Maine Division News |
Florence Young and Casey Family Services Honored for Helping Low-Income Families
May 28, 2009
AUGUSTA, ME — Women, Work & Community (WWC) honored Florence Young, LCSW, a social worker with Casey Family Services in Portland, as one of six statewide champions for Maine women and communities at its 13th anniversary celebration on May 21 at the University of Maine at Augusta. WWC is the only statewide comprehensive women’s education and economic development organization in Maine, with centers throughout the state.
“Florence is a gem; she is a visionary who knows how to work with others in support of families. We have been privileged to partner with her, Casey Family Services, and all the others whom Florence has gathered in to collaborate on addressing the financial needs of low-income Maine families,” said WWC Director of Program and Policy Development Eloise Vitelli. “Her support of the CA$H coalitions’ free tax preparation programs has been vital.”
In addition to Young, five champions were honored: Lu Bauer, CPA of A Balancing Act, Kathy Dexter, Dean of Students at UMA, Meredith Jones of Maine Community Foundation; Mary McPherson, former WWC Advisory Council Chair, and Candace Sanborn of Encompass Marketing & Design.
The 30th anniversary statewide celebration took place at the Fireplace Lounge of the RJ Randall Student Center. UMA President Allyson Hughes Handley formally welcomed about 100 guests to the event. WWC Executive Director Gilda Nardone spoke about the organization’s 30-year history, and thanked everyone for being a part of the success.
“Each of these statewide champions has played a significant role in the success of Maine women and communities,” said Nardone. “We are very proud to honor these women tonight at our 13th-anniversary celebration, which is a culmination of an anniversary year of regional events honoring participants, partners and champions across the state.”
Edie Benttinen, a New Ventures graduate and co-owner of D&E Metalworks in Mercer spoke about her personal experience with WWC. UMA’s Café Ensemble provided music. Bronze sponsors of the event were UMA, and Maine Small Business Development Centers, TD Banknorth, UMA, and Verrill Dana LLP.
Founded in 1978 as a displaced homemakers program through state legislation, WWC’s mission is to improve the economic lives of Maine women and their families. Program graduates have gone on to build careers for themselves, start their own small businesses, pursue higher education, gain control over their finances, buy their own homes, and become leaders in their communities. The organization has grown to serve all Maine counties positively affecting over 25,000 women since 1978. For more information about programs and services visit www.womenworkandcommunity.org.
