AUGUSTA – United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has welcomed three nonprofit organizations as new partner programs, following UWKV’s most successful fundraising effort to date. The Capital Area New Mainers Project, Snow Pond Center for the Arts, and the Foster Grandparent Program will be eligible to apply for funding in UWKV’s next campaign cycle.

United Way board members and donor volunteers thoroughly vetted these programs as part of the organization’s annual funding allocations process. The effort resulted in the acceptance of three new funded partners in addition to the ongoing funding of 48 long-standing UWKV partners.

In 2018, businesses and individuals in the Greater Augusta community raised $1.74 million to help local people access basic needs, health care and education. Chris Russell, of G&E Roofing, and his 8-year-old daughter Gabby chaired the record-breaking campaign, encouraging local people to “Power the Dream” for a stronger, healthier Kennebec Valley. In the past three years, UWKV’s fundraising base has grown by 19 percent—enabling the organization to accept six new partner programs in that time frame.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community, United Way is in a position to partner with three new nonprofits that address critical issues and ultimately enhance the health and well-being of our region,” said UWKV Executive Director Rob Gordon. “Our volunteers believe that investing in these programs will give a hand up to children, families and our entire community.”

The Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) is a cross-cultural organization that welcomes immigrants and works to create a thriving, integrated community in central Maine. Through its Better Housing Program, CANMP offers micro-loans to help immigrant families pay for better housing, negotiates with local landlords on behalf of immigrants, and rents properties that can be leased to immigrant families.

"We are thrilled to partner with the United Way as we help immigrant families find appropriate, affordable housing in Augusta," said CANMP Executive Director Chris Myers Asch. "The United Way is helping us meet this critical need."

Snow Pond Center for the Arts is a unique community center, educational institution, and performing arts center located in Sidney. The organization also offers an arts-based after school program for underserved school-aged children in the Kennebec Valley region.

“Snow Pond is proud to partner with the United Way of Kennebec Valley and its member organizations to improve the quality of life and to help strengthen the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of this region,” said John Wiggin, executive director of the Snow Pond Center.

The Penquis Foster Grandparent Program provides tutors and mentors to children and youth with exceptional needs. Working one-on-one or in groups and serving between 15 and 40 hours a week, Foster Grandparents provide support in schools, Head Start centers, child care centers and other public and nonprofit locations. Participants help children learn to read, review schoolwork, reinforce values, provide tutoring, and guide children at a critical time in their lives.

"Communities thrive when they meet the needs of citizens of all ages, and this project genuinely benefits both ends of the age spectrum,” said Maria Staples, director of the Foster Grandparent Program. “With United Way’s help, we can mobilize one of Maine’s greatest resources—its seniors—to prepare our children to be successful students and responsible citizens.”

Last year, United Way funding directly helped 22,800 local people, or 30 percent of the Kennebec Valley population. UWKV expects to support even more individuals and families in the coming year with the addition of these three programs.

Nonprofits in the Kennebec Valley region are eligible to apply for UWKV membership each January. For more information, visit uwkv.org.

PICTURED: Members of the Capital Area New Mainers Project