CHERRYFIELD, ME — On July 30, Downeast Campus Facilities Manager Scott Shaw wrote, “We just hosted the overnight Island Fellows Retreat at the Weald Bethel Community Center! It feels great to have the building in use again and the group thoroughly enjoyed their stay,” said Scott.
According to the Island Institute, “The Island Institute’s Island Fellows Program is one of the signature programs of the Island Institute. Fellowships provide opportunity for recent graduates to apply their skills and gain experience helping to build sustainability within communities whose way of life and identity face many challenges.”
“The Fellows were treated to a team building and ropes course element thanks to Isaac Marnik and the group also helped clean up some of our trail system while here,” said Scott Shaw.
Learn more about the Weald Bethel Community Center activities.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — Program Manager Dakin Hewlett and Program Coordinator Briana West shared this update about the Mission’s EdGE Journey six-year youth mentoring program. EdGE Journey, launched in 2017, is made possible by the Emanuel and Pauline A. Lerner Foundation and its mentoring-based initiative, Aspirations Incubator:
This past weekend, due to the pandemic, EdGE Journey students in Cohort 3 met as a group for the first time since they were selected into the program. The Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School soon-to-be 9th grade students eagerly awaited the opportunity to campout overnight at the Mission’s Weald Bethel Community Center in Cherryfield, and begin building stronger connections with their peers and Journey staff.
They kicked off the weekend by helping Mission staff unload 17,000 pounds of food for the food pantry. Later, the students supported each other during ropes course challenges, discussed their hopes and goals for the upcoming high school transition, shared laughs while swimming at Spring River, and enjoyed s’mores by the campfire.
The trip ended with the Cohort cooking an entire meal for a crowd of community members attending the Downeast Table of Plenty on Sunday evenings.
The Mission Journey staff would like to recognize the dedication, grit, and resiliency these youth leaders have shown over the past year. They look forward to more opportunities for exploration and the continued journey ahead!
Learn more about the EdGE Journey program by contacting Dakin Hewlett at dhewlett@seacoastmission.org.
Annual Workers’ Welcome Fair Ushers In Downeast Blueberry Season Maine Public | By Ari Snider Published July 31, 2021 at 11:24 AM EDT
Blueberry season is getting underway, and that means hundreds of migrant workers who rake and process Maine’s iconic wild berries are arriving in the state. To welcome the workers, several support organizations participated in a resources fair in Cherryfield on Thursday, offering everything from legal aid to COVID-19 vaccines.
The annual Welcome and Resource Fair was put on by Mano en Mano, a nonprofit that supports farm workers and immigrants, primarily in Hancock and Washington counties.
The event, held at the Maine Seacoast Mission building in Cherryfield, offered a one-stop-shop for a range of services, including food assistance and clothing donations.
It’s Thank you Thursday. Today’s shout out of Mission love goes to this year’s Trailblazer Award winner at our 2021 President’s Scholarships Celebration – Brittney Church.
Brittney, a Narraguagus High School (NHS) graduate, is entering her fourth year at the University of Maine Farmington studying Elementary Education. She is incredibly driven, smart, and resilient. In addition to her regular course work, Brittney is enrolled in graduate classes.
Brittney has been with the Mission’s EdGE program first as a participant, then as a paid EdGE employee. She was a standout to anyone witnessing her care and compassion with students. She was – and is – a strong advocate for the young children of Washington County. Working with our mentor program at NHS, Brittney was loved by students and staff. Selecting her as a 2018 EdGE Scholarship recipient was an easy choice.
Brittney has responded to a life with many hardships by becoming a very nurturing person; an amazing friend, sister, student, and teacher. In her “spare time” Brittney tutors math to students in the Cherryfield area. She is currently working full-time at a daycare, while studying remotely because of the pandemic.
Through hard work and sacrifices, Brittney bought herself a new car. She is very independent, determined, and stands up for what she thinks is right. Brittney will always keep true to what she believes is important. We are so excited to help her on her journey.
Scott Shaw during a wind therapy session on a backroad in Maine.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — I am the Downeast Campus Facilities Manager and the Housing Rehabilitation Manager, and I joined the Mission in 2003.
The older housing stock in Washington County has always been challenging for families to maintain. With the help of hundreds of amazing volunteers every normal, non-Covid year, we assist with needed repairs so families can rest assured their homes are safe. I have been lucky enough to be a part of this work, and to see the tremendous difference it makes to our community.
My favorite place — besides enjoying my family — would be out on my bike exploring areas of the State I’ve never seen. Maine is a large, beautiful State and there are so many endless backroads and vistas to enjoy. I call the ride “wind therapy” — and it truly is. Maine will always hold a very special place in my heart.
With less than three weeks to go before the Sunbeam Award Gala 2021, we thank our wonderful sponsors for their generous support of the Maine Seacoast Mission’s fundraising event in support of our community.
Today, help us thank our Bronze sponsors. Visit them on the web.
