides crucial and confidential resources for York County residents experiencing domestic abuse. We explore how we define domestic abuse, the resources available, and the impact on children. We also discuss upcoming community fundraising events that supporters can take part in.

We sit down with Angela Stone, founder and Executive Director of Maine Needs. Maine Needs is a grass-roots organization founded in 2019 that collects donations of essential goods for Maine residents in need. Items collected range from clothing to household items to cleaning supplies. We also discuss the upcoming Maine Needs Walk and 5K in Portland on Saturday, May 23rd.

Justin Chenette of Sweetser discusses the overall mission of Sweetser and their work in improving the mental health of Mainers. Of note is Sweetser's free training program, to better equip invidivuduals, organizations and employers on how to be helpful to those dealing with mental health issues.

We sit down with Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. We discuss their work and advocacy to make roadways safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. We also learn about educational offerings for all ages when it comes to bicycling how-to and safety.

We speak with Todd Goodwin of Auburn-based John F. Murphy Homes. We discuss the numerous educational and residential programs to help Mainers with differing abilities thrive. 

January traditionally means a shortage in the blood supply, thanks to holidays and winter weather disrupting blood donation events and routine donations. Communications Director Dan Dowling discusses the importance of winter blood donations, as well as the Red Cross's work responding to local fires and national natural disasters.

We are joined by Greg Sirpis, Chairman of Operation Game Thief. This organization offers rewards to those who successfully report poaching cases in Maine. Maine OGT also aims to educate on hunting ethics and responsibility, especially with our younger generation of hunters. 

Dan Brennan, Director of Maine Housing discusses heating aid options available to Mainers via the federally-funded LiHEAP program. We also discuss how the ongoing federal government shutdown could impact beneficiaries. We also explore financing options for first-time home buyers, and ways in which Maine Housing is working to increase affordable housing supply in Maine.

Justin Chenette, Communications Officer of Sweetser joins us. We discuss the mental health services provided statewide by Sweetser, and the upcoming "Smiles for Sweetser" comedy benefit show to help raise funds for the organization's work.

Pam Grant, Program Director of Trauma Intervention Program of Greater Portland discusses the mission of the organization, which sends responders to aid victims and loved ones following traumatic events. The organization works with nine communities in Greater Portland as well as Maine Medical Center. We discuss what is needed in a volunteer, and the organizations hopes to expand their efforts deepe...

We're joined by Ruth Libby, founder of Ruth's Reusable Resources, along with Lisa Thomas-Willey, Operations Manager. This organization began in Ruth's Portland-area basement and has since grown to a vast warehouse. Ruth's collects gently used and surplus supples for use in schools and classrooms across Maine through their membership-based teacher store.

Whitney Wildes and Alex Woodhouse join us to talk about the services of South Portland based PSL/Strive, an organization that provides support and life skills programs for intellectually disabled citzens of Southern Maine. We discuss the ongoing "Kevin on the Roof" fundraiser, one of the organization's most significant fundrasing events.

We chat with Steve Thomas of the American Red Cross who explains why summer blood donations are so crucial, and the benefits of using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. We also speak with Ryan Walter, organizer of the Cpl. Hutchins Memorial Ride benefitting the Travis Mills Foundation, kicking off August 2nd in Monmouth.

Conversation with the CEO and Founder of "Finding Our Voices" providing direct support to Maine Women and Children who are survivors of domestic abuse, and their July "Into the Light" program.

Chris Schnieder, Director of Media Relations joins us this week to talk about the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia, and to detail an upcoming free conference at the Portland Regency Hotel on June 11th. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America works to educate and provide support for Alzheimer's patients and caregivers.

We meet Tim Nickles (and Halligan), and learn about his therapy dog organization. Tim discusses his inspiration for starting Embers Paws of Hope, the unique challenges those in the military and first responder community face, and a number of education events where people can meet therapy dog Halligan and learn more about therapy dogs.

We visit with Jesse Fowler, founder of Scarborough Buy Local. We discuss the organization's history, role in supporting local business, and the various neighborhoods that make Scarborough unique.

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,...

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.

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".  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...

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 cred...