HOULTON, Maine — “I would recommend ACAP to anyone who needs a helping hand.”
This is a strong endorsement by former ACAP customer Craig Greenier who recently fulfilled his dream to become an art teacher. In 2014, Greenier was struggling to make ends meet. He had managed for three years to work part-time and attend school full-time through UMPI all while supporting his wife and maintaining their home — an old trailer prone to heat loss and repairs.
“My wife is unable to work and we were doing our best to manage our bills on one part-time income,” he said. “For three years I had taken all the online classes offered in my program. In order to complete my degree I needed to travel during my last year of school, a 157-mile round trip to Presque Isle from my home in Sherman.”
Adding travel and additional tuition costs on an already lean budget proved almost too much. “I was so close to graduation but didn’t know if I was going to be able to finish,” he said. “A neighbor told me about ACAP and suggested that I make an appointment.”
Greenier met with a LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) counselor, thinking he might be eligible for some heating assistance. “I was hoping a little help from that program might help me keep my head above water,” he said. “I didn’t expect a life preserver to be thrown my way.”
During his LIHEAP appointment Greenier was referred to Mary Duff, a job counselor for ACAP Workforce Development. He learned that his income level allowed him to qualify for some college assistance including support with travel expenses and some tuition.
“I am grateful for Mary’s concern and encouragement,” Greenier said. “She helped keep me motivated during the difficult times. She listened to my needs and goals. Her support on a professional level had a significant impact on me. I was working hard and getting all As for myself but I was also doing it to let Mary know how grateful I was for her support.”
In 2015, Greenier graduated with his bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a focus in art education. “I love teaching,” he said. “The unpredictability is the best part of working with young children. I never thought I would be able to fulfill this dream. I was giving it all I had but coming up short. It’s a tough world out there — a helping hand from ACAP made a big difference.”
A full-time teaching position is leading to new opportunities on the home front. “My wife and I plan to purchase a home soon,” he added. “We are excited about our future.”
“Workforce development means working with workers and employers in an area to help match people with the jobs employers need to fill,” said Christy Daggett, senior manager. “Often, this means training and education for workers. ACAP uses its funds to pay for about 200 workers to be trained every year in Aroostook County, and we work with employers around the region to help fill their openings with skilled people.”
Services can include help with job search, help with completing a high school diploma and college preparation and transition activities; occupational training (like CNA and CDL certifications); training in how to start a business; paid on-the-job training and work experience in high-wage, high-demand careers. Additionally, people attending training or classes can qualify for additional help with childcare and transportation while they attend class or work.
For more information about workforce development programs and eligibility please contact Mary Duff in Houlton at 532-5312 or one of the job counselors in Presque Isle at 764-3721. Services are provided throughout Aroostook County and appointments can be accommodated in northern, central and southern Aroostook.
