Area non-profits receive Gorman Foundation grants
The John T. Gorman Foundation is awarding $960,650 to 62 nonprofit organizations in every Maine county, including several in Aroostook, to provide low-income residents food, clothing, heating assistance, furniture, prescription drugs, transportation, medical care and counseling.
The grants will benefit Mainers of all ages — from children to seniors — to cover basic needs for residents struggling financially and will provide a variety of services for cancer patients and their families. The funding will provide mental health counseling for some of the state’s most vulnerable groups, including young children, recent immigrants and the homeless.
“The social safety net in our state is fraying due to cuts in federal and state funding,” said Tony Cipollone, president and CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation. “Our hope is that these grants will benefit the thousands of Maine residents who are struggling in a tough economy.”
These direct service grants were started years ago by the Foundation’s founder, a grandson of L.L. Bean, to meet individuals’ immediate needs. In recent years, the independent, statewide Foundation, which distributes $7.5 million annually, has moved to focus more strategically on four key areas: improving educational achievement for children, promoting successful transitions to adulthood for vulnerable older youth, helping struggling parents to support their families and enabling low-income seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible.
The Aroostook County Action Program received one of the larger awards presented. Officials with ACAP, headquartered in Presque Isle, report the agency has received a $20,000 grant to support low-income clients with case management services. The case management program strives to assist its clients toward goals of self-sufficiency by removing the barriers that may hinder success.
ACAP case management services assist individuals with meeting one-time emergency needs. For example, ACAP helps individuals access services such as, but not limited to housing, transportation and/or food assistance. These needs might arise when a significant crisis changes the family dynamics, like a job loss or unexpected healthcare costs. When basic needs are met, ACAP will work with the individual to create a plan for self-sufficiency. The plan may include budgeting, job training or counseling assistance, and provision of other services that help individuals meet their goals. In order to provide these critical services, ACAP relies on grant funding and other donations.
“We are grateful to the John T. Gorman Foundation for investing in our case management program,” explained Connie Sandstrom, executive director. “Each year this program has helped connect approximately 600 low-income households with appropriate information, referrals and resources. We appreciate that the Gorman Foundation recognizes that support systems offered by ACAP can make all the difference in achieving economic independence.”
The Eastern Maine Healthcare System also received $20,000 which will be used to provide support to establish a Patient Assistance Fund to help cancer patients in Aroostook County with travel and lodging, and financial help for medication co-pays.
The Aroostook Agency on Aging was awarded $15,000 to provide farm-fresh produce as well as prepared meals for home delivery to home-bound and disabled seniors.
Also receiving $15,000 is the Shaw House, with funds used to provide general operating support for services, shelter and support for homeless and at-risk youth throughout five counties in Maine: Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington.
The following agencies will be receiving $15,000 each, for statewide use:
• Cancer Community Center, to provide support for the Cancer Survivorship Program, which provides free classes, support groups, and resources to help cancer survivors transition from active treatment to life after cancer;
• Grahamtastic Connection will provide laptops, tablets and Internet access for children in Maine who are battling cancer;
• Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project will provide general operating support for legal services to Maine’s low-income immigrants; and
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Massachusetts chapter, will provide assistance with travel and other expenses to Maine patients undergoing cancer treatment.
For more information about the Foundation, visit www.jtgfoundation.org.
