Abuse Prevention

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CASE MANAGEMENT

Family Development Case Management is a home and community-based program available to low-income families with dependent children in mid-coast Maine households. Family Development services include Intake and Assessment of Needs, Service Planning, Referral, and Advocacy, Goal Development, and Supportive Counseling.

This program is designed to coordinate access to a service network which includes housing resources, parenting support, life skills development, education, job training, substance use treatment and mental health support for low income families.

FAMILIES CAN!

Families CAN! provides information on child abuse and neglect issues as well as prevention. Family education and support groups are offered to single parents, new mothers, teen mothers, and guardians.  In addition, programs address nurturing and anger management.

Services are offered in Northeast Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties and are open to the public at no cost. Mandated Reporter trainings are provided to area child care providers and other professionals on request.

 

Child Care & Preschool

EARLY HEAD START - HOME BASED PROGRAM

Serving pregnant mothers and children ages 0-3
 
Head Start is a free early education program.  The home based option is for families who want to use their home as the place for learning.  A home visitor will meet with you to work on goals you would like to achieve for your child, yourself, and your family.
 
During pregnancy you can learn more about how to be healthy and plan for the arrival of  your baby. After birth, the child is enrolled in Early Head Start.  The schedule for prenatal home visits and for the first 6 weeks after birth is flexible.
 
When a child is enrolled, a home visitor will come to your home once a week for 90 minutes. Together you will plan activities to help your child grow and learn and work on goals you have for yourself and your family.  Twice a month you will meet with other children and parents to get to know one another and share interesting experiences and ideas.
 
When your child reaches age 3, the home visitor will help you transition to other services that may be available. If your family still qualifies, your child may go to our center based Head Start program for 3-5 year olds.
 
The home based program is offered in the following towns:
 
Sagadahoc County: Topsham, Bath, West Bath, Phippsburg, Georgetown, Arrowsic, Woolwich
 
Lincoln County: Wiscasset, Dresden, Westport, Edgecomb, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport, Newcastle, Damariscotta, Nobleboro, Bremen, Bristol, South Bristol, Waldoboro
 
Head Start encourages applications from children with special needs.
 
For more information, please call 442-7963. 

HEAD START

Head Start provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to income eligible children and their families. The focus of this program is to ensure that children are ready to start school while addressing all aspects of child development and learning.

Services are available to residents of Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Northeast Cumberland counties. Classrooms are located in Brunswick, Pejepscot (Topsham) Bath, Wiscasset, North Whitefield, Damariscotta, and Waldoboro.  There is no cost to the family.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (RDC)

Mid-coast RDC provides information to families who are seeking referrals for child care services in the region, professional development and training to childcare providers, guidance on starting a new childcare business, and assistance with acquiring national accreditation.

Professional staff provide information on choosing quality child care and assist in finding care that meets the needs of individual families.

Mid-coast RDC supports childcare providers by offering training and technical assistance which increases the quality of care in the region. RDC links parents and providers by making referrals. Professional staff assist with information on licensing regulations and the Quality Rating System.

Mid-coast RDC is funded by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. For more information and a copy of the latest newsletter, go to: http://midcoastrdc.org
 

Elderly Services

KEEPING SENIORS HOME (KSH) PROGRAM

Keeping Seniors Home is a collaboration between MMCA's Community Services and Housing Services. Housing Services staff provide weatherization and other services that enable seniors to remain in their homes. Community Services staff complete a comprehensive survey with seniors that identifies other needs and issues. Participants might be referred for other services and supports, including case management services through MMCA.

KEEPING SENIORS HOME CASE MANAGEMENT

KSH Case Management services are community-based and designed to help seniors live independently in their homes. Following a survey and assessment of needs, Case Managers help seniors to identify and access services, build natural supports, and develop resources to maintain independent living and vital participation in their communities.
 

Financial Services

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM (FDA)

The FDA Program assists families to save for the purchase of an asset, including home purchase, education, and business development. Families receive case management support and 2:1 agency match on what they save, up to a total of $4,000 in matching funds. Eligibility is based on participation in other agency programs and services.

FINANCE AND ASSET BUILDING INITIATIVE (FAB)

The FAB Initiative assists individuals and families to achieve financial stability through outreach and education, tax return assistance, life skills education (such as budgeting), and participation in asset building programs such as the FDA Program. Tax return assistance includes help with EITC eligibility, tax return preparation, and filing. MMCA is an IRS approved Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.

MULTI-FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Low-interest loans up to $30,000 to repair housing units in multi-family buildings are available to residents of Northeastern Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties through the Multi-Family Rehabilitation Program. At least 50% of the units must be occupied by families whose income is below 60% of the area median income. Loan terms available up to15 years with an interest rate of 0%.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

The VITA program provides free tax return information and assistance including help with Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) eligibility, tax return preparation, and filing.
 

Energy Conservation

ENERGY AUDIT SERVICES

Using the latest technology, certified Energy Auditors are available to conduct energy audits in your home. These audits are designed to assist the homeowner in recognizing energy saving measures which can result in significant savings in heating costs.
 

