Community... What a Concept

It's NeighborWorks Week! Every year at this time, we celebrate CCI's partnership with NeighborWorks America and the impactful work of the NeighborWorks network across the country. In this episode, Neighborworks' Susan Jouard joins us to share about the organization and its mission to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. On July 1st, CCI will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary of being part of the N...

Guests Misty Parker and Jacqueline Crucet with the City of Lewiston share details on exciting projects coming to life through the City's Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan. Hear updates on new housing developments, expansions to daycare and early learning opportunities in our community, beautification initiatives, and the approval of the Riverfront Island Master Plan.To learn more about the Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov.Special thanks to Willia...

Guest Elizabeth Badger joins us to share about The Catholic Foundation of Maine, a nonprofit organization giving people the opportunity to charitably invest for the long term and in support of causes they care most about.Through the foundation, gifts and endowments may be given, established, or designated for a wide variety of needs, ministries, organizations, or programs. Anyone can create a fund through the Foundation, and the organization works with donors of all levels.To learn more, visi...

Guests Kari Taylor, Tina Jones, and Aaron Ryder with Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI) join us to share an update on their organization and the recent grand opening of The HILLS Recovery Center in Norway.The HILLS Recovery Center, located at 15 Tannery Street in Norway, provides a safe space for people to come to learn about recovery resources and services in our communities. The Center is open Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm, and no appointment is needed to speak with the...

Special guest Lisa Rodrigues joins us to share some exciting updates on The SHAREcenter, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing reusable resources and supporting Maine's environment, education, and economy. Since Lisa last joined us, The SHAREcenter has moved its Lewiston location! The SHAREcenter is now located at 1830 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, which will also be the home of the organization's new retail store, "The Green for ME Emporium." The store will be open to the public and will sell cloth...

Guests Susan Denoncour and Melissa Robinson with CCI's Family Services team join us to share about programs offered by their department, as well as plans and events scheduled in April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. CCI offers parenting workshops, provider workshops, family playgroups, and home visiting services with the Maine Families Program, all working to help strengthen and support families and our communities. Visit our website to learn more or to sign up for a program or workshop tod...

Special Guest Mia Purcell, VP of Economic Development at Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC), joins us to share an update on her work surrounding digital equity and expanding access to high-speed, quality internet service in the Oxford Hills region and beyond.Do you want to support expanding broadband in Maine? Join our team! Mia is recruiting a Digital Navigator who will provide assistance and support to individuals who need home internet service, affordable internet-capable device...

Lisa McGee, Energy Manager at Community Concepts, joins us to share updates on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and to announce the Winter Energy Relief Program, a new initiative providing additional energy assistance to Maine residents. If you live in Androscoggin or Oxford County and are struggling to afford heating your home, please call us! We can determine what assistance you are eligible for. You may qualify for HEAP if you are a: renter, renter with heat included, ho...

Marjorie Millett, Homeownership Center Manager with Community Concepts Finance Corporation, joins us to share about the L/A CA$H Coalition's Free Tax Prep Service in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. For tax filers in Androscoggin or Oxford Counties with a total income of $60,000 or less, the Free Tax Prep Program is available by appointment only. To make an appointment:Call 207-739-6530Email [email protected] Schedule online through the EzNET scheduler hereUpload docume...

Before diving deeper into 2023, the team catches up on all things CCI and reflects on the many impactful organizations we learned about on the podcast throughout 2022. Resource Development Manager Christian Ricci also joins us to share about our Annual Appeal, Town Campaign, and the CCI Impact Circle, and we introduce our agency's new Chief Executive Officer, Jim Martin, who joined the CCI team at the beginning of the year. Don't forget! The podcast now comes out bi-weekly on the second ...