PORTLAND, ME – On Thursday, May 4th, Spurwink’s Humanitarian will welcome guests in celebration of Spurwink’s impact—increasing access to critical behavioral health care—and honoring community leaders who make Maine a healthier place to live and work. This year’s Humanitarian Award will be given to Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and the Corporate Care Award will be awarded to KeyBank. The event is from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm a new location, Ocean Gateway in Portland, ME. Tickets are available for purchase at spurwink.org/humanitarian.
2023 Humanitarian Award: Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director, Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
Mufalo Chitam was chosen as the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of her advocacy, leadership, and commitment in transforming Portland’s once informal network of immigrant support into a robust fabric of resettlement systems to integrate immigrants into Maine culture. As Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), Mufalo has built one of the most successful immigrant rights organizations in Maine. Mufalo is civicminded, understanding, generous, and thoughtful, and is gifted with a tremendous ability to relate across all ethnic communities no matter how different their experiences or needs may be. Through her work with MIRC, Mufalo represents over 93 member organizations including immigrant constituency and advocacy groups as well as direct service and grassroots community organizations including Spurwink’s ShifaME program.
“Mufalo is a true advocate of immigrants’ rights, elevating the voices of new Mainers and cultivating a more diverse and inclusive Maine for future generations of immigrant children,” said President & CEO of Spurwink, Eric Meyer. “Through her leadership, she is helping individuals to live healthy, engaged lives, and is building vibrant community networks. We are honored to be recognizing Mufalo as our 2023 Humanitarian of the Year.”
Corporate Care Award: KeyBank
KeyBank was chosen for Spurwink’s 2023 Corporate Care Award for their investments in the community, supporting mental health, affordable housing and community development projects, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods. In 2022, KeyBank provided more than $1 million in local sponsorships and charitable giving across the state of Maine to help address food disparity, workforce development, housing, social justice and racial equity, and financial support to the underserved. Key’s employees support giving through the United Way and other personal charitable donations, and donate their time and talents through nonprofit board service and community volunteerism, including participation in the bank’s annual Neighbors Make The Difference Day.
“KeyBank is honored to accept the 2023 Corporate Care Award from Spurwink, a valued community partner and client,” said KeyBank Maine Market President, Tony DiSotto. “As a community-minded bank, we are committed to helping our clients and communities thrive. To us, this means doing business fairly and responsibly, promoting diversity and inclusion, and making meaningful investments to improve lives within the communities we serve. This award is evidence that our impact is recognized and appreciated by our community partners.”
The theme of this year’s Humanitarian event is “Mosaic: Sea Glass.” It will spotlight the work being done throughout Spurwink, including the ShifaME program, providing culturally appropriate services for refugee and immigrant youth and their families in Maine. This year’s event will include a cocktail hour, awards program and live auction.
Sponsors for the Humanitarian Awards include Lead Sponsor Sun Life; Corporate Partner Sponsors The Boulos Company/Boulos Asset Management, Martin’s Point Health Care, USI, WEX, HUB International, Wright -Ryan, Anania Bailey Advertising, Gorham Savings Bank, Systems Engineering, Spectrum Healthcare Partners, KeyBank, and Bangor Savings Bank; Humanitarian sponsors Kelly, Remmel & Zimmerman, M&T Bank and Northeast Delta Dental; and In-Kind Sponsors AV Technik and Sea Glass Events.
For more information on this year’s honorees or event, or to purchase tickets, visit spurwink.org/humanitarian, or contact Emily Silevinac, Director of Development, at 207.821.1211, ext. 2106 or esilevinac@spurwink.org.
About Spurwink
Spurwink is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of mental health, education, and residential services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Spurwink offers specialized programs throughout Maine with a commitment to caring relationships and treatment expertise, grounded in evidence-based, best and promising practices. For more information, visit www.spurwink.org, or call 207.871.1200.
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Press Contact: Emily Silevinac, Director of Development | esilevinac@spurwink.org | 207.821.1211, ext. 2106