Community... What a Concept Community Concepts

Special Guest Mia Purcell, VP of Economic Development at Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC), joins us to share an update on her work surrounding digital equity and expanding access to high-speed, quality internet service in the Oxford Hills region and beyond.

Do you want to support expanding broadband in Maine? Join our team! Mia is recruiting a Digital Navigator who will provide assistance and support to individuals who need home internet service, affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills to become effective home internet users. To learn more and apply, click here.

Looking for a faster way to get involved? The Maine Connectivity Authority wants to hear from you! Take their survey to provide feedback and help develop a Broadband Action Plan for Maine. 
Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Lisa McGee, Energy Manager at Community Concepts, joins us to share updates on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and to announce the Winter Energy Relief Program, a new initiative providing additional energy assistance to Maine residents.

If you live in Androscoggin or Oxford County and are struggling to afford heating your home, please call us! We can determine what assistance you are eligible for. 
You may qualify for HEAP if you are a: renter, renter with heat included, homeowner, subsidized renter with heat not included, employed or unemployed, or have income earned by wages or other sources.If you qualify for HEAP, you may qualify for many other programs. Our team will help direct you to those programs once your application has been approved. If you are over income for HEAP, you may be eligible for the new Winter Energy Relief Program. This program provides an $800 payment directly to your vendor, funded by the energy relief bill passed by Maine State Legislature and signed by Governor Mills in January. Emergency Fuel Assistance is available for anyone in danger of running out of heating fuel (oil, wood pellets, kerosene, etc.).To apply, please call us: 
207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716
TTY Relay: Dial 711 to connect to a Maine Relay Operator
Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Marjorie Millett, Homeownership Center Manager with Community Concepts Finance Corporation, joins us to share about the L/A CA$H Coalition's Free Tax Prep Service in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. 

For tax filers in Androscoggin or Oxford Counties with a total income of $60,000 or less, the Free Tax Prep Program is available by appointment only. To make an appointment:
Call 207-739-6530Email laca$h@community-concepts.org Schedule online through the EzNET scheduler hereUpload documents directly online here without the need for an in-person appointment. Your file will then be assigned to a volunteer preparer. This program is funded in part by the Department of Health and Human Services. 
Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Before diving deeper into 2023, the team catches up on all things CCI and reflects on the many impactful organizations we learned about on the podcast throughout 2022. Resource Development Manager Christian Ricci also joins us to share about our Annual Appeal, Town Campaign, and the CCI Impact Circle, and we introduce our agency's new Chief Executive Officer, Jim Martin, who joined the CCI team at the beginning of the year. 

Don't forget! The podcast now comes out bi-weekly on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Thank you for subscribing! 
Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Tricia Tomlinson and Sonia Turgeon join us to share about The Center for Wisdom's Women, a nonprofit in Lewiston providing a safe-haven for women while supporting them in building community, finding resources, and building self-esteem and resiliency.

The Center is open on a drop-in basis Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am-1pm to provide a stress-free environment where women can come for rest, conversation, find support groups, and take part in activities together.

The Center also offers a residential program called Sophia's House, providing 2 years of housing and programming for women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, prison, and addiction.

To learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer, visit www.wisdomswomen.org.
Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Community Concepts Board Member Ashley Medina joins us to share about the Goodwill Take 2 YouthBuild Program, where she works as a Recruitment and Intake Specialist. Take 2 works with participants ages 17-24 in the Lewiston/Auburn area, providing pathways to help them rebuild their lives through education and job training while also giving back to their community. 
 
Take 2 participants spend half of their time in education working in a supportive environment to attain their High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Through the program, they also learn construction and work-readiness skills to help them reach their career and life goals. New this year, students will also be learning how to upcycle furniture that will be then sold in Goodwill stores!

To learn more or to schedule an information session, contact Ashley at: 
Office: 207.795.6820Email: Ashley.Medina@goodwillnne.org Special thanks to Williams Broadcasting for producing our show.

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Community Concepts is an equal opportunity provider and employer.