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Agency News 2008Catholic Charities Maine Responds Iraqi refugees headed to Maine
December 9, 2008
A new wave of Iraqi secondary migrants , not primary refugees, is headed to Maine. While the projected arrivals of this group may reach 200 over the coming months, they are not being resettled by Catholic Charities Maine.
A secondary migrant is someone who entered the US as a primary refugee, was resettled in another state by the Federal government, and then chose to move to a secondary location in another state. Refugees are often not given the choice as to where they will be resettled when they are awaiting placement in a foreign country. It can be common to see trends of migration by these refugees after they are initially resettled to be closer to each other and to maintain their communities and cultures. It is important to note that secondary migrants are entitled to the same rights and freedoms of any American citizen and their movement cannot be controlled or deterred.
Catholic Charities Maine recently assisted a primary Iraqi refugee to reunify with his relatives here in Portland. When word of this resettlement reached the Iraqi communities resettled in other US cities, many members (the projected 200 referenced previously) voiced a desire to leave their cities of primary resettlement and to re-establish their community in Portland. While Catholic Charities Maine does not control the movement of secondary migrants we do suggest to the resettling communities that they pace out their arrivals to Maine, so that Catholic Charities Maine and the city’s providers (the Family Shelter, City of Portland Refugee Services, etc.) are better prepared for them. This communication can result in a slower migration with only a few families arriving at a time.
For over 30 years Catholic Charities Maine has been successfully assisting in the resettlement of various refugee populations. In the future, it is possible that Portland, Maine, will receive primary refugees from Iraq or other countries with federal funding to assist in their full resettlement. In preparation of potentially receiving primary Iraqi refugees Catholic Charities Maine has been working with local churches and advocacy groups, like Peace Action Maine, to establish support networks to assist in resettling these refugees. The City of Portland Refugee Services receives federal funds to work with unanticipated arrivals, like the secondary migrants moving to Portland, to aid with their employment, case management, and life skills needs. With the current secondary arrivals, the role of Catholic Charities Maine is to serve as a resource to fellow service providers who will be providing them their basic assistance needs.
Catholic Charities Maine Celebrates Real People
September 15, 2008 For the 20,000 people in Maine and 22.6 million people in the United States who suffer from substance use disorders, asking for help and finding treatment is essential to getting back to a healthy, fulfilling life through recovery. In recognition of the 20,000 people in Maine who receive treatment and pursue recovery every year, Catholic Charities Maine is celebrating Recovery Month by sharing the stories of real people who have turned their lives around and have taken steps toward long-term recovery. The 2008 National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery” and celebrates those in recovery who have a renewed outlook on life and the treatment and recovery support providers who help them in treatment and recovery. Recovery Month is a nationwide celebration of people in long-term recovery from substance use disorders and their families, and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Treatment for substance use disorders is effective and necessary to sustain a healthy and productive society,” said Carolee Lindsey, Clinical Supervisor of Counseling Services in Portland. “Substance use disorders take an enormous toll on our community and it is time that we support those who need our help. Real people in our community are affected by substance use disorders. The renewed hope that springs from long-term recovery truly can make a difference in helping more families get healthy.” Real people. Real Recovery. Read client testimonies!
Fraudulent email messages that have misappropriated the name of Catholic Charities USA and its affiliates to extract money or personal information from unsuspecting recipients continue to circulate.
This kind of fraud is typically designed to deceive recipients into revealing personal information–such as home address, telephone number, and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers–to identity thieves. Often the message claims that the recipient has been chosen to receive a cash grant or donation.
Catholic Charities USA and its affiliated entities do not and will not distribute unsolicited email requesting this type of information. Please be advised that Catholic Charities Maine and Catholic Charities USA are in no way associated with or responsible for these messages.
Bishop Blesses Aroostook Catholic Charities Facilities
August 25, 2008
On Monday, August 25th Bishop Richard Malone gave a special blessing to the Catholic Charities Maine St. John Valley Dental Center in Madawaska. In his remarks he spoke about the importance of social services as the work of the Church and how important it is for Catholic Charities to help meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable among us.
