The Belfast Community Co-op’s Common Cents group for July is Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM)! Every shopper may ‘round-up’ their purchases at the Co-op to donate to our monthly recipient. 100% of all donations received through Common Cents go on to each month’s group.

What is SASSMM?

SASSMM’s mission is to support and advocate for people affected by sexual violence while working to prevent it in our communities. Our vision is a world where sexual violence doesn’t exist.

Proceeds from the Belfast Community Co-op Common Cents program will aid us to fund the following services that are free to the public, confidential, and private within the guidelines of DHHS-mandated reporting:

• Our free, confidential, and private 24-hour Helpline where trained advocates are ready and availability to help a caller any time of day, 24/7.  To access the state-wide Helpline number, call: 1-800-871-7741

▪ A person can call any day of the year, day or night, and will be connected to the Answering Service who will connect the caller to an advocate

• Emotional support to survivors and their families, friends, natural supports at any time

• Advocacy to provide company for survivors who go to the hospital, police, or court

• In-person and online peer support groups

• Information and referrals to different resources

• Training for local agencies and organizations on SASSMM services, and how community partners can support survivors of sexual violence

• Community and school-based education

• Advocacy and support services through our Child Advocacy Center to youth and their non-offending caregivers

To learn more about SASSMM, please visit us at: www.sassmm.org

100% of all donations received through Common Cents go on to each month’s group.