Employer Services

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (RDC)

Mid-coast RDC provides information to families who are seeking referrals for child care services in the region, professional development and training to childcare providers, guidance on starting a new childcare business, and assistance with acquiring ational accreditation.

Professional staff provide information on choosing quality childcare and assist in finding care that meets the needs of individual families.

Mid-coast RDC supports childcare providers by offering training and technical assistance which increases the quality of care in the region. RDC links parents and providers by making referrals. Professional staff assist with information on licensing regulations and the Quality Rating System.

Mid-coast RDC is funded by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. For more information and a copy of the latest newsletter, go to: http://midcoastrdc.org
 

Housing

ENERGY AUDIT SERVICES

Using the latest technology, certified Energy Auditors are available to conduct energy audits in your home. These audits are designed to assist the homeowner in recognizing energy saving measures which can result in significant savings in heating costs.

HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES

Housing Counseling Services provide coordinated housing assistance for homeless and at-risk individuals and families through referrals and access to emergency funds. Services include housing counseling service, referral and advocacy, budgeting assistance, and emergency fund application Financial assistance is available for payment of security deposits, rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, and other daily living emergencies.

LEDGEWOOD COURT FAMILY HOUSING PIPER MILL ROAD, DAMARISCOTTA

Ledgewood Court is a 24-unit affordable housing townhouse development off Piper Mill Road in Damariscotta. Two- and three-bedroom apartments are available to low and very low income families. Rents are variable based on apartment size and family income Applications are available through Preservation Management at 1-888-553-2020.

MULTI-FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Low-interest loans up to $30,000 to repair housing units in multi-family buildings are available to residents of Northeast Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties through MMCA’s Multi-Family Rehabilitation Program. At least 50% of the units must be occupied by families whose income is below 60% of the area median income. Loan terms available up to15 years with an interest rate of 0%.

HEATH LANE, BATH

Heath Lane Transitional Housing provides two 2- bedroom, rental units offering safe, affordable housing to homeless families. Tenants pay 30% of their gross income for rent & utilities.  Applications are taken at MMCA, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.

WALKER STREET, BATH

Walker Street Transitional Housing provides two 3- bedroom, subsidized rental units offering safe, affordable housing to homeless families. Tenants pay 30% of their gross income for rent & utilities.  Applications are taken at MMCA, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.

ELM STREET, BATH

Elm Street Transitional Housing provides homeless individuals with a co-occurring disorder safe, affordable housing. Tenants pay 30% of their gross income for rent & utilities.  All applications for transitional housing are taken at MMCA, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530

WASHINGTON STREET, BATH

The Washington Street apartment homes provides safe, affordable housing to low income families. There is one 2-bedroom unit and two 3-bedroom units. Subsidies are accepted. Applications are taken at MMCA, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.
 

Reentry Services

BOLDUC CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Services are offered to inmates of Bolduc Correctional Facility for participation in programs designed to enhance job skills, job search, resume writing and other life skills leading to successful transition from incarceration to the community.

MAINE PRISONER REENTRY PROGRAM

The Maine Prisoner Reentry Program assists Maine Department of Corrections with Maine’s model of evidence-based correctional treatment programming, case management, reentry planning and supervision of individuals ages 16-30 transitioning from the state correctional system into their community.
 

Parenting Services

Family Development Case Management

Family Development Case Management is a model of service provision developed over several years at MMCA. Its elements include a focus on the entire family with a flexible definition of "family." The model is strength-based and family-focused, and encourages teamwork between family, agency, and community resources. It includes an assessment for measuring levels of risk in fifteen life areas and promotes problem-solving skills that identify and eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency.
Model assumptions include:

1. Families have strengths and can change;
2. Work with families is intended to empower them to resolve issues on their own;

3. Case managers are consultants and collaborators;
4. Family Development is responsive to the family as a whole; and
5. Development of a network of community support is vital to the success of families.

Model strategies include:

1. Structured initial assessment to establish rapport and identify concerns;
2. Development of service plans that identify community supports, and
     establish goals for family members to work on;
3. Time-sensitive, goal strategies to encourage progress and participation;
4. Active involvement of caseworkers, with periodic review of progress toward goals;
5. Follow up support to help families sustain themselves over time.

The Family Development model includes a comprehensive range of activities to assist participating families to achieve self-sufficiency goals through coordinated ccess to community services and ongoing case management support. Services are available in Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Northeast Cumberland counties. There is no cost for participation.

 

FAMILIES CAN!

Families CAN! provides information on child abuse and neglect issues as well as prevention. Family education and support groups are offered to single parents, new mothers, teen mothers, and guardians. In addition, programs address nurturing, and anger management.

Services are offered in Northeast Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties and are open to the public at no cost. Mandated Reporter trainings are provided to area child care providers and other professionals on request.

 

Home Repair & Rehabilitation

ENERGY AUDIT SERVICES

Using the latest technology, certified Energy Auditors are available to conduct energy audits in your home. These audits are designed to assist the homeowner in recognizing energy saving measures which can result in significant savings in heating costs.

