As of Dec 31, 2021, all of Somerset County and the 5 Waldo County towns previously served by United Way of Mid Maine, will now be served by the United Way of Eastern Maine. The leadership of both UWs have initiated plans to ensure increased efficiencies and a seamless transition for the region.
UWMM has a rich history and deep commitment to our region; United Way of Eastern Maine not only embraces this history but has a proven model of working in and serving rural communities. UWEM was the natural partner to shepherd the next chapter of UWMM’s history.
UWEM will maintain a staff presence in Somerset County as Lori Costa, formerly of UWMM, is now UWEM’s Community Engagement Director for the region. As part of UWEM she will continue to raise funds in and support programs that benefit the people of this community. UWEM is committed to ensuring that Somerset County support remains and grows as we navigate this transition.
FAQ
The United Ways of Eastern Maine (UWEM) and Mid Maine (UWMM) have worked together to combine their service areas under one organization, the United Way of Eastern Maine.
The new alignment will increase operational efficiencies for the United Way in this new expanded service area. Combining the service areas will help maximize donor dollars, making more funds available for initiatives and programs in order to improve more lives and help more people. This alignment will streamline administrative operations and increase resources to serve individuals and families in Somerset County while maintaining services in existing UWEM service areas.
Programs in Somerset County previously funded by contributions to the United Way of Mid Maine, will be supported by the United Way of Eastern Maine. Programs in Kennebec County, previously funded by contributions to the United Way of Mid Maine are now supported by the United Way of Kennebec Valley. Programs in Eastern Maine will continue to be supported as they have been in the past, by contributions from people of Eastern Maine via UWEM.
In the fall of 2021 United Way of Mid Maine worked with the United Way of Kennebec County to unify the county and streamline resource development and community impact under one United Way. Effective in the fall of 2021 all Kennebec County towns are now part of UWKV’s service area. Companies participating in the annual campaign and offering payroll deduction and individual donors in that community are contacted by UWKV with requests for support. Programs in Kennebec County, previously funded by contributions to the United Way of Mid Maine are now supported by the United Way of Kennebec Valley. UWEM does not serve this region of UWMM’s former service area but we are happy to point you in the right direction if you have questions or face confusion with the UWMM transition.
Funds already raised or pledged in Somerset will continue to support programs in those areas. Funds already raised in Eastern Maine will support programs and initiatives in Eastern Maine. UWEM has a track record of supporting rural communities, and is well positioned to do the same in Somerset County. Additionally, former UWMM staff member Lori Costa, has joined the UWEM staff as Community Engagement Director. Her focus will remain on Somerset County, but she will be supported by UWEM operations. Donors are reminded that undesignated gifts provide the most flexibility to provide vital services throughout the region, but if there is a specific cause that is close to your heart, you may designate the gift for that purpose or program.
United Way of Mid Maine, after years of serving the people in its coverage area, will dissolve and that area is now served by United Way of Eastern Maine. As part of the transition, in the coming weeks UWEM leadership will be engaging in conversations and gathering input from partners, stakeholders and community members across the six-county region to evaluate the name and brand of this United Way to be reflective of the diverse area it serves; with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all in our community feel that their United Way is accessible.
If you are a partner agency or looking to become a partner agency, a workplace with a campaign or wanting to start a campaign, contact the United Way of Eastern Maine at 207-941-2800 or email info@unitedwayem.org. If you or your family need services and are looking for help, dial 211, a free service supported by United Ways across the state. 211 provides resource information based upon your location, demographics and need.
Nonprofit partners that are currently funded by United Way of Mid Maine will continue to receive their quarterly payments as committed through June 30, 2022. Details about the next open grant application process for Somerset County will be directly communicated to partners and announced publicly for new potential partners later this winter.
Gifts can be contributed through the United Way of Eastern Maine. Use the online giving page, call our office 207-941-2800, or mail your check to:
United Way of Eastern Maine
700 Main Street, Suite 1
Bangor, Maine 04401
For the immediate future funds raised or pledged in Somerset will continue to support programs and initiatives in that county. Funds raised in Eastern Maine’s original footprint will support programs and initiatives in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington and Waldo Counties.
If you donated to United Way of Mid Maine through a workplace campaign in Somerset County UWEM will work directly with your employer to ensure your gift is processed in support of your region. If you donated to UWMM directly (mailed check, online, stock etc.) in support of Somerset County those donations should now be sent to UWEM for processing. All donors for this region can expect to receive communications from UWEM moving forward. By default, UWEM will process gifts received from the Somerset region in support of fundraising efforts for that county.
Gifts and pledges can always be designated to a specific non-profit, geographic region or issue area (ex. Basic Needs). Donors are reminded that undesignated gifts provide the most flexibility to provide vital services throughout the region, but if there is a specific cause that is close to your heart, you may designate the gift for that purpose or program.
United Way of Eastern Maine always raised and distributed funds in a largely rural footprint. UWEM has led a number of initiatives that support rural communities. Most recently, a very successful Early Childhood Development Initiative called Bundle in Piscataquis County. UWEM has secured $110,000 in grants to support this effort and provided staffing support to ensure its success. UWEM has also led health-based initiatives in Washington County and the Eastern Maine Transportation Collaborative; all focused on and benefiting rural communities in our footprint. UWEM is expanding this support to Somerset County.
As part of the transition, in the coming weeks UWEM leadership will be engaging in conversations and gathering input from partners, stakeholders and community members across the six-county region to evaluate the name and brand of this United Way to be reflective of the diverse area it serves; with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all in our community feel that their United Way is accessible.