Newsletter: March, 2025
A Note from Our Executive Director
An Important Notice to You, Our Supporters
By now, I’m sure that many of you are aware that the proposed freeze on funding for over 2,600 federal grant programs is a reality for many nonprofits. New Hope Midcoast is one of them. Federal funds come to us directly through grants or indirectly through a variety of contracts. This freeze has the potential to impact nearly half of our budget.
While the fate of federal funding is uncertain, we want to ensure that the communities we serve in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties know that New Hope Midcoast’s doors are open. We are operating 24/7.
Continued essential services include:
- Our confidential helpline staffed by highly trained advocates 24/7
- Emergency hotel placements for individuals and families fleeing violence
- Residential services providing 27 families with a safe place to live
- Legal advocacy including assistance with Protection from Abuse Orders and court accompaniment
- Community and youth education that builds bonds with schools, law enforcement, partner social service agencies, and healthcare providers
We are currently assessing our financial outlook to determine the best ways to further supplement and diversify our revenue. We will reach out to you over the next few months to ask for your financial assistance so that survivors receive the help they need and know that they are not alone.
The beauty of our community is this: Mainers help Mainers. We deeply appreciate your past – and future – support. Thank you to everyone as we navigate this challenging time.
With gratitude,
Rebekah
To donate to New Hope Midcoast today, click here.
Take Action with Our April Matching Challenge!
Ongoing uncertainty about federal funding leaves many nonprofits at risk. But New Hope is still here to provide a full, comprehensive spectrum of services for survivors of domestic abuse. You can help us today by joining local businesses who have pledged to match April donations dollar-for-dollar.
We invite you to take action today, especially during this critical time.
Please consider donating in April online, by contacting Joan, our Development Director at (207) 691.5969 or or by mailing your donation to:
New Hope MIdcoast
PO Box A
Rockland, ME 04841
Thank you very much for supporting our comprehensive supports that allow victims of domestic abuse to feel safe and welcome in our local communities!
Shop for Hope 2025: Donate your high quality new and gently used clothing and accessories!
Shop for Hope is coming to the Flanagan Center in Rockland July 10-12 and we would appreciate receiving your donations of quality clothing and accessories for everyone, for all seasons, and of all sizes (children’s must be new with tags). Accessories include jewelry, bags, scarves, hats, gloves/mittens, belts, and very gently used footwear. Unfortunately, we cannot accept torn, faded, or stained items, suits, and used under clothing.
Contact Joan at (207) 691.5969 or to arrange for drop off in Rockland or at one of our sites in Belfast, Damariscotta, and Camden.
For more information, visit newhopemidcoast.org/shop-for-hope. Thank you!!
Creating Communities of Compassion:
the intersection of domestic abuse, healthcare and the law is coming to Damariscotta May 1!
Don’t miss this free and informative event!
Our recently produced film featuring the stories of two survivors of domestic abuse is coming to Skidompha Library in Damariscotta Thursday, May 1st from 4-5:30 p.m. The event will include the film showing followed by a moderated panel discussion including panelists from New Hope, a client featured in the film, a Sexual Assault and Forensic Examiner (SAFE Nurse), and a member of law enforcement. Audience questions are encouraged.
For more information click here or contact Joan at (207) 691.5969; . We look forward to seeing you there!
Residential: Housing First
Since the beginning of October, the start of New Hope’s fiscal year, our advocates have facilitated safe housing for 13 families fleeing domestic abuse. This included 27 children! Their rent is being paid for through grants for which we apply as well as grants we receive through the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. All of these families receive New Hope case management support and will use their time in our residential program to connect with employment or educational opportunities that will sustain their rental after our assistance ends. Options include work on budgeting, enrolling in financial literacy classes, and working to obtain affordable housing that they can transition to upon exiting our program.
Legal Advocacy
- Hosted an Alert, Lockdown, Inform, and Evaluate (ALICE) training on responding to active shooters and critical incidents for all staff. Presenters from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office guided staff through four hours of didactic and hands-on instruction. This training is commonly used in schools and businesses around the country.
- Provided a presentation/training on New Hope’s services and on safety planning for the Regional Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner’s (SAFE nurses) who cover Waldo County General Hospital, Penobscot Bay Medical Center, and hospitals in Lincoln County. Nurses found the training very helpful and felt better-equipped to support survivors.
- Held our quarterly Midcoast Coordinated Community Response/Sexual Assault Response Team meeting. More than forty attendees discussed Yellow and Red Flag Laws and the benefits of removing weapons from individuals who present threats.
Education: Teen Dating Violence Action Month
Here’s some examples:
- Lincoln Academy, Newcastle: Presented “An Empty Place at the Table,” a memorial featuring a dining table with empty chairs and place settings that include personal effects from victims of domestic abuse.
- Camden Hills Regional High School, Camden: Attended a Valentine’s Day Brunch hosted by the Women’s Advocacy Club, shared an activity that focused on healthy relationships, and made Valentine’s crafts.
- The Landing Place, Rockland, for the Boothbay Gay Straight Alliance: Co-hosted a discussion about safety and respect in relationships, and made Valentine's crafts.
- The Landing Place, Rockland: Arranged for viewing popular movie clips about relationships, and facilitated discussions about how the media depicts and influences the public’s view of relationships.
- Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, and Rockport Public Library, Rockport: Displayed information and engaged students in books that either focus on teen dating violence or offer positive examples of safe and respectful relationships.
February Community of Hope Article
By Rebekah Paredes, Executive Director and Joan LeMole, Development Director
The proposed freeze on funding for over 2,600 federal grant programs has created a reality of uncertainty and turmoil for many nonprofits. This freeze has the potential to greatly disrupt the critical work of many charity organizations resulting in a loss of benefits for many individuals and families in our communities. Some nonprofits are locked out of websites used for filing claims. Others that work on a reimbursement model are working to access funds to cover monies already spent. Most are scrambling to understand the full impact of the freeze and are looking for ways to continue offering services critical to healthy and thriving communities.
Here at New Hope Midcoast, click here to read more.