AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — United Way of Aroostook is currently in its sixth decade helping to spread compassion, working collaboratively with agencies, and supporting the community that is Aroostook County. Looking to the future and continuing the 60th birthday theme, the board of directors has set the 2017-2018 campaign goal at $600,000.
Monies raised will be allocated to county health and human services agencies and United Way programs including, but not limited to Tax-Prep, Summer Slide Backpack Program, 2-1-1 Maine and the Pantry Project. These agencies and programs are designed to serve the people of Aroostook County and to improve the health, income, and education for those who live here.
Jessica Ouellette of the University Credit Union in Presque Isle and Jon Gulliver from the Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou will serve as this year’s campaign co-chairs.
Ouellette is currently the branch manager for University Credit Union, which is located in the Campus Center at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She has been employed there since September 2016. Prior to that she was a loan officer and loan MSR for 11 1/2 years at The County Federal Credit Union.
In her spare time, she enjoys road trips/adventures with her two daughters, Julia and Jillian. She also enjoys hiking, working out, photography and volunteering in the community.
“I was pleased when asked to be more involved with the United Way Campaign Cabinet,” said Ouellette. “I am always excited to give back and help where I can. This committee is important as it is a great way for us to come together to show a committed effort to support and encourage the betterment of the community in which we live. What better way to do that than to be passionate about advocating and be in service to others? No one can help everyone, but together we can all help someone. I’m excited to see what this committee can do this year.”
Gulliver currently serves on the UWA Board of Directors and has served on the campaign cabinet in the past. Professionally, he is the director of investor and community relations at NMDC in Caribou. He is responsible for the public and media outreach for NMDC and the Aroostook Partnership, internal communications and web maintenance. He also has economic development responsibilities which include writing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and grant administration.
He previously worked as a journalist, and was news director and 6 p.m. anchor for WAGM-TV in Presque Isle for nearly 20 years. He lives in Presque Isle with his fiancée, Cindy, and two dogs, a four-year-old German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever puppy. In his spare time he likes to hike, golf, and spend time at the lake.
“I have been a long-time donor, starting way back at WAGM and continuing now at Northern Maine Development Commission,” said Gulliver. “I have seen first-hand how important the United Way of Aroostook is to the residents of northern Maine and it is a privilege to serve as the campaign co-chair during the 60th anniversary of the UWA.”
The United Way of Aroostook would like the community’s involvement in this year’s campaign and invites anyone interested in serving on the cabinet to attend the first meeting, to be held Thursday, July 13, at 3:30 p.m. in the conference room located at their offices at 830 Main Street at the Aroostook Centre Mall. For more information call the office at (207) 764-5197.
