Meet the Candidates for Common Cents 2026

Art

Artivism in Maine
Artivism in Maine is a community organization that uses art as a catalyst for social change. By combining creativity with activism, they address issues such as social, economic, environmental, racial, and criminal injustice. Their work amplifies marginalized voices, raises awareness about local and global concerns, and fosters spaces for expression, action, and healing through the arts.

Belfast Flying Shoes
Belfast Flying Shoes builds community and cultivates well-being through the joys of traditional music and dance for people of all backgrounds and identities. With funding from our supporters, we can offer music and movement programs for underserved and at risk groups in our region, including older adults in congregate care, incarcerated men at the Reentry Center, and students and staff in PreK-12 schools. Our public programs include workshops, concerts, films, and the First Friday Flying Shoes dance series. We envision a thriving, interconnected, and sustainable community where people can regularly engage in healthy activities that promote safety, inclusion, and equity. 

counter/current:collective
counter/current:collective creates adventurous and thought-provoking theatre + dance happenings that bring our community together, inspire conversations and create space for transformation. We are a non-heirarchical artistic company that is deeply collaborative with our community to produce original and scripted productions. We have community tickets for our community members who might not be able to afford the necessity of art in their lives, and are deeply committed to local in all our productions – local talent, locations that highlight our beautiful community in unique ways and to elevating the joy in this amazing place we get to call home!

Torchlight
Torchlight is a community multimedia studio prioritizing accessibility to production tools and skills, building long term sustainability for local public broadcast media outlets, creating new education and youth mentorship opportunities, and improving community health through storytelling and social connection. Torchlight seeks to use media arts as a tool for empowering local voices through storytelling (cultural preservation, oral histories, and countering narratives typically applied to rural or lower income populations), economic resilience (youth workforce development, higher wage job creation in rural areas, training organizations to help tell their stories), and social advocacy (foster civic engagement, encouraging youth to participate in social change efforts within our communities).

Community

American Legion Post 43
American Legion Post 43 is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The Post provides essential assistance such as home improvements, accessibility solutions, food and financial aid, and other relief efforts. In addition to serving those in need, Post 43 works to maintain a safe, welcoming space where veterans and community members can connect, find support, and honor the spirit of service.

Our Town Belfast
Our Town Belfast is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and revitalizing the historic downtown of Belfast, Maine. As a nationally accredited Main Street America program, it follows the Four-Point Approach®—Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization—to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The organization supports local businesses, promotes historic preservation, and organizes community events such as the annual Ice Festival, Pride Celebration, and Downtown Holiday festivities. By engaging volunteers, partnering with local organizations, and offering resources like a community calendar and business directory, Our Town Belfast works to enhance the cultural and economic life of the downtown area, ensuring it remains a dynamic place to live, work, and play.

WERU Community Radio
WERU Community Radio (89.9 FM) is an independent, listener-supported, noncommercial radio station based in Blue Hill / East Orland, Maine, broadcasting since May 1, 1988.  Powered by volunteers and enriched by community participation, it offers a wide variety of programming—local and national news, diverse music genres, public affairs, cultural content—and aims to connect, inform, and inspire listeners in Midcoast, Downeast, Bangor and beyond. Its mission emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and service to the community, all while celebrating the many voices that make up its audience. 

Ecology

Avian Haven
Avian Haven is a nonprofit wild bird rehabilitation center in Freedom, Maine. They care for injured, orphaned, and sick wild birds from across the state, providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe environment for recovery. Their goal is to release healthy birds back into their natural habitats while also promoting awareness and education about Maine’s native bird species and the challenges they face.

Ecology Learning Center
Ecology Learning Center is a public charter high school that connects students deeply with Maine’s ecological and cultural landscapes. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and craft, students gain real-world experience while developing compassion, resilience, and leadership. Rooted in the theme of “ecology”—the relationships between living things and their environment—the school encourages young people to roll up their sleeves, engage with their communities, and put learning into action through service and apprenticeships. By bridging classroom and community, the Ecology Learning Center helps students grow as thoughtful stewards of both the land and one another.

Hills to Sea Trail Coalition
The Hills to Sea Trail Coalition is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to creating and maintaining a 47-mile footpath across Waldo County, Maine. Stretching from Unity Village to Belfast, the trail meanders through forests, fields, and over 7,000 acres of conserved land, connecting communities such as Freedom, Montville, Morrill, Waldo, and Belfast. Established in 2011 by a collaboration of ten local nonprofits, the trail was completed in 2016 and is maintained through the efforts of volunteers and over 60 private landowners who generously permit access to their properties. The trail is open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, with some seasonal closures to accommodate hunting seasons. It offers a range of experiences, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and provides opportunities for camping at select nearby accommodations. The Coalition emphasizes community involvement, respect for nature, and collaboration, inviting individuals to volunteer, share observations, and support the trail’s mission to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

Protect Ancient Forests
Protect Ancient Forests is a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Maine, dedicated to preserving the state’s remaining old-growth forests through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Founded by concerned Mainers, the organization seeks to raise awareness about the ecological significance of ancient forests and the urgent need for their protection. Through initiatives such as public events, educational programs, and partnerships with local communities, Protect Ancient Forests aims to inspire collective action to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations. Their efforts contribute to broader conservation goals, including climate change mitigation and the preservation of biodiversity.

