ROCKLAND — What if a new mattress were all that was needed for an individual to move forward in life? How about an outfit for a job interview or the money to pay the auto repair bill?

A group in Rockland is in the initial stages of establishing a local version of the Community Investors Initiative, which is already in play in Waterville. This initiative connects individuals with seemingly small-scale obstacles with local philanthropists ready to give a boost.

Waterville's group, KVCAP's Poverty Action Coalition, is run by four partner agencies that submit requests on behalf of clients with essential needs unfulfillable by another service or program, according to Rebecca Dinces, Regional Manager of Penquis.

These requests are sent weekly via email to the group of "Community Investors" — community members who want to make a difference in people's lives. The investors then choose to make a monetary or material donation.

The Rockland group, under the auspices of Penquis, learned of Waterville's initiative from Rockport medical practitioner Ira Mandel.

Since then, representatives from Knox Homeless Coalition, Knox County Community Health Coalition, One Community, Area Interfaith Outreach, General Assistance in Rockland and Penquis have studied Waterville's program model.

"We hope to be able to fill needs that are not currently being served; for example, helping a single mom fix her car so she can continue getting to work, or providing new eyeglasses to a young person so he or she can be successful in school," Dinces said.

Waterville's program sprouted in 2014 from a plea to community members by then Waterville Mayor Karen Heck to help find ways to curb rising poverty in that area.

In a letter to the editor published by the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel January 1, 2016, Paige Barker wrote of Poverty Action Coalition's mission and successes.

"In eight months, we have recruited 226 investors and raised several thousand dollars. Money is needed for some requests, but one does not need money to be an investor. A spare microwave in someone's garage could be a godsend to a single mother who struggles to balance work and caring for her child. The unworn clothes in the back of someone's closet could be perfect for another person who needs clothing for an interview.

"There has been a lot of bad news in the world of late, but we don't despair. Good things are happening right here. Each donation, no matter how small, is a worthwhile investment in our community."

Members of the community wanting to become involved with this initiative may contact Rebecca Dinces.

Rebecca Dinces
Regional Manager

315 Main St., Suite 205, Rockland, ME 04841

p: 207.974.2435

f: 207.973.3699

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.