Initiatives
Many people know United Way as a funder that provides Community Impact Grants to multiple programs in the County.
But that is not all we do.
In addition to our Community Impact Grants, United Way leads local initiatives that work to improve education, health, and financial Stability in significant ways.
United Way is uniquely positioned to address the biggest issues affecting our community. We go beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change and impact thousands of lives in Aroostook County.
211 Maine
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
FamilyWize
FamilyWize partners with the United Way to provide resources and prescription discounts to those in need.
Aroostook CA$H Coalition
The Aroostook CA$H Coalition (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) program serves over 1,000 people in Aroostook County by preparing their tax returns and connecting them to financial resources. Over the past few years, Aroostook CA$H has brought back over a million dollars in refunds to people in Aroostook County and saved our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax preparation costs. The best part is the service is completely free.
Thanks to generous grants, we are able to provide highly trained, IRS-certified tax preparation to anyone who makes $56,000 or less, is disabled, struggles with literacy, or speaks limited English. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Santa’s Sleigh Project
Santa’s Sleigh Project helps make the holidays brighter for children from one end of Aroostook County to the other by providing gifts to those who are eligable.
High Five Turkey Drive
The High Five Turkey Drive collects and distributes turkeys and monetary donations to all food pantries in Aroostook County during the month of November.
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus provides eligible Aroostook County children with new backpacks and school supplies to start the year off right.
Second Chances Kids Community Closet
This secondhand clothing event allows all families to take “new to them” clothing for their children at no charge. They also receive new socks and underwear for each child.
Summer Slide
Summer Slide provides all 1st graders in Aroostook County with reading materials so they can maintain reading skills and avoid the “summer slide” that often comes with summer vacation.
Aroostook Day of Service
A day for people and organizations to LIVE UNITED and take action to address a variety of challenges that our communities face.
Yellow Tulip Project
The Yellow Tulip project aims to plant “Hope Gardens’ with the intent of reminding people there is hope and help for those living with mental illness.