PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. was delighted by a surprise visit from Machias Savings Bank “elves” on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Hearing about the agency’s recent need for emergency funds, they included ACAP on their gift list this year.
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Contributed photo From left, Machias Savings Bank “elves” Renee Saucier, financial service specialist, and Tracy Casey, assistant bank manager, deliver a donation for the Aroostook County Action Program’s Emergency Fund to Jason Parent, ACAP executive director/CEO, and board chair Steve Richard, who just happened to be on site when the gift was delivered. |
Representatives from the bank delivered a donation for the emergency coffers, which means good news for some of the area’s most vulnerable community members.
“We are pleased and grateful,” shares Jason Parent, Executive Director/CEO. “Our emergency funds are used to support community members with basic needs when other support is not available.”
ACAP’s emergency fund, up until this donation, had been depleted due to the recent volume of emergencies requiring assistance.
“We are fortunate at ACAP to have access to a number of resources to assist those in need across The County,” explained Heidi Rackliffe, ACAP case manager.
“There are times when families and individuals are facing a crisis where none of our programs are a good ‘fit’ or the clients do not meet eligibility requirements to fill a critical need that will help prevent a tragedy or simply provide stability for people who need it most. That is why access to emergency funds is so important and often times makes a key difference in our ability to provide the necessary assistance,” she said.
Requests for support vary in scope and cost from a few dollars to $100 or $200. “Last week we were unable to help two people in need of assistance with security deposits,” said Rackliffe. “However, the vast majority are smaller requests, including shoes to start a new job, medication, food, or transportation assistance.
“Emergency funds often provide that little extra support for someone to move past a difficult situation,” she said. “The need is great and we appreciate the support.”
For more information on ACAP, contact the agency at 771 Main Street in Presque Isle, on the web at www.acap-me.org, or by calling 764-3721.
ACAP’s other locations include the Child and Family Service Center at 17 Bowles Rd. in Caribou. In Fort Kent, visit ACAP at 40 Alfalfa Ave., Suite 102, or call 834-5135. In Houlton, go to 91 Military St. or call 532-5300. In Madawaska, visit 88 Fox St. or call 728-6345.
