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WELCOME OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBER:
KEISHA BEAL!
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We are so pleased and grateful to announce Keisha Beal has joined the AIO staff as our Administrative Assistant. Keisha has been a part of AIO's community for more than ten years, and we feel honored to have been a part of her journey. We know her to be a hard worker and a dedicated, compassionate soul.
Having navigated food insecurity with her own family Keisha understands better than most the ripple effect of challenges. In 2020 Keisha participated in the "Building Advocates Program," an initiative of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, and which AIO was also a participant. "Building Advocates Program" aimed to empower those who have experienced food insecurity as advocates. Keisha graduated with a Bachelor's in mental health and human services in 2020.
Please give Keisha a warm welcome when you see her!
We invite you to read Keisha's story in her own words, which you can find here.
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AIO OPEN HOUSE: THURSDAY, MAY 18, 4-6pm
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PLEASE JOIN US!
AIO Community Open House
Thursday, May 18, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
1A Gordon Drive, Rockland
This event is open to the public, and there is no charge. Attendees can tour the facility and learn more about one of the few “market-model” food pantries in the United States. All community members are invited to come meet the board members, volunteers and staff that work together to execute AIO Food & Energy Assistance programs.
Pre-event private tours for groups of eight or more can be scheduled between 3:00 and 4:00 PM by emailing foodpantry@aiofoodpantry.org.
The Samoset Resort in Rockport has generously offered to cater this event. “Having recently toured the AIO facility, I was so impressed by the quality of services and level of professionalism I felt everyone in the community should know about AIO,” said Samoset General Manager Connie Russell. “We are very proud to support their efforts and excited to be part of this wonderful event.”
Let us know if you can join us:
To help plan the event, please RSVP at www.AIO4me.org or by email to foodpantry@aiofoodpantry.org. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required to attend.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: SARAH NELSON
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Sarah Nelson has been diligently volunteering several times a week in the AIO warehouse since July of 2022. She is very reliable and consistent- we can always count on her to help out whenever we need extra hands. “I wanted to volunteer for AIO because I wanted to contribute and had always been curious about how the pantry worked. It was also very convenient for me to walk to since I live right around the corner”. Sarah says she has learned organizational and people skills while volunteering with AIO and agreed with a giggle, that Rob really knows how to keep people and the market organized. She enjoys helping people and has learned that food insecurity can affect anybody. When asked what she most enjoys about volunteering with AIO, she says “My co-workers”.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking different areas in Maine with her Mom, making beaded jewelry, and sketching nature, animals, and “characters I make up”. She also enjoys canvas painting. Though she says she’s much better at sketching!
One of the most amazing things about Sarah is how resilient she has been in her 21 years. Sarah went to a traditional elementary school until the 5th grade. She had been struggling with making connections with peers and was being bullied. Because of this, her mom decided to homeschool her the following year. But due to unforeseen circumstances, her mother needed to go back to work and was unable to continue homeschooling Sarah. Sarah’s mom knew she would not thrive at school, so she didn’t force her to go. Sarah learned things on her own and from others over the years. She would volunteer to gain job experience when she could. In 2020 a job coach suggested she think about continuing her education. Sarah admits at first she wasn’t crazy about the idea. But after some thought she decided it was for the best. She enrolled in the HiSET Program through Adult Education which allows Sarah to gain her diploma at her own pace. Sarah now hopes to have her diploma by the end of 2023! Congratulations and thank you Sarah for all of your hard work!
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We need your help!
MARKET:
Mondays - 12-4
Wednesday - 10-2
Wednesday - 2-6
SUBSTITUTES:
Market: Mon & Wed - 10-2 & 2-6
Friday - 10-12
WEEKEND MEALS:
Tuesday - 1-3
Wednesday - 12:30-3
It takes a team of people to ensure the Market's shelves are stocked and that AIO's client shopping days run smoothly. If you can help during any of the following days/times please contact Sara Spencer, sara@aiofoodpantry.org. THANK YOU!
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We are excited to share that plans are under way for AIO's 2nd annual ArtFeeds, Artists in Action Against Food Insecurity event in partnership with the community's vibrant artists, Page Gallery, and the Maine State Correctional Facility.
This year we will have 40 well-known local artists, including
Alan Magee, Eric Hopkins, Megan Brady, Colin Page, Greta Van Campen, and Anneli Skaar
Each artist will create their own bowl or work with a wooden bowl carved and donated by residents of the Maine State Correctional Facility’s woodworking program.
Save the Date!
An exhibition of participating artist bowls will be on display at Page Gallery, September 10-16, culminating with a reception and an auction on September 16. All funds raised will support AIO's programs. Planning is underway so keep an eye out for more details here.
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FAITH BASED ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Returning to our roots.
AIO was founded in 1990 by area congregations, each having a representative who served on the Board of Directors. The board has naturally evolved over time, inviting other community members to serve on the board. AIO recognizes the important role area congregations have played- and continue to play- in AIO's ability to support our community.
With the goal of ensuring that there remains an open communication channel to area congregations AIO has established a Faith Based Advisory Committee. The committee will meet twice a year, with the first taking place on May 25. If you are interested, please contract your faith-group leader for more information, or contact AIO at foodpantry@aiofoodpantry.org.
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Recurring monthly donation provides consistent funding that AIO can rely on all year round, providing fresh and healthy food for our market. We purchase milk, eggs, and fresh produce from local wholesale distributors weekly.
In 2022, we spent more than $173,000 on food to support our food assistance programs. At retail market value, this represents more than one-half million dollars of food! This year, we see nearly 60% more visits to our market. Your monthly donation will help us keep pace with the increasing need and allow us to continue to provide quality food for families in our community.
Learn more about Annie Mahle's "At Home and At Sea" cookbooks and this special offer for new recurring monthly donors here.
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Join, Connect & Support AIO!
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THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP TODAY:
1. MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION. Your dollars go further as AIO is able to purchase food at a discounted price. When you make a financial gift you are helping to provide food, energy and diaper assistance to families who need help. You can donate online here.
2. VOLUNTEER. Volunteering at AIO is a great way to help people in your community, meet new friends, and be part of one of the most innovative food pantries in Maine. Whichever opportunities you choose, you will be an important part of the work we do.To get started click here.
3. DROPOFF DONATIONS. There is a wide variety of food, household and personal items that the families we serve need. To learn about our most needed items check here.
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There are a variety of ways that you can support our programs and the families we serve:
- Share this newsletter with your friends, family and colleagues.
- Follow us on social media to stay updated on our activities.
- Hold a Food or Diaper drive! The majority of the food and diapers we distribute come from donations.
- Hold a Facebook Fundraiser in honor of your birthday or anniversary.
- Other Ways to Give- visit our website to learn about other ways you can support AIO.
THANK YOU.
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