Today, I want to lift up a local organization worthy of note: H.O.M.E. Inc, located in Orland, Maine. From their website: "H.O.M.E., Inc. was founded in 1970 by Sr. Lucy Poulin (pictured below with a group of young volunteers) and other community members. In the beginning, handcraft studios were created as a means for low-income families in rural Hancock County to earn extra income through hard Maine winters. Community members produced items from their homes to sell at the Craft Store which is located on H.O.M.E.’s 23-acre site in Orland and that program continues on today. Now, more than 50 years later, needs of local citizens have led to programs of service tailored to respond in positive and effective outcomes, i.e. shelters for those experiencing homelessness, affordable daycare, organic gardens, a food pantry and soup kitchen, plus programs to support a house construction and repair effort that has built 53 homes for low-income families." H.O.M.E. offers a number of services, including their newly re-done hand-craft store! I was recently in the store and found many lovely items - maybe you'd like to do this year's holiday shopping there, and in so doing, you make not only your own and loved one's holidays brighter, but also contribute to the holiday cheer for the artisans and their families, who themselves have experienced hardship. The shop is bright and cheery, the crafts well made, and the staff welcoming! I highly recommend a visit and exploration of this wonderful place that serves the community in so many ways. Want To Volunteer? More You Can Do If you yourself feel called to contribute to the work H.O.M.E. is doing, here is a list of items frequently used and needed in their programs:
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Rev. Maya Massar Archives
September 2023
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