MainStreet announces fourth quarter grants
Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation has announced the recipients of its quarterly awards for the fourth quarter of 2015. Recognizing a need for at-risk kids in Maine to be safe, healthy, active, happy, educated and nourished, the MainStreet Foundation awards impact grants four times each year to organizations actively working to help kids thrive. The grants vary based upon the need and are awarded in amounts of up to $5,000. In November, a total of $12,500 was awarded to the following four nonprofit organizations.
Junior Achievement of Maine. $5,000 was awarded to this Portland-based organization focused on reaching and educating Maine school children about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. The funds will allow JAME to bring Education, Career & Financial Skills programming to 160 Lewiston-Auburn third and fourth graders. The teachers and schools provide access to their classroom while businesses and professionals volunteer as presenters.
Woodfords Family Services. $2,500 was awarded to this Portland-based organization that supports people with disabilities and their families. The grant will partially fund a Pathways to Transition Project to prepare youth with disabilities to achieve the highest level of independence possible as they become adults.
Safe Voices. $2,500 was awarded to this Auburn-based nonprofit focused on supporting and empowering those affected by domestic violence in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin Counties. The grant will enable Safe Voices to continue the advocacy services of its child advocate position to at-risk children ages 0 to 18 exposed to domestic violence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick. $2,500 was awarded to this Brunswick-based organization that provides one-to-one mentoring services to over 300 at-risk kids. The funds will help support staffing costs. BBBS anticipates an increase of at least 60 children served within the next three years.
The total of grants awarded in 2015, including the quarterly grants and the foundation’s annual $25K for Kids award, was $77,780.
Headquartered in Lewiston since 1870, Androscoggin Bank is dedicated to serving the residents and businesses of Maine’s communities. For more information about the MainStreet Foundation, click on “Community” at www.androscogginbank.com.