Forum highlights work opportunities for Social Security beneficiaries
The Presque Isle CareerCenter is hosting one of a series of community forums around the state highlighting work incentives to help people receiving Social Security disability benefits return to work.
The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Presque Isle CareerCenter at 66 Spruce St. Other events are scheduled in Machias on Sept. 12, Bangor on Sept. 24 and Augusta on Sept. 20. The public is welcome to attend and pre-registration is encouraged.
To preregister for the event, contact Peter Lento or Kent DeMerchant at 800-635-0357.
“These efforts are focused on jobs for people who have disabilities,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass. “These sessions will help inform the public about the variety of services available that support people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.”
Participants will learn about the Ticket to Work initiative that provides many Social Security beneficiaries with more choices for receiving employment services. The program encourages eligible Mainers to work through the CareerCenter to access employment and training services, vocational rehabilitation and other support services necessary to achieve an employment goal.
Maine’s statewide network of CareerCenters provide one-stop employment resources for job seekers and employers. Services for job seekers include job referrals, career counseling, job hunting workshops, labor market information, skills assessment and information on training. The public can use the CareerCenter to access the Internet for employment-related purposes and computers are available for resume development. The CareerCenters also offer specialized employment services for people with disabilities.
A new report on the employment challenges facing people with disabilities in Maine is available on the Center for Workforce Research and Information’s website, www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/pubs.html. The report is a joint effort of the Department of Labor’ Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information, visit your local CareerCenter or call 888-457-8883; TTY users dial Maine Relay 711.
Pregnancy Care Center’s Walk for Life and Celebration
PRESQUE ISLE AND HOULTON, Maine — On Sunday, Sept. 23, the Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook will hold a combined “Walk for Life” fundraiser at Greater Houlton Christian Academy. Funds raised will go to provide: free pregnancy tests; maternity and infant clothing; parenting classes; material assistance, including diapers, wipes and toiletry items; counseling for women who are seeking healing from a past abortion; and Give Mom’s Credit Program, which is an opportunity for moms to earn mommy money towards essential baby furniture by participating in Bible studies, educational videos and parenting classes. After a client has earned enough mommy money, they are given a voucher to purchase baby furniture at Wal-Mart or Kmart. There is also a Survivor Intervention Program for teens. This is a program designed to equip young people with the tools necessary to face the current pressures they face daily and understand who they are and the purpose for their life.
“Our American families are being torn apart by so many ‘good’ activities. It is our desire to bring families together and make a difference in other families in our community. The Pregnancy Care Center is challenging families to participate in this year’s Walk for Life and make a difference in their community,” said Christie Corey, executive director, Pregnancy Care Center.
This year Corey said they’ve combined Presque Isle and Houlton’s walk into one day of celebration. During registration, 2-3:30 p.m., there will be a bouncy house (weather permitting), cotton candy, lemonade stand, popcorn, kids’ games and the live band, Common Ground. The two-mile walk begins at 3:30 p.m., with a police escort.
“While our desire for this event is for families to join together, the purpose of our walk is to raise funds. This is an easy fundraiser. Step 1: Get a sponsor sheet by either downloading it from our website www.pcc-hope.org (click on ‘current events’ and then ‘Houlton Walk for Life’) call us and we will mail you one or stop by our Presque Isle or Houlton center. Step 2: Ask your friends, neighbors, relatives and co-workers to sponsor you to walk. Get their names and addresses and collect money if possible. Step 3: Show up at Greater Houlton Christian Academy on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. to register and have fun! If you are not able to walk, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to: Pregnancy Care Center, PO Box 1553, Presque Isle, Maine 04769,” said Corey.
The Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit organization funded through individual donors, churches and fundraisers. The PCC serves approximately 120 new clients each year and has about 750 client visits per year throughout our three locations. The Presque Isle main office has been serving Aroostook County since 1985. The Houlton office has been serving the area for 12 years. In June 2011, a satellite office was opened in Fort Kent.
All gifts are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. For more information, visit the website or call 764-0022.
SAGE kicks off fall classes
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A University of Maine at Presque Isle program that serves local residents over 50 and believes in “learning for life” will host its fall kick-off event at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, in the Campus Center.
Seniors Achieving Greater Education [SAGE] celebrates 15 years of bringing short courses in arts, sciences and specialty areas to the region’s senior community. SAGE is one of 19 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, and one of two senior colleges north of Bangor.
At the Sept. 14 event, participants will have the opportunity to socialize with SAGE members and learn all about upcoming SAGE classes. This fall, SAGE officials are offering 12 courses and learning excursions — on topics ranging from Homer’s Odyssey and Maine history to astronomy and weather spotting. Learning excursions include trips to the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone, the National Weather Service Office in Caribou and the Northern Prosthetics and Orthotics in Presque Isle, where participants will learn about the new facility and the amazing state-of-the-art prosthesis technology and orthotic devices there.
Classes range in length from one day to five weeks and will be offered between Sept. 26 and Nov. 15. Individual classes generally meet once a week for approximately two hours and are led on a volunteer basis by SAGE members and guests. Course formats range from lectures and discussions to field trips and hands-on learning.
SAGE has no entrance requirements, grades or tests, and no college background is needed. Another benefit is that course facilitators are local people who have a deep love and knowledge of the subject they are presenting.
The cost that participants pay for the education and interaction they get is minimal. Membership in Seniors Achieving Greater Education is $15 per semester or $30 for the year. There are additional fees for field trips and some hands-on courses. Full or partial scholarships to take part in the program are available through a simple, friendly and confidential process. SAGE members also have free access to most events sponsored by UMPI’s Campus Activities Board, the student-run activity committee, by showing their membership cards.
For more information, to register for a class or to make a reservation for the Sept. 14 kick-off, call Mary Lawrence at 768-9502. To view fall course offerings, visit www.umpi.edu/sage.
