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All programs and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance

of Indigenous Peoples Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13.

OCTOBER 14 ENERGY ASSISTANCE FORUM TO PROVIDE CRITICAL INFORMATION ON FUEL ASSISTANCE AMID RISING WINTER HEATING COSTS FOR NORTHERN AND DOWNEAST MAINE

Avec Community Action, United Way of Aroostook and Heart of Maine United Way to Discuss HEAP Changes, Eligibility, Emergency Benefits and Community Resources

With winter approaching and many households already concerned about the impact of rising home heating costs, regional nonprofit organizations are coming together to help communities better understand the resources available to keep Maine families safe and warm throughout the coming heating season.

Avec Community Action, United Way of Aroostook and Heart of Maine United Way will host the 2026 Regional Home Energy Assistance Forum on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The virtual event will bring together representatives from the three organizations, along with 211 Maine, to provide the latest information on home energy assistance programs, emergency resources and community response efforts serving residents across Northern and Downeast Maine.

The forum comes at a particularly important time as families, older adults and individuals on fixed incomes throughout Aroostook, Washington, Hancock and neighboring counties prepare for another winter of significant heating expenses. Community leaders, municipal officials, faith-based organizations, social service providers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend to learn about resources available to local residents and strategies for helping households access assistance before winter emergencies arise.

“Providing timely and accurate information is one of the most effective ways we can help families prepare for the heating season,” said Jason Parent, Chief Executive Officer of Avec Community Action. “This forum brings together organizations working on the front lines of energy assistance to ensure communities understand what help is available, who qualifies, and how residents can access support before they face a crisis.” Read more...

“Community in Action” is our weekly informational segment airing every Friday morning on Ellsworth-based Community Radio Station Star 97.7. The most recent segment features CEO Jason Parent and Energy Program Supervisor Brittany Warner talking about heating assistance.

These interviews air Fridays at 6:40 a.m. and 6:50 a.m., with replays at 8:40 a.m. and 8:50 a.m., and are featured here in our Weekly Briefing and on the Star 97.7 website.To listen to this week’s segment, click on the image.

There is no need to wait for an appointment to apply for heating assistance. You can apply at any time online. If you prefer an in-person or phone appointment, please call us at (207) 768-3053.

AROOSTOOK MAINECARE RECIPIENTS:

JOIN A LISTENINING SESSION ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

The session will provide an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts and experiences regarding changes to MaineCare and how the new work requirements may affect them and their families.

• Light refreshments available
• $50 gift card per family for participation

AARP COFFEE TALK OFFERS COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES IN CARIBOU

Community members are invited to join AARP Maine for its monthly Coffee Talk in Caribou. The free event offers an opportunity to enjoy coffee and a snack while connecting with neighbors, volunteers and local organizations. Attendees can learn about programs and resources that support older adults and communities throughout Maine.

The October program will feature Maine Community Inclusion through Technology (CITE), a statewide initiative that helps people with disabilities increase independence through assistive technology. The discussion will highlight how technology can improve daily living and expand opportunities for individuals and families.

The event is free, but advance registration is encouraged.

Event Details

• When: Oct. 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Where: The Center for the Advancement of Rural Living, 46 Sweden St., Caribou
• Host: AARP Maine
• Registration Deadline: Oct. 7, 2026

ELLSWORTH CHILDREN RECEIVE DENTAL CARE FROM SWEET SMILES

Last week, Sweet Smiles Dental Clinic visited our Ellsworth Early Care and Education program, giving ten children the opportunity to receive dental care in their learning environment.

With coordination from Caley Smith, Health and Safety Manager, children were able to connect with dental professionals and take an important step in caring for their healthy smiles.

Care for children's physical health is an important part of our early care and education programs," said Smith.

"We’re grateful for partnerships that help make taking good care of their health a positive, accessible part of each child’s early learning journey!"

PREVENTION PROGRAM STAFF MEMBERS ATTEND

CARY MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

On October 2, Program Coordinator Theresa Dow and Community Educator June Levesque attended Cary Medical Center's 2026 Health & Wellness Expo. This was an amazing opportunity to connect with members of our community and to show them that our new name is supported by the same helpful people and services they have come to know and trust," says Dow. During the event, they shared agency resources and provided information about the programs and services available to support health and wellness in the local community.

