The Mission has completed the Mission Downeast Capital Campaign and has secured over $1.8 million for renovations and additions to the Mission’s 63-acre Downeast campus in Cherryfield.
The campaign was supported by: Connie and Buddy Bates, Roger and Judy Clapp, Joyce and Les Coleman, Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, First National Bank, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Ann and David Ingram, Machias Savings Bank, Red Empress Foundation, Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation, Jasper Wyman and Son, and others. Their donations make it possible for the Mission to improve the hard-working Downeast campus. The campus helps facilitate engagement between programs and multiply the impact of services provided, which is at the core of the work the Mission provides in Washington County.
The first phase of the campaign, which will be completed in spring 2024, includes a complete renovation and expansion of the building at the head of campus to create an engagement center, which includes an administrative wing, program staging area, and new food pantry. The pantry will have increased storage area with a flexible community space for healthy living programs.
The second phase of the work is now underway. This phase includes building a new pole-based challenge course to replace the aging ropes course at the Ed and Connie Greaves Education (EdGE) Center. This new course will be safer, more visible, and easier to maintain. In addition, two retreat cabins will be added near the Weald Bethel Community Center. These cabins allow the Mission to serve as a true day-long and overnight retreat hub for partners, housing improvement volunteers, and youth.
Additional planned work includes updating the campus trail system, adding new play areas and a gazebo, and creating new clearly marked pedestrian paths along Weald Bethel Lane. These updates to the campus will provide a natural flow between program, service, and staff work areas. These features will lower barriers between formal programs, informal interactions, and access to services.
The Mission welcomes the Downeast community and its partners to an open house for the renovated building on Wednesday, June 12. Visitors can tour the engagement center, see changes to the campus, and enjoy the company of community members.
