Healthy Acadia's “You’ve Got a Friend Fund” Seeks Applicants and Donors

Applications are now being accepted for “You’ve Got a Friend Fund” (YGAFF), a mini-grant program housed at Healthy Acadia. The newly launched fund will provide mini-grants of up to $1,000 to individuals across Hancock County in need of assistance to overcome specific hurdles or setbacks and accomplish goals in order to reach greater self-sufficiency and quality of life.

Qualifying examples may include:

• Successful completion of the majority of college degree requirements, in need of tuition funds to graduate;
• Need for a single rent, mortgage or loan payment to retain housing or transportation at risk due to temporary employment discontinuity;
• Need for car repairs in order to maintain reliable transportation to and from work;
• Local micro-farmers and gardeners wishing to share an overabundance of seasonal produce needing support to transport and distribute the food to individuals and families in need.

To be considered for a YGAFF grant award, applicants must provide the following:

1)    A clear objective that has been embarked upon, partially achieved and/or a specific misfortune or setback that threatens to disrupt normal quality of life;

2)    A demonstrated need for $1,000 or less to enable completion of this objective or to overcome the setback; and

3)    A willingness to remain in contact with YGAFF to provide feedback regarding the efficacy of the grant.

YGAFF is coordinated by a Steering Committee under the non-profit home of Healthy Acadia, a community health coalition dedicated to building vibrant communities throughout Hancock and Washington counties: www.healthyacadia.org. Download a grant application at: https://healthyacadia.org/documents/Draft_YGAF_grant_application.pdf.

The You’ve Got a Friend Fund was conceived and has been initially funded by Elin and David Poneman of Goldsboro. “We hope that these small grants can make a lasting difference, enabling individuals to overcome a barrier or address a critical need for themselves and their families.  We are pleased and honored to partner with Healthy Acadia in this effort.” said the Ponemans.

“For the many individuals in our region who are working to achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence, a YGAFF grant can be the boost needed for those inspirations to take flight,” said Elsie Flemings, Executive Director of Healthy Acadia. “This is a critical initiative, and we at Healthy Acadia are honored to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the You’ve Got a Friend Fund, contact Nina Zeldin at Healthy Acadia at 667-7171 or nina@healthyacadia.org.  Donations to the Fund are welcome. Please make checks out to Healthy Acadia, YGAFF and mail or deliver to Healthy Acadia, 140 State Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth, ME 04605.