On June 12, United Way of Aroostook hosted its annual meeting with a breakfast held at the UMPI Campus Center in Presque Isle.

Over 100 guests attended the meeting.  The meeting served as an opportunity to highlight donors, businesses, and organizations which support the work of United Way of Aroostook.  United Way also announced the eighteen agencies it will help to fund along with three special programs it will support with grants.  A new president, vice president, and board members were installed at the meeting.

Handing over the reins to new Board President Wanda Guiggey was outgoing President, Luke Rossignol. The new Vice President is Jon Gulliver. Current board members include Kathie Beaulieu, Alain Bois, Dicole DiVito, Bonnie Foster, Ryan Guerrette, Tony Lahey (Treasurer), Jennifer Levesque, James Mattila, Bill Schofield, Laura Turner, and Sue Watson.  Honorary Members: Dan Bagley and Cheri Doak. Newly installed board members are Scott Amero, Lydia Kieffer-Till, Ben Lothrop, and Denise Plourde.

Outgoing President Luke Rossignol gave his address to the group, stating, “The thing I love best about serving on the board is seeing how United Way pulls together resources and asks the community to work collaboratively to get things done.  By working together, we can solve the big problems.”

Newly named President Wanda Guiggey discussed the importance of volunteerism to United Way. In the last twelve months, United Way has logged over 3,000 hours of volunteer time. Cheri Doak, Senior Vice President at KeyBank, NA, was awarded Volunteer of the Year, serving United Way in many distinct roles, serving on the board and as president from 2012-2014.  She has been a leader in the organization, helping to facilitate the move to the greatest impact model.

Campaign Co-chair, Jess Ouellette, presented a special award to Emera Maine for its dedication to the mission of United Way.

Nonprofit agencies applied for funding back in March and the Fund Distribution Task Force, made up of community volunteers, determined which agencies would receive funding and at what level.  At this meeting, Guiggey and Campaign Co-Chair Jon Gulliver presented the new agencies with their funding packages.

Agencies and programs which strengthen children and families which were awarded funds were ACAP’s Child and Family Services, ACAP’s Woman, Infant, and Children’s program, Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook, Aroostook Council for Healthy Families-Maine Families Aroostook, Aroostook Council for Healthy Families-Raising Stronger Families, Boys and Girls Club of Presque Isle, Central Aroostook Association, Hope & Justice Project, and St. John Valley Associates.

Agencies and Programs which support seniors and receiving funding were Aroostook Area on Aging-Nutrition Services, Aroostook Area on Aging-Aroostook RSVP, and Putnam House.

Agencies and Programs which help to meet basic needs and support self-sufficiency also received funding.  They were ACAP-Workforce Development with AMHC, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities Hunger Relief Services, Grace Interfaith Food Table, Homeless Services of Aroostook, and Salvation Army.

Three local programs which received special partnership grants were Aid for Kids, The Northern Lighthouse, and AMHC Child Advocacy Center.

The meeting was wrapped up with Executive Director Sherry Locke, thanking the community for its support as United Way evolves to create the greatest impact.  She also thanked the donors, businesses, and organizations for helping to increase the reach of United Way of Aroostook.

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