"Little by little, a little becomes a lot." – Tanzanian Proverb

No single program or tool can lift a family out of poverty, but a network of pooled resources can become a pathway to family stability and long-term well-being.

For the price of one set of tires, a parent can keep their job and continue to provide for their family. One security deposit can keep an entire family housed. By building a family's assets, even in seemingly small ways, the CCC is able to support that family's progress and also the good work of all the agencies who are also investing in that family.

While the CCC engages in very little fundraising from individuals, we accept donations that we put to work building assets for families as they achieve their goals and realize dreams for themselves and their children.

Your donation will directly support local families through these three CCC programs:

The Hope Fund provides for one-time financial expenses that threaten the well-being of a family in Washington County. It is designed to be one part of an overall plan of services or supports. Awards are made for housing, transportation, medical, mental health, dental, employment, and education. In its 10 years of operation, the Hope Fund has helped over 750 families stay on track with awards of $1,000 or less. Do these little bits add up to a lot? They sure do! Ten years of operation has led to contributing over $350,000 for auto repairs or purchases, over $240,000 for housing requests and $118,000 in other requested dollars distributed on behalf of families who are moving forward in Washington County.

The Dream Fund allows children and young adults to pursue something that gives them joy and is beyond the financial capacity of their family. The program was created in 2016 when CCC founding director, Marjorie Withers, retired, made an investment to kindle hope in our youth and encourage experiences that would build self-esteem and mastery. Funds have helped children attend camps, take music lessons, enroll in classes such as dance or art as well as purchasing items for children like a traditional drum for a Passamaquoddy child, sensory items, bicycles and other items that will help nurture a child's dream. The Dream Fund allows youth to master skills and build relationships with peers and caring adults. Not only that, but what parent wouldn't feel better knowing that their child can participate in summer camp with their peers or ride bikes with their friends? Well-being is a family experience, and joy is a family asset. During the first 6 years of Dream Fund, over 200 awards have been made totaling over $85,000 towards youth dreams for families in Washington County.

Flex Funds are immediately-available resources for families during emergencies or other small, important expenses. Integral to the success of CCC model programs like Family Futures Downeast and partner programs CCC supports like Start Up Downeast, Flex Funds may be used for childcare during class time, auto repairs, work supplies, eyeglasses as well as many other barriers families face while working towards their education.

The CCC will direct your support wherever it is most needed. Your gift will be processed by our fiscal sponsor, Sunrise Opportunities, and is fully tax-deductible.

Thank you!

The CCC team

Immediate, Concrete Help for Families

By Community Caring Collaborative

Immediate, Concrete Help for Families

Help us to help families stay on track