The Mission is listening to our communities. Over the past year, the Mission hosted 17 listening sessions for residents Downeast and on unbridged outer islands. Community members shared their worries and their hopes, and how the Mission could help. These listening sessions and what the Mission heard are the feature of this fall’s The Bulletin.
In his letter that opens The Bulletin, Mission President John Zavodny shares his experiences attending these listening sessions. He learned and heard a lot but what came out of these sessions was an overwhelming focus on the importance of community.
He writes, “People love where they live and are committed to making community work for the good of all. Kids on Swan’s Island love the quarry and each other. Children in Milbridge love their EdGE teachers and peers. Just love them. Seniors in Cherryfield love the spirit of community they feel on the Downeast campus. Everyone loves the feeling of community on the Sunbeam.”
The Bulletin also features updates on the Mission’s Downeast Project, with work on the planned improvements to the Mission’s Cherryfield campus getting underway earlier this fall. The work has facilitated the temporary move of the food pantry across the street to the EdGE building. Downeast Director Jenny Jones shares what this move has meant to patrons and how the Mission is working to meet the needs of more visitors.
There is also an update on the work being done by Sunbeam Nurse Simone Babineaux as she spends more time in the position. And as we begin the busy holiday season, The Bulletin highlights the work of the talented knitters and crocheters who make thousands of mittens, hats, scarves, and more that are included in every Christmas gift the Mission provides.
Two of our newest staff members EdGE Secondary and Post-Secondary Program Director Christy Oliveri and Chief People Officer Sally Clinton are introduced in the pages of The Bulletin and in the digital version, viewers can watch corresponding video interviews.
Finally, at the end of this year’s edition, the Mission thanks our Corporate Sponsors, who support our work year-round. There is also a Save the Date for the Sunbeam Award Gala which will happen on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
To view the digital version of The Bulletin Autumn 2023 issue, please visit our Publications page.