Waldo County Climate Action Coalition
Waldo County Climate Action Coalition is a coalition of organizations whose mission is to “collaborate to reduce impacts of climate change and build sustainable communities in Waldo County.” Focused on amplifying the respective organizational efforts by working together on renewable energy transition, weatherization, land restoration and conservation, food insecurity, transportation, public health, and other impacts of climate change.

Food Access

Belfast Soup Kitchen
The Belfast Soup Kitchen provides nutritious meals and essential support to individuals and families in need throughout the community. In addition to serving meals, the kitchen offers a welcoming space where people can connect, access resources, and receive assistance for a variety of needs. Its programs aim to address food insecurity while promoting dignity, care, and connection. The kitchen also supports community members by offering information about local services and opportunities for engagement, helping people navigate challenges and strengthen their well-being. By meeting basic needs and providing practical support, the Belfast Soup Kitchen plays a vital role in sustaining a healthier, more resilient community.

Farm to Neighbor Maine
Farm to Neighbor Maine helps the community by distributing fresh, locally grown produce and other farm products to families and individuals who might otherwise have limited access to healthy food. They partner with local farmers, food pantries, and community organizations to create a network that not only supports Maine agriculture but also addresses food insecurity. Beyond providing food, they foster education about healthy eating and seasonal foods, encourage community participation through volunteer opportunities, and reduce food waste by connecting surplus farm goods to those who need them most. Their work strengthens local economies, builds relationships between farmers and neighbors, and ensures that nutritious, local food reaches every corner of the community.

Full Plates Full Potential
Full Plates Full Potential is a nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood food insecurity by maximizing access to child nutrition programs. Founded in 2015, they work with schools, community organizations, and policymakers to expand and strengthen school meals, summer feeding programs, and other USDA-supported initiatives. Their advocacy helped pass Maine’s “School Meals for All” legislation in 2021, guaranteeing free school meals for all public school students and removing barriers like paperwork and stigma. They also provide grants and resources to schools and communities to improve participation in nutrition programs, secure funding for innovative projects, and support sustainable solutions, ensuring that every Maine child has consistent access to nutritious meals and the opportunity to thrive.

GBAM Food Cupboard
The GBAM Food Cupboard, located behind the United Methodist Church in Belfast, Maine, is a community-driven initiative dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in Waldo County. Operated entirely by volunteers, the pantry provides free food distributions on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Recognizing that emergencies don’t adhere to a schedule, they offer flexible support for individuals facing transportation challenges or urgent food needs. Those in need can call or text to arrange emergency pick-ups or discuss alternative solutions. The pantry’s mission is rooted in compassion and neighborly support, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.

Health

Bangor Area Recovery Network
Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) is a community organization in Maine focused on supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and related challenges. They provide resources, peer support, education, and connection to treatment and recovery services. BARN fosters a safe, stigma-free environment where people can access help, build supportive networks, and maintain long-term recovery while strengthening the broader community.

Defend Our Health
Defend Our Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to safe food and water, healthy homes, and products that are non-toxic and climate-friendly. The organization combines grassroots advocacy, scientific research, and policy work to protect public health, training community members to speak up for themselves and influencing government and corporate decisions. Through these efforts, Defend Our Health empowers communities, reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, and advances environmental justice, creating a healthier and safer world for everyone.

Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine
Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, confidential support and advocacy to individuals affected by sexual violence in Eastern Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. Established in 1983, SASSMM offers a range of services, including a 24-hour crisis and support line, in-person advocacy, support groups, and educational programs aimed at prevention and awareness. The organization serves people of all genders and ages, ensuring accessible support through multilingual services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. SASSMM is committed to fostering a community where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered.

Tessa’s House
Tessa’s House is a nonprofit organization in Maine dedicated to supporting women in recovery through a holistic, community-centered approach. As a wraparound program, it combines evidence-based practices with whole-person care, honoring the dignity, agency, and potential of each woman it serves. By emphasizing relationship-building, inclusion, and empowerment, Tessa’s House fosters both individual healing and stronger community connections. Its model reflects cooperative principles of self-help, responsibility, and mutual care, contributing to a healthier, more equitable, and resilient community while supporting broader goals of sustainable well-being.