The St. John Valley Dental Center offers basic dental care including preventative, restorative, emergency treatment, and referral services.
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Later in the day he blessed the new Caribou location of Catholic Charities Maine programs in Aroostook County. Addressing the group gathered in the Home Supplies and Food Bank Thrift Store located on the first floor of the new facility, the Bishop again emphasized the importance of the mission of Catholic Charities Maine. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the volunteers and staff in cooperation with many community groups to help the less fortunate. The Caribou programs include: Home Supplies and Food Bank, Children's Case Management, Functional Family Therapy, Home and Family Services, and the Christopher Home on Pleasant Street.
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Joining Bishop Malone was Roger Dyer, Catholic Charities Maine Board of Directors and his wife, Kathy, Steve Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities, Bonnie Bagley.
Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services Receives Grant From the Maine Community Foundation!
August 25, 2008
Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services has received a $3,500.00 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to improve the quality of life for rental housing tenants in the Lewiston/Auburn area by implementing a training program that will promote household health, safety and sanitation. This grant will not only serve the refugee population but any tenant renting in the Lewiston/Auburn area. _
The program will provide complete training on nutrition & sanitation and then supply each tenant with a sanitation kits that consists of: basic cleaning products, garbage barrel with lid, and food storage containers. After completing the training the tenant will also know how to obtain and access community resource geared toward public health and safety. Trainings will be available in multiple languages to meet the needs of the participating tenants. _
This new training program was created through a collaborative effort between Catholic Charities Maine, the Public Health Housing Committee (PHHC), Public Health Nursing, the City of Lewiston, and various landlords both private and property management companies. The Nutrition Center of Maine which is a project of Sisters of Charity Health System will be providing space and an instructor for the nutrition portion of our program. _
“We are so excited about this program,” said Charlotte Johnson, Lead Case Manager, Catholic Charities Maine. “The goal of this training is to improve the quality of life of the Lewiston/Auburn residents and achieve positive results in establishing a healthy and vibrant community that everyone is proud of.” _
For more information please contact Refugee and Immigration Services at 207-344-6615.
World Refugee Day Celebrated in Maine!
June 20, 2008
World Refugee Day was celebrated on June 20th with events in Lewiston and Portland. This special day was marked by dance performances, poetry readings, ethnic food, and local refugees recounting how they fled war and came to Maine. Kandra Jama, a junior at the USM Lewiston-Auburn College was featured as the keynote speaker. Jama, a native of Somalia, is currently double majoring in leadership and organizational studies and social and behavioral sciences. This event was sponsored by the State of Maine, the Cities of Portland and Lewiston, Catholic Charities Maine and other non profits and businesses.
May 15, 2008 Catholic Charities Maine is doing its part in Northern Aroostook County in response to the severe flood situation. We are working in coordination with the American Red Cross, Maine Emergency Management staff, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, local officials, and other public and private groups. Dixie Shaw, Program Director for the Home Supplies and Food Bank Program, and her team have been delivering food, water and supplies to many of the towns impacted by the flood. Much of our time, resources and efforts are being spent with a few of the 21 food pantries we are associated with in the county. Additionally, Catholic Charities Maine will We have applied for a Disaster Grant from Catholic Charities USA. Those interested in making a donation to help the families impacted by this disaster can contribute on-line or mail your donation to Catholic Charities Maine, P.O. Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104-6060 with a notation that your gift is for the Aroostook County Flood campaign. For more information, contact Bonnie Bagley @ 207-781-8550. Please keep the people impacted by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week! April 27, 2008 National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year from April 27- May 2nd. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of Catholic Charities Maine we want to extend our gratitude to the many individuals who volunteer for our agency. Our volunteers give time and expertise without expecting monetary compensation and share with us the common goal of working to make a difference.
We understand there are many demands on your time and sincerely appreciate that you have chosen to share your time with Catholic Charities Maine. You inspire us by your example! Please visit our listing of Volunteer Opportunities!
