About Us

History

In October, 2017 Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) and Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) merged to form Downeast Community Partners (DCP). The two entities formerly operated as two separate local non-profits dedicated to serving the residents of Washington and Hancock counties. Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. (CFO), formed in 1970, and the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA), formed in 1966, have each served the Down East region of Maine, focusing on helping low-income and at-risk residents thrive. Downeast Community Partners now continues this work.

DCP is now one stronger entity through the consolidation of administrative services. Offering "life-span opportunities in Washington and Hancock counties" that incorporate all existing programs from each entity and the potential for many new programs, DCP has history and deep roots in the region and will continue to serve local communities well into the future.

Mission

Downeast Community Partners brings community resources together to help people in Washington and Hancock counties achieve self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.

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, Chair
Walter Kumiega, Vice Chair
Becky McKenna, Treasurer
Charley Martin-Berry, Secretary
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Michelle Beal
Martha Beathem
Barbara Clark
Elizabeth Ehrlenbach
Charles Harrington
John Harris
Chris Huh, Parent Policy Council Liaison
Ron King
Charles Rudelitch
Dr. Lori Schneiders
Ruth Sousa
Jonathan Thomas
Vanessa Young

Downeast Community Partners (DCP) is committed to providing quality services to low income families and individuals in Hancock and Washington counties. With the merger of WHCA and CFO in late 2017 we are now able to provide a continuum of services beginning prior to birth with our Maternal and Child Health Nursing and Bridging programs and extending through late life with our Friendship Cottage and At Home programs.

As an agency we work to make our programs easily available to the people we serve and without unnecessary barriers. Our nearly 200 full and part-time staff members live and work in the communities we serve so they know about the challenges many of us face with heating our homes, finding transportation, staying in our homes as we age and preparing our children for the challenges of living and succeeding in the world today.

We have done our best to make this web site useful and to keep it up to date. Your suggestions for improvements and new programs are always welcome. Our strength and vitality comes from the people and communities we serve so your involvement is necessary if we are to be successful in improving the lives of the people in Hancock and Washington counties.
Mark Green,
Executive Director