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Agency News 2007Children's Mental Health Services Receive Christmas Help
December 19, 2007
Christmas will be a little brighter for families in need in the Fairfield area this year because of a recent generous donation of over $1600 made by the Father John E. Belafontaine Council of Knights of Columbus #8918 Augusta/Hallowell to the Catholic Charities Maine Children's Case Management Program. The Children's Case Management Program reaches out to approximately 165 children with mental health diagnosis, mental retardation and pervasive developmental disorders.
"This will help a lot of families who are struggling to pay for the basic necessities and don't have anything left over for the fun stuff, especially at Christmas," said Velma Evans, a supervisor at the program. "The case managers are all excited about being able to assist those families that they serve and can't wait to see their reactions when they are presented with gift cards to buy those toys or other items that they thought weren't going to happen this year due to the high cost of gas and heating fuel."
"The Knights of Columbus can't be thanked enough for their goodwill this Christmas and Catholic Charities Maine greatly appreciates this gift at such a crucial time," said CEO, Steve Letourneau. "Families will be very pleased to know that the Knights of Columbus are a generous group of individuals working together to benefit those in need who have disabilities of all kinds."
Since 1966, Catholic Charities Maine has dedicated itself to creating, administering, and advocating for programs and services that reach out and meet the critical human service needs of our state. Our professionally trained staff and over 1,000 volunteers help individuals from birth through old age overcome obstacles in their lives that threaten their self-sufficiency. Last year, we provided services to over 40,000 individuals in Maine, and touched the lives of countless others through our advocacy and convening efforts. While some of the people we serve are Catholic, many are not. Some can afford to pay for the services they receive, but most cannot. Our agency attempts to help all who request assistance either through direct assistance or appropriate referral.
St. Louis Child Development Center Moves to New Facility! December 17, 2007 Two years ago Catholic Charities Maine undertook a capital campaign to build a new facility for the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford. This December the dream that began so long ago became a reality when the children had their first day of school in the new building located on Pool Street. St. Louis celebrated at their open house and invited the community to see what a great facility they now offer to children. On hand at the Open House was Bishop Richard Malone who blessed the building; Steve Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities Maine; St. Louis staff; and the many contributors, contractors, and developers that made this project possible. The 12,000 square foot new facility includes pre-school classrooms, before and after school care classrooms, developmental therapy services, and two large, age appropriate outdoor playground areas. “We want people to understand that this Center will be more than just a new building, it is a caring place, and a place of hope for the growing number of children and families served by Catholic Charities Maine in the Biddeford area,” said Letourneau. The St. Louis Child Development Center has been a special place for more than 30 years that offers loving care for children and much needed support for low and moderate income families. While the center has grown significantly over the years, the need for its services has grown even faster. Each year we turn away families needing our services due to lack of space. This new larger facility will allow us to meet the growing demand for affordable childcare. Catholic Charities Maine is still raising money to cover the cost of playgrounds and furnishings! If you are interested in supporting this project send your donation to Catholic Charities Maine St. Louis Project, P.O. Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104-6060. For more information please call 1-800-781-8550 or email info@ccmaine.org.
Catholic Charities Maine Presents Lifetime Achievement Award
November 2, 2007 The Catholic Charities Maine annual dinner, now in it’s 5th year, has focused on honoring people who have gone above and beyond for their neighbors in need and so when faced with the challenge of finding a new name, it was an easy conclusion to rename the Harvest of Hope Dinner to The Good Samaritan Dinner. Nearly 150 guests were on hand at the Good Samaritan Dinner on October 26th at the St. Paul Center in Augusta when Catholic Charities Maine presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dave Twomey of Scarborough. For many years, Dave Twomey has been generous with his time and talents, sharing them with his Church, the community, and Catholic Charities Maine. Dave Twomey brings insight, experience, and knowledge along with a few interesting tales to each endeavor he undertakes. Dave was active in the construction industry and the contracting trade associations for more than forty years holding positions with Cianbro, Dragon Products, and the Prescott Metal Shop. He has served on the boards of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the Maine Better Transportation Association, and the Associated General Contractors. He is well respected and often sought after for his expertise. “Dave is a force to be reckoned with!” commented, CEO, Steve Letourneau, as he highlighted Dave’s contributions to Catholic Charities Maine, the Catholic Church in Maine, and his community including his work to repair cribs for needy expecting mothers, his work to repair and renovate several church properties, his one man crusade to start the Catholic Charities Maine Golf Classic, and the complicated restoration of the St. Paul Center in Augusta.
Bishop Malone, President of the Catholic Charities Maine Board of Directors acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Board members Deacon John McAullife of South Portland, John Nyada of Augusta, Paul Tully of Portland, Marcel Viger of Biddeford, Don Leaver of Topsham, and Craig Burgess of Bath. Employees with over 20 years of service were also recognized during the dinner and awarded with plaques. Sponsors of the event included the Cianbro Corp, St. Joseph Hospital, and Craig Foster. |
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