Humanitarian

Homeworthy
Homeworthy is a nonprofit organization based in Rockland, dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Midcoast Maine. Serving residents of Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln counties, Homeworthy provides a wide range of services designed to meet immediate needs while supporting long-term stability. These services include emergency shelter, case management, housing navigation, and youth-focused programs such as The Landing Place, which offers guidance, mentoring, and support for young people experiencing housing instability. Homeworthy’s client-centered approach ensures that each individual or family receives wraparound care that addresses not only housing, but also healthcare, education, employment, and essential life skills. By combining practical assistance with holistic support, Homeworthy helps clients build self-sufficiency, regain independence, and achieve lasting stability, making a meaningful impact on the well-being of the Midcoast community.

Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County
Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County is a nonprofit organization based in Belfast, Maine, dedicated to providing free, compassionate, non-medical support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, their families, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Established in 1986, they offer a range of services, including companionship, assistance with household chores, caregiver support, grief counseling, educational resources on end-of-life issues, and workshops on advance care planning. These services are entirely volunteer-driven and confidential, ensuring that no one in Waldo County faces illness or grief alone. The organization is funded through community donations and partnerships with medical hospice programs.

Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition
The Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition is a nonprofit organization based in Belfast, Maine, dedicated to providing emergency housing and support services to families experiencing sudden homelessness. Through its Family Harbor House, they offer transitional housing for 3–4 families at a time, focusing on stabilizing their situations and facilitating a path to permanent housing. The organization emphasizes community involvement, with local volunteers contributing time and resources to support their neighbors in need.

Waldo County Woodshed
The Waldo County Woodshed is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization based in Belfast, Maine, dedicated to providing free firewood to individuals and families in need throughout Waldo County. Founded in 2015, the Woodshed operates from multiple distribution sites across the county, offering approximately a quarter cord of firewood per household each week during the colder months. The organization relies on donations of wood, financial contributions, and a dedicated team of volunteers to meet the growing demand, which has increased nearly ten-fold since its inception. By operating on an honor system without formal applications, the Woodshed ensures accessibility for all who require assistance, fostering a sense of community support and resilience. Their mission is to keep homes warm and safe during Maine’s harsh winters, embodying the cooperative spirit of neighborly care and mutual aid.

Indigenous

Land Peace Foundation
The Land Peace Foundation is an Indigenous-led nonprofit dedicated to preserving Wabanaki culture, fostering connections to the land, and supporting community healing and leadership. Land Peace Foundation runs programs such as the Wabanaki Leadership Institute, land-based learning at their 213-acre farm in Monroe, environmental justice initiatives, and renewable energy apprenticeships for Indigenous youth. Through gatherings, educational programs, and grants, they promote cultural revitalization, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational leadership, empowering Wabanaki communities while building networks of allies committed to justice, sustainability, and community well-being.

Niweskok: From the Stars to Seeds
Niweskok: From the Stars to Seeds is a Wabanaki-led nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural practices in the Penobscot Bay region of Maine. Established as the Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective in 2018, Niweskok has since evolved to focus on rematriating Wabanaki lifeways through initiatives such as food production capacity building, the Wabanaki Rematriation School, a community apothecary, and teachings on birth and life cycles. In early 2025, Niweskok acquired a 245-acre farm in Swanville, Maine, transforming it into a permanent hub for Indigenous food production, medicine, and cultural activities. This acquisition, supported by various collaborators, marks a significant step in restoring traditional agriculture and fostering community resilience. The organization’s efforts are grounded in the Penobscot language and Wabanaki cosmologies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of land, culture, and community.

LGBTQ+

Out Maine
OUT Maine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating welcoming, affirming, and safe communities for LGBTQ+ youth across Maine, with a focus on reaching those in rural and under-resourced areas. Since 1996, OUT Maine has been a lifeline for countless young people, providing critical support, connection, and a sense of belonging at a time when many feel isolated or misunderstood. Its programs include weekly youth groups, leadership retreats, a chest binder program, and guidance for starting Gay-Straight-Trans Alliances in schools, giving youth the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive. OUT Maine also partners with educators, healthcare providers, and local organizations through training and consultation to create inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ youth can feel safe and respected. By addressing the unique challenges these young people face—particularly in rural settings—OUT Maine empowers them to embrace their identities, develop resilience, and envision a future filled with possibility. Every program and service is designed not just to support individual youth, but to foster systemic change, ensuring that LGBTQ+ young people throughout Maine can live openly, safely, and with dignity.

