The Third Place - Maine

For 42 years, the Maine Community Foundation has been bringing people and resources together to build a better Maine. MaineCF is the state's largest community foundation that serves all 16 counties and corners of Maine. The foundation is dedicated to ensuring Maine is a vibrant and equitable place where people and communities thrive through partnerships with donors, nonprofits and local and statewide leaders. Learn more: www.mainecf.org/together Photo/video: Tailwind Media. #maine #mainecf #mainecommunityfoundation #buildabettermaine

And, we're off! Earlier this month, our inaugural cohort of AmeriCorps Legal Access Navigators joined all new AmeriCorps members in taking their oath of service. The oath was administered by Justice Mead which was particularly meaningful given his long-standing commitment to improving access to justice. (Left to Right: Krystal Williams, Abigail Miller, Winona Hapgood, Justice Mead, Chang Lin, Jarad Johnson)

Community. Connection. Celebration. Earlier in the month, the Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby Black Student Summit turned Chase Hall into a space of Black joy, excellence, and empowerment. Students and alumni from Maine’s close-knit college trio gathered for a day filled with thoughtful panels, engaging workshops, and moments of pure connection — all hosted by Bates’ Student Center for Belonging and Community, whose director is Tonya Bailey-Curry. “Today, we gather as a powerful community,” said Bailey-Curry, “one rooted in excellence, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of justice, joy, and success.” The day kicked off with a student and alumni panel, including Bates alumna Marissa Phoenix ’15, who talked about the power of having “conversations about Black joy, Black excellence, the obstacles we overcome, and the things we are yet to face.” Also, she said, “It’s important to give back. I love Bates, I love the community, and I love the connections I made while I was here.” Rashad King ’25 of Windsor, Conn., spoke of the summit’s power to amplify Black experiences. “It shows how Blackness has many interpretations. It dispels the myth of the Black monolith and shows the fullness of the experiences and intersections that we've had in life.” Workshops covering burnout prevention, imposter syndrome, and Black masculinity opened deep conversations about identity, resilience, and self-care. The Fireside Chat featured student affairs leaders from each college: Rosanna Ferro of Bates, Katie Toro-Kerrari of Bowdoin, and Gustavo Burkett of Colby, who offered insights on supporting Black students on campus. Ferro, vice president for student affairs at Bates, said that events like the summit build community while “ensuring that every student feels truly seen and heard.” The summit closed with a Black Student Union mixer and dance at the Benjamin E. Mays Center, named for the famed civil rights leader and 1920 Bates alumnus, who famously said, “The weather in Maine was cold, but the hearts at Bates were warm.” Here’s to the warmth of connection and collaboration. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)

?? Innovator Spotlight! ?? 40% of federal aid goes unclaimed annually due to complex systems. Maine startup CIVA App is changing that. With $100K in MTI funding, CIVA developed an AI-powered civic intelligence platform that's revolutionizing how organizations access and deliver public services. The results? Successful partnerships with MaineHealth, Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and Morehouse School of Medicine across 5 New England states. Read their full story and learn how MTI support is helping create smarter public services: https://lnkd.in/eZtmepQe #MTIMaine #MaineInnovation #GovTech #StartupMaine

?? Save the Date! ?? Join us for the 2nd annual WE Rock! Awards on March 19, 2025, from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at USM’s McGoldrick Center! ?? Hosted by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, this special evening will honor incredible female professionals who are making a lasting impact in our community. ??? ?? Congratulations to the 2025 WE Rock! Award Winners! ?? ? She Empowers Award – Jill Duson, Maine State Senator ? She Inspires Award – Emma Tiedemann, Director of Broadcasting, Portland Sea Dogs ? She Unites Award – Jeanne Hulit, President, Maine Community Bank Let’s come together to celebrate, inspire, and uplift the amazing women shaping the future of the Portland region. ???? ?? University of Southern Maine – McGoldrick Center | 35 Bedford St, Portland, ME ?? Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gyKk87HK A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible! Machias Savings Bank Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. Pierce Atwood LLP Amanda Huebner Photography Tag someone who should attend! ?? #WERockAwards #WomenWhoLead #PortlandME #SheEmpowers #SheInspires #sheunites

In celebration of black history month, the BSU is hosting an excellence brunch! Join us for an exciting afternoon filled with inspiring company and food. Space is limited so please RSVP through the link on our instagram @USMBSU

Calling Black Business Owners in Maine! We’re conducting two focus groups—one in Lewiston and one in Portland—to better understand the technological needs of Black-owned businesses. Your insights will help us and Maine Technology Institute shape strategies to improve access to the tools and resources you need to thrive. We understand that your time is valuable, so we’re offering: ? A $75 stipend ? Dinner provided Your voice matters in shaping the future of tech support for Black businesses in Maine. If you’re interested in participating, fill out the form at https://wkf.ms/4hFxtvf.

On February 6th, The Third Place was honored by the Maine Celtics for its pivotal role in connecting and strengthening Black community across the state. Thanks to all those who braved the weather or sent their regrets. We have only been able to build this community with your committed presence and willingness to grow as one. Thank you to the Maine Celtics for keeping Maine's rich Black history and current community at the center of your annual commemoration. Additional thanks to Unum for supporting the Maine Celtics in this effort.

Coming Soon! 1648 Main St, Lewiston, ME Don't miss this beautiful 4-bed, 2.5-bath Cape-style home with spacious rooms, a heated two-car garage, and a private yard! Just minutes from downtown Lewiston & Auburn. Stay tuned for details! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions! Aziza Perkins | Associate Broker Elevate Maine | 207-399-8751 [email protected] #ComingSoon #LewistonME #DreamHome #MaineRealEstate

We’re Hiring!?? Indigo Arts Alliance is seeking a #DeputyDirector and a #DevelopmentDirector —two visionary leaders to help shape the future of our organization at this pivotal moment for arts and cultural advocacy. At the intersection of Art + Activism, we are committed to uplifting Black and Brown artists and fostering global creative connections. As we navigate a shifting policy climate and increasing challenges to arts funding and equity, these leadership roles are more critical than ever. ?? Deputy Director – A strategic leader with internal and external responsibilities, including team management, operations, program planning, HR, and financial oversight. This role is essential in shaping and implementing our Strategic Plan, ensuring for our long-term sustainability. ?? Development Director – A dynamic fundraiser responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy, including grant writing, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and special events revenue. This role will also oversee and grow IAA’s sustainability fund. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact at a growing organization that believes in the power of art to drive social change.?If you're a strategic leader passionate about equity, culture, and impact, we want to hear from you! Learn more about these roles and how you can be part of our mission on our website. ?? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/g9hSbEZ #IndigoArtsAlliance #ArtAndActivism #Leadership #Hiring #ArtsJobs #NonprofitLeadership #DiversityInTheArts