About Us

History

Downeast Community Partners (DCP) was formed in 2017 with the merging of two of the most venerable organizations in the region, Child and Family Opportunities and the Washington Hancock Community Agency. With a mission to improve the quality of life and reduce the impact of poverty in Downeast communities, DCP is committed to creating and delivering services and programs that treat community members with dignity and compassion, and offer them the possibility of achieving their goals and dreams.

Mission

Downeast Community Partners' mission is to improve the quality of life and reduce the impact of poverty in Downeast communities.

Vision

Downeast Community Partners is a catalyst for improving life in Downeast Maine.

Values

Dignity.
Compassion.
Possibility.

Inclusivity Statement

Downeast Community Partners is committed to improving the quality of life and reducing the impact of poverty in Downeast Communities. We recognize that these communities are made up of people who are diverse and vibrant, and believe that all people are entitled to be treated with dignity and compassion. DCP embraces this diversity and vibrancy. We work each day to help all our employees, those whom we serve, and our community, to envision and achieve all that is possible. This is who we are.

Board of Directors

The role of Downeast Community Partner's Board of Directors to define and meet its overall responsibility by governing the Agency in a manner that is consistent with its mission and responsive to client needs. DCP's board is composed equally of members of the public, private, and elected sectors, and includes people with low incomes.

The Board of Directors meets the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Call us at 664-2424 to learn the location of the meeting, as it can vary. The public is welcome to attend. There is no meeting in the month of December. Approved Board meeting minutes are available by clicking on the Forms & Resources tab, then selecting Board Minutes.

Betsy Fitzgerald, President
Nicholas MacDonald, Vice President
Charles Rudelitch, Treasurer
Charley Martin-Berry, Secretary
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Martha Beathem
Christina Brewer
Barbara Clark
Wayne Hanscom
John E. Harris
Ron King
Walter Kumiega
Grant Lee
April Lola
Rep. Anne Perry
Dr. Lori Schnieders
Ruth Sousa
Jonathan Thomas
John A. Wombacher

I am pleased to join Downeast Community Partners as it marks its fourth anniversary! We can continue to celebrate that two organizations officially were “wed” to form a stronger, more diverse agency that became uniquely positioned to serve Hancock and Washington counties – with a menu of services to address the needs of our community households and families who now look to DCP. Since we offer services from early childhood to healthy aging, we are well positioned to serve whole family needs for those who are struggling with the challenges of poverty and often an unfortunate sense of shame, creating an additional barrier to seeking or receiving the assistance offered. At DCP, we take pride in responding to the needs and serving others with dignity, compassion, and respect!

As we go into year five continuing to work towards our mission to “To improve the quality of life and reduce the impact of poverty in Downeast communities,” we can be encouraged by these quotes from Helen Keller:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

I am pleased to be here at DCP, to be a part of an organization that works tirelessly to meet the needs of the people in these two counties. We invite community members to consider volunteering your time or talents to this very rewarding work.

Rebecca Palmer,
Executive Director