Supporting health and wellness, providing for basic needs, making sure families have enough to eat, and administering mental health are just some of the focal points of 14 Midcoast Maine nonprofits that are receiving a total of $100,000 in grants from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation through the Damariscotta Bank and Trust Foundation Special Project Fund.

The announcement comes after the merger between Bangor Bancorp, MHC, parent company of Bangor Savings Bank, and Maine-based Damariscotta Bankshares, Inc., parent company of Damariscotta Bank and Trust Company (“DB&T”) was completed.

“These funds demonstrate our continued commitment to serving the communities in MidCoast Maine and beyond,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, in a news release. “With our new branch locations throughout Knox, Waldo and Lincoln counties, we look forward to further supporting these families, neighbors, and communities with these special funds.”

The Grant Awards are part of the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, which focuses philanthropic efforts on initiatives that will make surrounding communities more prosperous, more livable, and more vibrant.

The following grant recipients are among the many examples of the important work taking place in Maine’s Midcoast:

$10,000, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, Camden, Knox County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine changes the lives of over 650 youth facing adversity by providing meaningful, positive relationships that ignite their greatest potential. The organization’s successful mentoring programs pair children, ages 5-14 (Littles), with caring, responsible role models (Bigs) in one-to-one friendships in seven counties throughout Eastern, Coastal and Central Maine. These funds will help launch a new virtual platform, MentorNet, where mentors and children can connect virtually.

$10,000, Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition, Camden, Knox County

Addiction to drugs or alcohol has become all too common in MidCoast Maine, taking its toll on individuals and families throughout our communities. The Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition (MCRC) is a nonprofit organization that was created to support individuals and families to find help and healing for this challenging problem. While the nonprofit understands the impact that addiction can have on lives, it also knows it is possible to heal and grow. The funds will be used to assist MCRC in providing addiction recovery services for families at its residences in Camden and Rockland.

$7,500, Veggies to Table, Newcastle, Lincoln County

Veggies to Table grows top-quality organic produce and flowers to donate to local people experiencing food insecurity. The nonprofit creates community through volunteerism and provides education around healthy food. Additionally, in an aging population where many people face isolation, Veggies to Table’s hope is to break this lonely cycle. Its hope is that people of every age, belief, and background can meet, connect, and create lasting relationships right here on the farm. Funds will be used to assist with the purchase of a modern irrigation system, including a dug well, to expand the production of grown-to-donate organic produce for those struggling with food insecurity.

$5,000, Waldo County Woodshed, Belfast, Waldo County (Read: Firewood and good old-fashioned sweat equity keep Waldo county families warm this winter)
 

The Waldo County Woodshed is a volunteer-run nonprofit group that works to provide free firewood for people in need in the Waldo County. The Woodshed was founded in 2015 and currently operates from eight distribution sites throughout the County. Its focus is to keep people warm by providing emergency wood for those in need.

Additional Recipients:

• Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO)                     $7,500              Rockland, Knox County, ME   
• Belfast Area Child Care Services Inc.           $5,000              Waldo, Waldo County, ME
• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences        $2,500              East Boothbay, Lincoln County, ME
• Coastal Mountains Land Trust                      $7,500              Camden, Knox County, ME
• Ecology Learning Center                             $3,000              Unity, Waldo County, ME
• MCH Inc.                                                    $5,000              Rockland, Knox County, ME
• P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center                $5,000              Rockport, Knox County, ME
• Rockport Library Foundation                        $15,000            Rockport, Knox County, ME
• Wayfinder Schools                                      $7,000              Camden, Knox County, ME
• Whitefield Library                                        $10,000            Whitefield, Lincoln County, ME

“Organizations like these ensure our region is a thriving place to live, work, and call home,” said Montgomery-Rice. “They genuinely care about their impact in our communities, and as we continue to navigate during these unprecedented times, we value and appreciate all that they do. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these nonprofits.”

 Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $6  billion in assets, offers retail banking to consumers as well as comprehensive commercial, corporate, payroll administration, merchant services, and small business banking services to businesses. The Bank, founded in 1852, is in its 168th year with more than 60 branches in Maine and New Hampshire and on the Web at www.bangor.com. The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation was created in 1997. Together the Bank and its Foundation invested more than $2.5 million into the community in the form of sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal opportunity employer. Member FDIC.