Bishop Amedee Proulx Award
April 18, 2008 Surrounded by family, friends, local clergy and parishioners, Bishop Richard Malone, and Catholic Charities Maine staff at St. Andrew Church in Augusta, Bob Raymond received the 2008 Bishop Amedee Proulx Award for his many works of mercy throughout his community. This award was established to give recognition to an individual or individuals in Maine whose contributions reflect the mission of Catholic Charities Maine and foster the social teachings of Jesus Christ. It is given for outstanding volunteer service to the parish and/or the community in the past year or years. For the past thirty plus years Bob Raymond has been a beacon of hope in his parish and community. He has been a tireless servant of the Augusta Food Bank and Sacred Heart Food Kitchen in Hallowell, and has helped to pave the way for collaborative efforts between the five Augusta parishes that now make up St. Michael Parish. Fr. Louis Phillips commented, “Bob is the man I turn to when the church is approached for help. No one can match up resources with individuals and families in need better than Bob. Recently an elderly parishioner was in need of a new hot water heater when her water heater broke. Bob got together volunteers and a new hot water heater and got it installed in the elderly woman’s home.” With a humble demeanor, Bob accepted the award, “When we were children in school we had to recite the Prayer of St. Francis after the Pledge of Allegiance. ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace….’ I guess it just stuck with me. “ As he continued and recounted his years of service, Bob beamed with a joy that can only come from helping others. His ministry reaches even further through the many Social Justice & Peace initiatives he has lead and coordinated through St. Michael Parish. Bob is a man who is there for others and emulates the legacy of servant leadership established by Bishop Proulx.
St. Joseph’s Child Development Center Chosen to
February 21, 2008 St. Joseph’s Child Development Center was 1 of only 4 sites that were recently chosen for the Lewiston/Auburn RELATE project. The RELATE project is a model to promote, sustain and restore children's social, mental and behavior health. This model blends the evidence-based practices of consultation in early childhood settings with the principles, values, and perspective of the infant early childhood mental health approach. Parents and child care providers are increasingly aware of the role of mental health in the overall healthy development of young children. If left unaddressed, a mental health problem can delay
"This type of program is long overdue,” said Michelle Cyr, Site Director at St. Joseph’s. “Early childhood educators recognize the importance of early intervention and believe in the concept of educating the whole child. Too often the emotional piece is left behind with the focus being on developmental and physical delays. The Relate Project couldn't have come at a more crucial time. We are learning and excited to begin what we hope will become an integral part of our curriculum.” This project provides St. Joseph’s with a mental health consultant who will spend 6 hours per month in the center and help them establish a protocol in regards to children and families who may need help in the area of mental health. They will observe and collaborate with staff to help them better serve the students and their families. Parents will also be a part of this process. Three staff members are required to participate in a professional development series on mental health consultation in early care and education settings. The project will pay for up to 3 substitutes to relieve the staff members so they may attend the trainings. St. Joe's is very excited to be part of this project. RELATE is Coordinated by The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies and funded by THRIVE and the Department of Human Services Office of Child and Family Services Children’s Behavioral Health.
Catholic Charities Maine Aids Families Displaced
February 1, 2008 Catholic Charities Maine is trying to locate individuals or families displaced by the Gulf of Mexico Hurricanes in 2005 still living here in Maine and potentially still in need of services as a result of that displacement. Through a Social Service Block Grant the state received a supplemental appropriation to provide continued services to citizens displaced by those storms. Catholic Charities Maine is administering this grant and is seeking to identify any citizens affected and still in need of services. The grant funds will pay for eligible services on a first come first served basis if the request for services fits within the guidelines of the SSBG program and within the constraints of the funds available. The types of services covered include things like counseling, transportation, education and training, employment services, health related services, housing, and other needs. Potentially eligible victims of the hurricanes may call Catholic Charities Maine at 1-800-781-8550 and speak with either Bonnie Bagley or Brenda Macomber. |
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The heart of a refugee has room for two homes: “In Lewiston I have found a family that does not share my language or my experiences. Our experience is rooted in those differences and a willingness to learn from one another.” — Khadra Jama, Keynote Speaker, 2008 World Refugee Day.
be receiving hundreds of cleaning kits, hygiene kits and children's kits, from Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Response Office. Our team will deliver these to where the need is greatest.
