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2026 HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE FORUM RECORDING AVAILABLE

The Home Energy Assistance Forum, hosted by Avec virtually each fall, is designed to inform local organizations - such as towns, churches, and community groups - on the growing need for home energy support and the resources available to assist residents. The 2026 session, held on October 14, was especially important and well attended in light of the record high fuel costs facing households this heating season. The informative presentation provides valuable insight into regional energy challenges, available assistance programs, and how organizations can play a role in connecting individuals to support they need to stay warm and safe in their home. View the Forum recording by clicking on the image above, and access the presentation slides here.

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.

MEDIA COVERAGE ON HOME HEATING CHALLENGES

Bangor Daily News

WAGM-TV

Northern Maine saw its first snowfall of the season Tuesday night. Nighttime temperatures have barely dipped below freezing and most Mainers have yet to turn on their heat, but the threat of winter looms.

As the Iran war and other global conflicts have skyrocketed the price of oil, Maine will uniquely feel the burden once the weather turns cold. It is the most dependent state in the U.S. on home heating oil, which more than 57% of households use as a fuel source. 

The average price of heating oil is roughly 80% higher than this time last year, lingering around a record high of $6 per gallon for the last month.  

Read more...

Aroostook County residents needing help with heating systems may have to wait longer for assistance. AVEC Community Action held a virtual meeting to discuss heating assistance and the challenges facing local households.

About 100 people, including state representatives, health facility managers and oil company employees, joined the meeting to hear about efforts to keep people warm this winter. One program discussed was the Central Heating Improvement Program, which helps with heating system repairs. 155 households in Aroostook County are currently on the waiting list. Read more...

WAGM-TV:

NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHILD CARE CENTER PARTNERSHIP WITH AVEC GIVES STUDENTS HANDS-ON TRAINING

Northern Maine Community College and Avec Community Action have partnered to address the shortage of childcare options. Access the full story here.

THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY IN ACTION RADIO SEGMENT OFFERS AN UPDATE ON FRIENDSHIP COTTAGE

“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 Aging Services Program Coordinator Anne Ossanna talking about all things Friendship Cottage—from renovation updates to the services provided daily.

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.

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 January Pederson brings valuable perspective to the board through her experiences as a caregiver and parent. A high school graduate, Pederson works in private home care where she provides support and assistance to individuals and families. This experience has strengthened her commitment to helping others and improving quality of life within the communities she serves.

Regarding her service with Avec Community Action, Pederson states, “I am very proud of this Community Action Agency, and proud to be a part of it.” Her dedication to the agency’s mission reflects her commitment to supporting children, families and individuals throughout the region.

In addition to her board service, Pederson is actively involved with Avec Community Action's Parent Policy Council where she helps represent the interests and perspectives of families participating in agency programs. Her involvement provides an important voice for parents and community members.

In her spare time, Pederson enjoys going for walks and spending time with her children. Her experiences as a parent and caregiver bring practical insight and a strong commitment to service to the board.

MAINE CHILD WELFARE ACTION NETWORK

AND THE OFFICE OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES HOST CONVERSATIONS AROUND MANDATED REPORTING

The Maine Child Welfare Action Network (MCWAN) and Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) would like to invite you to participate in a Community Conversation on Mandated Reporting. MCWAN and OCFS are co-hosting this series of regional conversations that will bring together mandated reporters and local child welfare staff to consider shifts in mandated reporting and community support for families in Maine.

Meeting Details:

• Bangor (District 6): Tuesday, 10/27
• Caribou (District 8): Wednesday, 10/28
• Rockland (District 4): Tuesday, 11/3
• Augusta (District 5): Tuesday, 11/10
• Portland (District 2): Wednesday, 11/18
• Biddeford (District 1): Thursday, 11/19
• Machias (District 7): Wednesday, 12/2
• Lewiston (District 3): Thursday, 12/3

Each event will take place from 9:00am - 12:00pm. An optional networking lunch will take place from 12:00pm - 1:00pm (lunch will be provided). 

The deadline for registration is Friday, October 23^rd.

Please RSVP here

Confirmed meeting locations will be shared with registered participants via email after the registration deadline has passed.

OCTOBER'S COMMUNITY IN ACTION FEATURE INTERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS OUR NEW NAME AND BRAND

This month's Community in Action video feature interview includes CEO Jason Parent and a team of staff members spanning the three counties we serve explaining the rich meaning and heritage behind our new name—Avec Community Action.

SNAPSHOT OF THE WEEK

Students at Avec's Caribou Community School After School Program recently had the opportunity to practice their engineering skills. They clearly enjoyed the process and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully completing a project.

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