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THE SPURWINKIAN NEWSLETTER: NOVEMBER 2023
GOING THE DISTANCE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN MAINE
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SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY & EACH OTHER
Lewiston Strong: Providing Support When Needed Most
 In times of tragedy, it’s crucial for us to come together as a community, offer support, and take care of our emotional well-being. The recent acts of violence in Lewiston, Maine, have undoubtedly left our hearts heavy, and has highlighted how important Spurwink's role is in helping people through critical incidents and providing rapid access to services.
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SUPPORTING SPURWINK SERVICES
Year-End Giving Match
 Now more than ever, there is a critical need for mental health services in Maine. The waitlists for Spurwink services continue to grow. Right now, any unrestricted gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 through the generous support of the Foreside Foundation if you donate by December 31, 2023. Maximize your investment for people on waiting lists across Maine. To learn all the ways you can invest in Spurwink visit, www.spurwink.org/donate.
 A huge thank you to our dedicated community partners and all who contributed to this year’s school supply drive, raising over $3,000 in cash and gift cards, and collecting hundreds of school supplies. A special thank you to Boulos Asset Management and The Boulos Company, Bangor Savings Bank, Spectrum, and The Power of Elle for their very generous employee drives and donations.
Helping Families Enjoy Thanksgiving Meals
 Thank you so much to Spurwink's amazing staff for donating to our Thanksgiving food drive efforts. Because of their generosity, 20 meals are being provided to families that Spurwink serves across the state! The families receive a range of services, including Children's Behavioral Health Home, Public School Counseling, Functional Family Therapy, and Adult Community Care Management.
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LEARN ABOUT SPURWINK SERVICES
Spurwink Appoints New Board Member & Welcomes New Senior Leadership
 Spurwink is pleased to announce four new members to its Senior Leadership Team and a new Board Member. Jeff D. Emerson has been newly appointed to Spurwink's Board of Directors, Bart Beattie joins Spurwink as its new COO, and we welcome Eric Campbell, Rebecca Patkus, and Ben Strick to the Senior Leadership Team.
 Kristen Farnham, Vice President of Legal Affairs and Advancement, was recently featured in a Mainebiz article discussing challenges and prolonged effects on nonprofits after the pandemic. Read on to see the full article on Mainebiz's website.
Spurwink's Kineo Program, Offering Chair Yoga to Residents
 Kineo, a program that serves adults aged 50 years and older who have serious and persistent mental illness, offers various activities for its residents' well-being. One such activity is Chair Yoga, which is offered through Sea Change Yoga. Sea Change recently included a write up on the program in their recent news, including what it means for both the business and for Spurwink.
 Shared Living connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to caring families and community members, who share their home and help provide support. We have providers ready with locations pre-approved and prepared for that initial “meet and greet.” Our Shared Living network is made up of current and former Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), moms and dads, siblings, and interested community members who want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
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OUT & ABOUT
This Year's Field Day Included a Taste of the Renaissance
 Each year, students, staff, administrators, and volunteers join in a themed Field Day, which includes Spurwink's three day-treatment school programs. This year's theme was a Renaissance Fair-inspired Field Day, where students of all abilities made candy apples and magic potions, sent arrows flying at the archery station, and created their own “Coat of Arms” shields. Thank you to the Occupational Therapy team who put on an amazing event and to the volunteers who dedicated their time and talents for the students!
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GRANTS IN ACTION
Spurwink Partners with MaineHealth on Federal Grant to Support Adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities Facing Dementia
 Work is underway in Spurwink’s second year of partnership with MaineHealth and the Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging on an Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative funded by an Administration for Community Living grant. The collaboration is expanding dementia-informed service delivery using new evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to support people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and their caregivers, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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