Vision

Working with the communities we serve, the United Way of Eastern Maine is a trusted catalyst for meaningful and lasting change that improves the lives of people in our region.

Mission

Improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people and communities.

Our Work

Since 1937, United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM) has successfully raised resources to support programs and initiatives to achieve that mission.  We are committed to delivering measurable results and creating lasting change in education, income and health throughout our 5 county service area (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock and Waldo).

Every 5 years UWEM conducts a needs assessment to identify the community's most pressing needs.  Our needs assessment has identified 6 specific priorities under the umbrella of Education, Income and Health.

Education:
1. Early childhood development/school readiness.
2. Increased skills/assets for youth.  

Income: 
3. Basic needs/crisis intervention for all segments of the population.
4. Increasing/maintaining self sufficiency. 

Health:  
5. Providing access to health education and preventative services to allow all community members to achieve optimal physical and behavioral health.
6. Supporting seniors to remain healthy and active in their communities. 

This process has allowed UWEM to identify the areas in which we have a unique position to leverage our relationships and community resources to create solutions through a collaborative approach to problem solving.  UWEM has a reputation as a connector and convener that brings together community assets and leaders to collectively impact the root cause of the community's most pressing needs.  Our most recent needs assessment has identified the following community needs to be on-going or new areas on which to focus our efforts; Listed in order of importance:

1. Jobs and Financial Security
2. Transportation
3. Food Security
4. Community Activities for Youth
5. Support for Seniors