OCTOBER'S HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS - LAST ONE IN 2026 -

CAN BE ATTENDED IN-PERSON IN STONINGTON OR VIRTUALLY

The Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) is being updated as part of a collaborative effort with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) and the Office of the Public Advocate to improve how assistance is provided to eligible customers.

For customers that are currently enrolled in LIAP, program changes will look like:

• Program funding has been expanded by the MPUC.
• Benefits will change from a one-time lump sum to a monthly discount.
• Once enrolled, you will see the discount on your monthly bill.
• If enrolled in a Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) program—SNAP, MaineCare, and TANF—and you have given them permission to share your information, you may be automatically enrolled.

These updates are intended to help make electric costs more affordable for eligible customers by providing ongoing support throughout the year. The updates may also help ease the enrollment process for our DHHS eligible customers. Applications may still be submitted through Avec or your local Community Action Agency (CAA).

You may contact our Customer Contact Center at 207-973-2000 or 1-855-363-7211 from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with any questions. If your electric service is provided in the Maine Public district, view discount and estimated savings here.

MAINE'S EVICTION PREVENTION PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN

Are you facing eviction because you’re behind on your rent? Maine’s Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) may help.

What is the EPP?

The Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) can help Maine renters pay past due and future rent for up to 12 months in the amount of $800/month. The payment must be made directly to your landlord, so they must be willing to participate in the program. 

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is based on household income, household size, income, and housing situation. You may qualify if:

• You’re a full time Maine resident and you rent an apartment, mobile home, or lot for a mobile home
• You meet the program’s income and rent limits 
• You owe your landlord past due rent
• You don’t have a federal housing voucher (like Section 8) or live in subsidized housing (like public housing or other HUD or USDA subsidized housing) 

What else is important to know?

EPP applications are prioritized based on housing circumstances and, once complete, are processed first-come, first-served. Even if you are not sure if you need help yet, you should still apply now so you can be considered later.

How to get more information and apply:

You can apply online, or by phone at (207) 274-1240. 

If you need an interpreter to apply, call and leave a message for Project Home telling them your name, phone number, and what language you need. You may leave the message in your preferred language. 

TRIPLE P—POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM CLASSES

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

With Avec Community Action having expanded to cover a three-county region, our Governance Board has increased from a 21-member board to a 30-member board with representation from all three counties and a unique understanding of each county's needs. The Board Member Spotlight offers an opportunity to introduce each board member and highlight the strengths and experience they bring to our agency.

Board member Gary Sanfacon has dedicated more than five decades to public service and public safety. He currently works for the State of Maine Department of Corrections, Juvenile Services, where he has served for 28 years. Prior to that role, Sanfacon spent 24 years as a municipal police officer and administrator. Through his extensive experience in law enforcement, juvenile services and public administration, he brings valuable leadership and public safety expertise to the ongoing work of community action.

Sanfacon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in behavioral science, an associate degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. His education and professional experience have provided him with a broad understanding of community needs, public service and organizational leadership.

In addition to his board service with Avec, Sanfacon is active in his community through the Kiwanis Club and church committees. He remains especially interested in public safety and preparedness, world geopolitical and military affairs, and issues affecting communities and families.

When he is not involved in professional or community activities, Sanfacon enjoys travel, theater, music and movies.

Holly Guerrette serves in multiple roles at Avec Community Action, drawing on her education in Criminal Justice to support individuals and strengthen communities. 

With a lifelong passion for helping others, Holly works with individuals experiencing homelessness to help them access safe, stable, and affordable housing. She also works in Restorative Justice, supporting youth as they understand the impact of their actions, take accountability, and develop skills to make positive choices—helping them avoid involvement in the criminal justice system. 

In addition, Holly teaches Prime for Life at the local jail, providing incarcerated adults with education and practical tools to make informed decisions about substance use and reduce the risk of future consequences. 

Across each of her roles, Holly is committed to empowering individuals, fostering positive change, and creating opportunities for people to build safer, more stable, and successful futures. Her work reflects her belief that everyone deserves support, accountability, and the opportunity to make meaningful change in their lives. 

SNAPSHOT OF THE WEEK

Avec Community Action staff members participated in a grantee luncheon hosted by Machias Savings Bank last week, alongside other regional non-profit organizations. We are grateful to Machias Savings Bank for saying yes to a $5,000 grant that will help make diapers available to families in Washington County. We appreciate their partnership with us to help our communities find a way forward. Their generosity proves we are stronger together!

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