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.
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.
Trinity Jubilee Center, Lewiston
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.
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.
Community Support Resources
Video
Recording of Justice Commission Town Hall 2/7/2023
Document
Justice Commission Overview
Link
Trinity Jubilee Center
Link
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center
Link
St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center
Link
Bridging the Gap
Article
Diocesan Hunger Initiative