Group shares resources to fight against poverty

Representatives from local organizations dedicated to empowering the impoverished met on Tuesday, May 24, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Calais to share and discuss resources for combatting poverty in the eastern Maine region. Upcoming events, ongoing programs and news were discussed by the attendees, including the possibility that Calais will become a Good Shepherd food hub.
The group, which meets monthly at a different location tied to one of its members, was initially organized by the Community Caring Collaborative as means of creating an effective discussion centered on meeting the needs of the extended community.
"One of the biggest problems we have is that nobody has one roof," Len Hanson of the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry (ICEFP) explained during the meeting. "We've had some clients tell us that they've spent three days contacting all the different organizations to get the help they need." Spreading awareness of the local resources to different organizations will help ameliorate that issue.
Hanson reported that the ICEFP is now assisting 960 families. The large number of families reached by the facility and the remote location of the area are both contributing factors to Good Shepherd's desire to make Calais a food hub. In the meantime, the pantry has arranged for a mobile food truck to visit Calais. The truck is bringing enough food to feed 200 families.
Last year, the ICEFP distributed a total of 75,000 pounds of fresh produce to its families. Hanson said that a particular challenge is that the pantry is receiving a significant amount of whole grains and produce with which clients are unfamiliar. Since registered dieticians are the only ones who can provide recipes to clients at the pantry, healthy foods are left uneaten.
By way of demonstration, Hanson said that for a year the shelves were stocked with spaghetti squash since none of the clients knew what to do with them. Once a simple recipe was provided, the pantry had difficulty keeping the vegetable in stock because of its popularity. Hanson emphasized the importance of having that information provided.
"If we could get somebody to come up and show our clients what to do with the healthy food, that would be great," Hanson said. "We're open to anything. If we can get it in the door, we'll do it."
Hanson also advised that the Brogan House in Calais is now open as a shelter for homeless individuals or for families who have been burned out of their homes. The five‑bed shelter is open to both males and females and has served several individuals thus far.
The ICEFP is also in need of volunteers to assist with the morning pickup of goods from Walmart and Tradewinds. The Walmart pickup occurs six days a week, while the Tradewinds pickup is four days a week. To become a volunteer, contact Len Hanson at 214‑8553.
Lastly, Hanson offered his services as a trained first aid and CPR instructor. Hanson will provide the training to any organization that would like to host it. The only cost is $35 for issuing of the certificate.
Young teens in the area are being encouraged to apply for a leadership camp. Jenny Robish of Healthy Acadia advised that the DownEast Teen Leadership Camp is now seeking applicants entering grades 7‑9 for its five‑day residential program at the end of July. The camp will be held at the University of Maine at Machias. There is a cost of $125; however, there is significant scholarship money available. For more information, call Terri Woodruff at 255‑3741.
There will be an open conference for all caregivers on Friday, July 22, at Washington County Community College. It will be an all‑day event with keynote speakers, and it will include a comic relief presentation, a resource fair and breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline is Friday, July 8. For more information, contact Christine Morris at 249‑3318.
Families with children under eight years old with an interest in attaining a college education are eligible to become a part of Family Futures Downeast (FFD), a new program based on a "two‑gen" educational philosophy. Up to 32 selected families will be able to attend college at WCCC or UMM while their children receive quality educational programming from Child and Family Opportunities. For more information, contact Cheryl Robertson at 214‑5064.
The group will continue to meet throughout the summer. To be advised of the meeting schedule, contact Christine Morris at 249‑3318.