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 or help an older resident stay in their home longer.

CCC’s flexible support funds help children and parents overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and reach their potential. They are lifelines for Washington County and Passamaquoddy families that can be accessed by CCC partners working on their behalf. In line with our mission, these
supports build family and partner capacity. With CCC flexible support funds, families can navigate overwhelming challenges and children can experience safety, belonging, and joy.

The Community Caring Collaborative is deeply invested in the short-term and long-term well being of our neighbors in Washington County and Passamaquoddy communities. We work with partners from local agencies, institutions and initiatives to respond to challenges at the individual and community level, and have developed strategies that work, such as flexible funding programs focusing on specific goals for community members, a durable medical equipment exchange, and a comprehensive platform for connecting people to resources. Following is a brief description of each of these endeavors, any of which you can choose to fund specifically with your donation.

The Hope Fund provides one-time financial assistance for expenses that threaten a family’s ability to care for their children (ages 0–8) and are not covered by other sources. Examples of support have included auto repairs, security deposits, safety equipment, essential household
items (furniture, appliances), educational supplies, and more.

The Dream Fund established in 2016 to honor CCC founder Marjorie Withers, provides financial support for children and youth (ages 5–18) to pursue their passions through activities that build resilience, confidence, and connection. Examples include summer camps, music and
art lessons, driver’s education, bicycles, and outdoor equipment.

In the Coming Year, families in Washington County are facing unique and stressful constraints. As we head into winter, many will see challenges accessing public benefits and health care subsidies. There are fewer regional flexible financial resources, and county-level financial
challenges will affect taxpayers directly. Temporary closure of pulp mill operations in Baileyville and less traffic at the border are hurting families and businesses. Times are exceedingly tight. This kind of stress takes its toll - on a child’s healthy development, on a parent’s recovery
journey, on family well-being overall.

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 Joy Fund assists first-time homebuyers make the transition to home ownership by providing funds for home inspections related to a home purchase. Inspections are the best tool to navigate home repair and maintenance, offer a negotiation chip, and/or avoid costly repairs before committing to the purchase.

The Connection Initiative (TCI) is a county-wide program hosted and coordinated by the CCC that connects community members to needed resources. It uses an online platform that allows the moderator to connect community members to needed resources or organizations. A person can email, call/text, use Facebook Messenger or visit TCI’s website to reach out for help.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME), like wheel chairs, walkers, hospital beds, bath or shower chairs, and bedside commodes, play a huge role in a patient’s transition from the hospital after surgery and continued safety. Many of these expensive medical items are not covered by health insurance but might be required for older Mainers and those with chronic illness to either convalesce after a hospital stay or remain at home for as long as possible. The CCC coordinates the donating and borrowing of DME through The Connection Initiative.

Thank you for your support! Your gift will be processed by our fiscal sponsor, Sunrise Opportunities, and is fully tax-deductible.

Help CCC fund its community programs

Flexible Support Funds and Home Inspections