ROCKLAND — New Hope for Women, offering support to people in Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, is among those selected as a 2019 United Midcoast Charities (UMC) grant recipient.

Established in 1981, New Hope for Women serves Waldo, Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, 73 cities and towns, and six islands with year-round population. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

In 2018, the agency provided 4,660 hours of direct service to 1,475 individuals, including 899 hours of legal/court services. It also furnished 62 safe home nights, 6,061 direct service volunteer hours, and 2,534 hours of community and youth education to 7,932 individuals.

In speaking about the grant, New Hope for Women’s Executive Director Rebekah Paredes explained how fortunate the Midcoast is to have an organization like United Midcoast Charities, which assists dozens of local organizations like New Hope for Women with the support they need to make a difference in our communities.

“We are so grateful for UMC’s support,” said Paredes, in a news release. “We were granted funding under UMC’s Health & Safety grant category. This funding will help us to continue to offer advocacy, legal support services and transitional housing as well as other support to community members within Knox and Waldo counties. Many thanks to UMC Executive Director Megan Williams, UMC Board President John Viehman, and the Board of UMC for their support!”

UMC’s open, competitive annual grants process supports nonprofit agencies in Knox and Waldo counties working in the areas of food, housing, health & safety and economic security.

Every dollar donated to UMC is applied to its grant program, which during the last three years alone has provided more than $1.5 million to recipients in Knox and Waldo counties, according to the release. In addition to providing grants, UMC offers educational programs and other learning resources for all local nonprofits, including those who do not receive funding.

Learn more about New Hope for Women at www.newhopeforwomen.org, on Facebook at NewHopeMaine, on Instagram at @newhopeforwomen, or call 800-522-3304.