Recreation

Come Boating!
Come Boating! is a community-based rowing and sailing organization in Belfast, Maine, that fosters healthy outdoor activity, teamwork, and connection to the waterfront. Through programs in rowing, sailing, and youth instruction, it makes boating accessible to people of all ages and abilities while promoting stewardship of Penobscot Bay. By offering both recreational and competitive opportunities, Come Boating! helps strengthen community bonds and celebrates Belfast’s maritime heritage.

Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, founded in 1982, is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in Maine, offering free, volunteer-supported lessons for individuals with physical disabilities. Based in Newry, Maine, they provide over 3,500 lessons annually across winter and summer sports, including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, cycling, paddling, golf, tennis, and more. Their mission is to enhance independence, build confidence, and foster community through adaptive outdoor recreation. Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation serves individuals of all ages, from children to veterans, and partners with over 12 venues statewide. All programs are free of charge, with equipment and instruction provided, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Rock Coast Roller Derby
Rock Coast Roller Derby is Midcoast Maine’s premier roller derby league, based in Rockland. Founded in 2011, Rock Coast Rollery Derby is a skater-owned, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has been a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) since 2014. The league is committed to providing a fun, safe, competitive, and social outlet through the sport of roller derby, empowering its members to be strong, healthy, and confident. They foster an inclusive and diverse community, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. General membership is open to anyone 18+, and skater membership is open to women, transgender women, intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender-expansive individuals who feel most comfortable playing women’s roller derby. The league emphasizes good sportsmanship, community involvement, and the promotion of roller derby both locally and beyond.

Youth

Belfast Area High School Pantry
The Belfast Area High School Food & Clothing Pantry provides free groceries, personal care items, and clothing to students facing economic challenges. Located at the high school, the Pantry allows students without transportation to access nutritious food and hygiene items independently. On an average week, it distributes over $300 of non-perishable goods, with demand increasing before holidays and long weekends, often serving as the only way some students can feed themselves or their families. The Pantry also offers clothing donations, which are especially critical in winter when many students lack insulated jackets, hats, gloves, or boots. The BAHS Food Pantry promotes fair and just opportunities, addressing students’ diverse needs to help them thrive academically and personally.

Belfast Rotary Club City Park Playground Renovation
The Belfast Rotary Club brings community members together through service, leadership, and hands-on projects that make Belfast a better place to live. From fundraising to volunteer work, the club supports local initiatives that enhance education, health, and well-being. This year, Common Cents funding would help renovate the beloved City Park Playground, creating a safe, accessible, and welcoming space where children and families can play, connect, and thrive for years to come.

Belfast Teen Center
The Belfast Teen Center is a teen-centered space for young adults in our area to build community, stay safe, and enjoy a place where “kids can be kids,” supervised by positive adult role models. The board of directors includes students from Belfast Area High School and BCOPE, the alternative high school program, many of whom have taken leadership roles to ensure the program meets the needs of the youth we serve.

The center provides food, board games, and art supplies for local youth. They are open every Wednesday, with plans to expand as the program grows. The inclusive, youth-driven space ensures that everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. By selecting the Belfast Teen Center for the Common Cents program, you will support a safe, accessible environment where local teens can get involved, build connections, and create positive experiences within the Midcoast community.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Waldo County
Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Waldo County provides free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five, fostering early literacy and a lifelong love of reading. Locally administered by the Belfast Free Library and Liberty Library, the program partners with the Maine State Library to make reading accessible to all families in the region. While the state currently matches part of the program’s funding, that support is set to end in 2026, prompting local organizers to seek additional community contributions to ensure this beloved program continues reaching young readers across Waldo County.

UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Tanglewood
UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Tanglewood provides a variety of programs, including day camps, overnight camps, teen leadership opportunities, and wilderness trips. Activities encompass STEM, outdoor skills, creative arts, archery, and environmental stewardship, fostering community living, respect, and healthy relationships among campers. Additionally, the camp offers after-school programs through its Open Air Classroom, promoting outdoor exploration and skill-building. Tanglewood’s mission is to teach youth to be effective and caring citizens of the Earth through affordable environmental education and nature-based experiences.

Youth Curling Program at Belfast Curling Club
The Youth Curling Program at the Belfast Curling Club gives local kids more than just a winter activity—it gives them confidence, friendships, and a place to belong. For many kids in our community, winter can feel long and isolating—but Youth Curling changes that. Many families can’t afford sports programs, but this low-cost program, with financial aid available and healthy snacks provided every session, ensures that every child has the chance to participate. Curling welcomes kids of all ages, abilities, and genders, teaching teamwork, leadership, and responsibility in a safe, supportive environment guided by mentors. The program also encourages volunteering, giving participants opportunities to develop leadership and a sense of responsibility. With Common Cents funding,  even more children could have the opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and feel included in a caring community. This support can help create a space where every child in Waldo County has the chance to grow, belong, and thrive—winter after winter.

Please send any questions to info@belfast.coop

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