Gift will expand case management opportunities
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook County Action Program announced July 7 that it has received a $25,000 grant from the John T. Gorman Foundation. Funding will allow the organization to offer some innovative approaches for families in need of emergency services.
“Families often seek ACAP services during the long winter season when choices between food, heat and electricity are often the reality for too many Aroostook County families,” explained Jason Parent, ACAP executive director. “Due to federal eligibility criteria, many families either do not qualify for low-income assistance or are scheduled for assistance later in the heating season.
“When your children are cold now, that help is too far away. Funding from the John T. Gorman Foundation will allow ACAP to provide case management services to individuals and families who have an emergency need,” Parent said.
The program, which will begin later this fall, will allow a case manager to assist families with support through ACAP’s Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) as well as through Helping Hands of Aroostook, a partner organization that is located within ACAP and receives funds from individual donors and local churches.
“In addition to helping to meet a short-term crisis, our case manager will work with families to develop goals toward self-sufficiency. By providing our customers with this level of support, we hope to eliminate future emergencies,” said Parent.
Services may include budgeting, job training or counseling assistance, and provision of other services that help individuals meet their goals toward economic independence.
“Our case management program strives to remove the barriers that may hinder success,” said Susan Deschene, senior manager of ACAP Community Services. “We are grateful to the John T. Gorman Foundation for investing in the expansion of our program. We appreciate their recognition of ACAP and how our programs and services can make the difference for our neighbors and friends who struggle to make ends meet.”
The John T. Gorman Foundation advances ideas and opportunities that can improve the lives of disadvantaged people in Maine. To achieve the greatest impact, the foundation has a special interest in strengthening families and helping communities provide them with the supports and opportunities they need to thrive. This focus on strengthening families reflects the founder, Tom Gorman’s recognition that his personal success and achievement were largely derived from the support provided to him by his family and community, as well as his desire to provide those less fortunate with opportunities to succeed.
For more information visit www.acap-me.org or call 764-3721.
