Community Support
Multiple Ministries, One Mission
There are multiple ministries in the diocese that work with underserved communities. Learn more about them below! Contact diocesan staff liaison, Emily Keniston, Director of Faith Formation with any questions. You can make an direct donation to these organizations or do so through the Diocesan Giving Hub here.
Trinity Jubilee Center, Lewiston
26 October 2023
This is heartbreaking.
So many families are grieving. So many lives are changed forever. Lewiston is the top story across the nation. This is a dark time in our history.
However: this tragedy does not define us. Lewiston is an amazing city. We are a city of survivors. During this awful time please remember everything that makes our people and our city wonderful.
We are proud to serve in the heart of downtown Lewiston and we will remain open throughout the lockdown. Every day, year after year, we see how resilient, kind, and brave people can be, even in the toughest situations.
Trinity Jubilee Center is dedicated to advocacy for those in need in the community. The Center’s work focuses on four target areas.
- Food security
- Public health
- Community education and support
- Youth development
Five programs run six days a week. The Meals Program serves nearly 100 meals per day. The Food Pantry serves 350 households. The Day Shelter provides warmth, safety, and rest. The Resource Center offers a free medical clinic, phone and internet access, clothing, holiday assistance, and staff support and referrals.
Lewiston is the city of Muhammad Ali and Patrick Dempsey, Sparetime and Schemengees, grit and determination. We will take care of each other and survive this.
Thank you for standing with us.
How can I help?
First and foremost, take care of yourself and your family. Hold your loved ones close and check on your neighbors. We are keeping our Day Shelter open as usual and serving breakfast and lunch to our homeless guests. They need a place of safety during this scary time. Our big daily Soup Kitchen lunches are suspended until the lockdown ends. We are continuing to offer help with job applications and all appointments are remote until lockdown ends. At this time we do not need additional volunteers on site, but we welcome new long-term volunteers. We always welcome supply donations: even when this crisis passes our homeless clients are still facing a long, cold winter and families still need food and diapers for their children. Thank you.
Donate supplies from our Amazon wishlist
Erin Reed is the Executive Director of Trinity Jubilee Center and can be reached at 207-782-5700. Trinity Jubilee Center is located at 247 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. You can find out more about the Trinity Jubilee Center on their website and on Facebook.
Bridging the Gap, Augusta
Bridging the Gap is a community initiative of Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church and a partner program of the United Way of Kennebec Valley and is comprised of three programs that collectively function as a low-barrier community resource center and safe, warm place that assists individuals seeking to become the healthiest version of themselves. Their three programs are:
- Addies’s Attic Clothing Bank
- Augusta Community Warming Center
- Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry
Sara Miller is the Co-Director of Bridging the Gap and can be reached at 207-248-1782. Donations can be sent to Bridging the Gap, 209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330.
St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry, Portland
The outreach effort of St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center is supported by Portland area Episcopal Churches as well as the diocese. They distribute non-food essentials like toilet paper, bar soap, and housewares every Tuesday morning. They also distribute adult winter coats and boots seasonally. They see hundreds of clients each week.
Sarah Coburn Borgeson is the Executive Director and can be reached at 207-772-5434. St. Elizabeth’s is located at 134 Park Street (rear of the Cathedral), Portland. You can find out more about how to donate and follow them on Facebook.
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, Biddeford
The Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center offers hospitality and support to all those who pass through their doors. They strive to offer hope to those who are struggling, care for those in need, advocacy to those who have been silenced, companionship for those who are alone, and compassionate love for all.
Vassie Fowler is the Executive Director and can be reached at 207-571-9601. Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center is located at 35 South Street, Biddeford, ME 04005. You can find out more about them on their website and on Facebook.
Community Support Resources
Article
Helping Lewiston
Document
A Pastoral Word from Bishop Brown – October 27, 2023
Video
Recording of Justice Commission Town Hall 2/7/2023