ROCKLAND — OUT Maine has announced the addition of Jennifer Temple to its team as development and communications coordinator. This new position will allow OUT to grow its donor and volunteer base as the program itself expands statewide, according to the organization in a media release.

Temple and her family have lived in Midcoast Maine for 14 years. Much of that time she was self-employed as the co-owner of Clean Bee Laundry in Camden. After selling the business, she is returning to social service.

"One of the aspects I liked most about running my own business was the challenge of communicating the intention behind the service. By using social media as well as direct contact from personalized notes to utilizing community bulletin boards, OUT Maine has a wonderful story to tell. OUT Maine is all about creating safe spaces - in schools, in families, and in communities and I'm proud to be part of this meaningful work."

OUT Maine Executive Director Jeanne Dooley said, "Having a third staff member, one who is based in our downtown Rockland office and focused on streamlining systems and expanding community connections, is helping OUT be more involved in community and school outreach.”

OUT Maine was originally OUT! As I Want To Be, and began 20 years ago as a volunteer-led organization. Started as a drop-in center for Rockland based youth, OUT Maine maintains drop-in hours for local youth and has expanded its reach by assisting middle schools and high schools in establishing Gay Straight Trans Alliances and offering supportive training to educators, service and health care providers.

As OUT Maine continues to grow, it welcomes volunteers. Anyone interested in helping OUT — from administrative tasks to participating with staff during the drop-in hours — is welcome to sent email to jennifer@outmaine.org or call 800-530-6997.