KEEPING SENIORS HOME (KSH) PROGRAM

Keeping Seniors Home is a collaboration between the Community Services and Housing Department of MMCA. Housing staff provide weatherization and other services that enable seniors to remain in their homes. Community Services staff complete a comprehensive survey with seniors that identifies other needs and issues. Participants might be referred for other services and supports, including case management services through MMCA.

MULTI-FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Low-interest loans up to $30,000 to repair housing units in multi-family buildings are available to residents of Northeast Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties through MMCA’s Multi-Family Rehabilitation Program. At least 50% of the units must be occupied by families whose income is below 60% of the area median income. Loan terms available up to15 years with an interest rate of 0%.
 

Nutrition Services

CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP)

The Child and Adult Care Food program provides reimbursement to registered or licensed home child care providers and Head Start Centers who serve USDA guideline nutritious meals to children in their care.

HEAD START

Head Start provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to income eligible children and their families. The focus of this program is to ensure that children are ready to start school while addressing all aspects of child development and learning.

Services are available to residents of Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Northeast Cumberland counties. Classrooms are located in Brunswick, Pejepscot (Topsham), Bath, Wiscasset, North Whitefield, Damariscotta, and Waldoboro. There is no cost to the family.

WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN NUTRITION PROGRAM (WIC)

WIC is a federally funded supplemental food and nutrition education program for pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children up to the age of five. WIC Nutrition Counselors provide nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling, and referral to a variety of programs related to family health and well-being.

Participants receive supplemental food vouchers that enable them to purchase WIC approved foods such as fruit juice, milk, infant formula, cereals, cheese, peanut butter, beans and tuna. The WIC program also has a Breastfeeding Peer Counseling component to assist post-partum women in meeting their breastfeeding goals.

For additional information, visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/wic/

In accordance with federal Law and the US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326- W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Family Development

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CASE MANAGEMENT

Family Development Case Management is a model of service provision developed over several years at MMCA. Its elements include a focus on the entire family with a flexible definition of "family." The model is strength-based and familyfocused, and encourages teamwork between family, agency, and community resources. It includes an assessment for measuring levels of risk in fifteen life areas and promotes problem-solving skills that identify and eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency.
Model assumptions include:

1. Families have strengths and can change;
2. Work with families is intended to empower them to resolve issues on their own;
3. Case managers are consultants and collaborators;
4. Family Development is responsive to the family as a whole; and
5. Development of a network of community support is vital to the success of families.

Model strategies include:

1. Structured initial assessment to establish rapport and identify concerns;
2. Development of service plans that identify community supports, and establish goals for family members to work on;
3. Time-sensitive, goal strategies to encourage progress and participation;
4. Active involvement of caseworkers, with periodic review of progress toward
goals; and
5. Follow up support to help families sustain themselves over time.


The Family Development model includes a comprehensive range of activities to assist participating families to achieve self-sufficiency goals through coordinated access to community services and ongoing case management support. Services are available in Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Northeast Cumberland counties. There is no cost for participation.

CAMP WALDEN

The Walden Camp Program enables low-income families to send their daughters (ages 9-11) to a ten-day residential camp near Denmark, Maine. Participants develop a range of interests, build self-esteem, and foster self-determination and autonomy through participating in a variety of camp activities.  MMCA helps with the application process and transportation to and from the camp.
 

Heat & Utilities

ENERGY AUDIT SERVICES

Using the latest technology, certified Energy Auditors are available to conduct energy audits in your home. Audits are designed to assist the homeowner in recognizing energy saving measures which can result in significant savings in heating costs.

HOME HEATING & UTILITY ASSISTANCE

The Home Heating and Utility Assistance Program provides resources and benefits for the cost of heating homes with oil, kerosene, coal, wood, LP gas, and with savings on the cost of utilities and electricity.

PUC LINE EXTENSION PROGRAM

The Line Extension Program provides financial assistance to households in remote areas that require an extension of CMP service lines in order to access CMP resources.
 

Emergency Services

TEMPORARY EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)

TEFAP coordinates the distribution of USDA surplus food to twelve area food pantries and soup kitchens. TEFAP distributions occur four times per year. Individuals or families in need of food assistance should contact their home community’s general assistance resource or call our Bath office for a referral.

HOME HEATING & UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Our Home Heating and Utility Assistance Programs provide resources and benefits for the cost of heating homes with oil, kerosene, coal, wood, LP gas, and with savings on the cost of utilities and electricity.


CMP Line Extension Program: The Line Extension Program provides financial assistance to households in remote areas that require extension of CMP service lines in order to access CMP resources.

HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES

Housing Counseling Services provide coordinated housing assistance for homeless and at-risk individuals and families through referrals and access to emergency funds. Services include housing counseling service, referral and advocacy, budgeting assistance, and emergency fund application

Financial assistance is available for payment of security deposits, rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, and other daily living emergencies.


HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Holiday Programs provide referrals and application assistance for families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Families might be eligible for the Bruce Roberts Santa Fund or the LL Bean Adopt a Family holiday programs which provide gifts and holiday food baskets to low-income families in the area.