Lewiston, ME: Avangrid Foundation in partnership with Central Maine Power, the local affiliate of AVANGRID in Maine has gifted $10,000 in grant funding to United Way of Androscoggin County in support of homeless youth. This 2020 partnership aligns with the Avangrid Foundation’s mission to support unmet needs in Maine where there is the most risk.
United Way will use the funds to support programs for runaway and homeless youth at New Beginnings, Inc., a long-time United Way community partner based in Lewiston. New Beginnings operates the only youth shelter in Maine licensed for 24-hour care, along with housing, counseling, and outreach services for young people who are at risk for or experiencing homelessness. Helping approximately 700 children, teens, and young adults each year, they focus on the safety, connection, and growth that all individuals need to thrive.
Joleen Bedard, Executive Director for United Way of Androscoggin County, stated, “We are grateful for the continued support from Avangrid Foundation. United Way of Androscoggin County’s mission is to increase the organizational capacity to care for one another. We do this by funding several initiatives including early childhood education, serving seniors, and helping homeless youth – which this grant directly impacts.”
United Way of Androscoggin County supports over 30,000 individuals and families in the Androscoggin and Oxford counties through their partner agencies. As a health and human service organization, United Way of Androscoggin County’s impact areas include financial stability, health, and education. To learn more, please visit their website at www.unitedwayandro.org. United Way also supports 211 Maine, which is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach 211 by dialing 2-1-1, by texting your zip code to 898-211, or by visiting www.211maine.org.
Since 1980, New Beginnings, Inc. has been partnering with youth to create lasting change, so all youth have a safe place to live and opportunities to grow. New Beginnings works with young people, their families, and other providers to ensure that vulnerable youth in Maine have access to the safe housing, supportive services, and positive relationships that they need to become healthy and stable adults. To learn more, please visit www.newbeginmaine.org or call our agency offices at 207-795-4077. 24-HOUR HELPLINE for youth shelter & referrals: 207-795-4070.
The Avangrid Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds philanthropic investments that primarily impact communities where AVANGRID, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate. Since 2002, the Avangrid Foundation and its predecessors have invested more than $21 million in partnerships that focus on building sustainable, vital and healthy communities; preserving cultural and artistic heritage; advancing education; and improving people’s lives. The Avangrid Foundation is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the United States. For more information, please visit www.avangridfoundation.org.
For more information, please contact Joleen Bedard, Executive Director for the United Way of Androscoggin County at 207-795-4000.
