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http://www.ccmaine.org
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Categories: Community Service, Elderly, Ethnic, [ View All ]
Catholic Charities Maine Charity Profile
Since 1966, Catholic Charities Maine has dedicated itself to creating, administering, and advocating for programs and services that reach out and meet the critical human service needs of our state.
Our professionally trained staff and over 1,000 volunteers help individuals from birth through old age overcome obstacles in their lives that threaten their self-sufficiency. Last year, we provided services to over 40,000 individuals in Maine, and touched the lives of countless others through our advocacy and convening efforts. While some of the people we serve are Catholic, many are not. Some can afford to pay for the services they receive, but most cannot. Our agency attempts to help all who request assistance either through direct assistance or appropriate referral.
Catholic Charities Maine Volunteer Information
Lewiston, Maine- Imagine arriving in Lewiston, Maine from a refugee camp in Somalia or Burma and not knowing the language or the customs of America. How do I mail a letter? What do traffic lights mean? What type of clothing do I need to survive a Maine winter? These simple tasks are often taken for granted but to a refugee, learning American customs and social etiquette can be an overwhelming experience. This is where an American Friend steps in to help.
To a refugee our country is another world. The American Friends program, through Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services, is designed to match caring, English-speaking families or individuals with refugee families to help ease the very difficult transition these refugees experience when they move from their country and culture to ours. Generally, the American Friends volunteer helps the refugee family: Learn to function independently in their new surroundings, cope with cultural shock, preserve their cultural identity, and learn a new language.
Tobin Hagelin and her family have been volunteering as American Friends to Dayreh and Someh from Burma since June of this year. According to Tobin the experience has been “such a valuable learning experience for herself and her family.” Volunteering with her refugee family for just an hour or two a week has created a bond between the 2 families that will last a lifetime. Tobin’s daughter has play dates with Dayrek and Someh’s daughter, and her teenage sons take the older children on bike rides around the neighborhood. Tobin remarked, “if you just give what time you can, you will make a difference in someone’s life.”
You can make a difference in someone’s life! For additional information on the American Friends program in Lewiston, please contact Aimee Vlachos-Bullard, Volunteer Coordinator, at (207)523-2737 or at abullard@ccmaine.org.
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Catholic Charities Maine Donation Information
Catholic Charities Maine
Refugee and Immigration Services
Wish list
Household Items-Immediate Need
Dining Room Tables and Chairs
Couches
Coffee Tables
Mattresses
Bureaus
Blankets
Pillows
Phones
Pots and Pans
Bed Sheets
Towels
Other Needed Items
Toiletries (can be travel size)
Hannaford Gift Cards
City Trash Bags
Backpacks
Winter Clothing
Donations in good condition are tax deductible. Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services will arrange to pick up the furniture from your home/office/etc. Contact: Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services Volunteer and Donation Office at (207) 523-2729 or (207) 871-7437 X 729.
Catholic Charities Maine
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Catholic Charities Maine
