Community... What a Concept

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. The Committee focuses on bringing together resources in the region for education, funding, training and other services for local businesses and community members to better their employment and their job opportunities.  Listen to the full episode to meet all of the committee members and learn about the education and workforce services available now. 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!FREE clothing giveaways take place every Tuesday & Wednesday from 1-5pm at The Table, 160 Main St., Norway.  FREE community breakfasts take place every Saturday at 8:30am at the Norway Grange at 15 Whitman Street in Norway. Everyone is welcome.The Table's Healthy Outdoor Group (also known as the HOGs) also hosts free outdoor group activities throughout the year, including hikes and kayaking adventures. The group meets at different locations throughout the Oxford Hills area, and their meetup schedule is posted on the Table's Facebook page.To learn more about The Table's programs, services, and to apply to become a volunteer, contact The Table at:Facebook(Phone) 207-744-2557(Email) thetable160@gmail.comSpecial thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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!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.

CCI's Director of Children's Services Dianne Nelder and Associate Director of Children's Services Kimberly Bessette join us to share about Community Concepts' Head Start Programs available for children in Oxford and Franklin Counties. All programs are enrolling now! Head Start services offered by CCI include childcare, home visiting, Early Head Start, and Head Start Preschool/Pre-K. All programs focus on the developmental, educational, social, health, and nutritional needs of children and their families. The programs are hosted at 16 sites in Oxford and Franklin Counties, serving hundreds of families each year. CCI's Rumford and Fryeburg Early Learning Centers have the most openings available at this time, but if you are looking for these services through our other locations, please don't hesitate to reach out to begin your family's application. If the Early Learning Center near you is full, you can be added to our waitlist to be contacted as soon as there is an opening. For more information and to apply, visit our website or contact us today at: (email) headstart@community-concepts.org(phone) 207-739-6538Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show. Follow CCI online and on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitterCommunity Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.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.