PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook County Action Program was organized in 1972 and is one of 10 Community Action Programs in Maine and one of approximately 1,000 nationwide. The community action program concept was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. When created, community action programs were charged with eliminating the causes and conditions of poverty.
ACAP provides the people of Aroostook County with services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. As a leader, or in partnership with others, ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs. These services are provided in the areas of: community services, energy and housing, employment and training, and family services.
Photo courtesy of ACAP
CELBRATING 20 YEARS of employment with ACAP were, pictured from left to right: Christine Condon (lives in Ashland, works in PI), Marion Polchies (lives and works in Houlton), Kelly Ouellette (lives and works in PI) and Diane Landeen (lives in New Sweden, works in PI).
On Dec. 2, ACAP recognized 24 employees who have served The County in their various roles within the non-profit organization for a total of over 400 years.
Photo courtesy of ACAP
HONORED FOR 25 YEARS with ACAP were, pictured from left to right: Connie Sandstrom (lives and works in PI), Jeff Heron (lives in Caribou, works in PI), Launa Dube (lives in Mapleton, works in PI), Joanne Cushing (lives in Smyrna Mills, works in Dyer Brook) and Janet Scott (lives in Washburn, works in PI).
Darla Anderson, Kelly Blaisdell, Donald Pelletier, Angel Murchison, Karen Sawyer, Michael Truman, and Grace Yu each celebrated five years of service. Two employees, Aline Brissette and Lorena Witham, have reached the 10-year mark. Honored for 15 years of service were: Ellen Bemis, Valerie Delong and Brenda Hersey. Four employees were recognized for working at ACAP for 20 years: Christine Condon, Diane Landeen, Kelley Ouellette and Marion Polchies. Recognized for 25 years of service were: Joanne Cushing, Launa Dube, Jeff Heron, Connie Sandstrom and Janet Scott. David Bouchard and Pete Delano were honored for 30 years of service. One employee, Pat Good, was recognized for 35 years of service with the agency.
Photo courtesy of ACAP
MARKING 15 YEARS with ACAP were, pictured from left to right: Brenda Hersey (lives in Oakfield, works in Houlton), Valerie Delong (works in PI), and, absent from photo, Ellen Bemis (lives and works in PI).
Each employee was recognized by Executive Director Connie Sandstrom with personal stories and anecdotes. These 24 employees work not only in a wide variety of roles but serve in locations around The County, including Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Caribou, Houlton and Dyer Brook.
“Longevity in employment such as this speaks volumes for the passion each employee has for the work they do to assist County residents as well as for the workplace environment of the organization itself,” stated Sandstrom.
For more information on Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. and its programs or services, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, contact the agency at 711 Main St. in Presque Isle, on the web at www.acap-me.org, or call 764-3721. At ACAP, our motto is “We Make Life Better!”
