The Care Fund - Community Care

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The Care Fund - It takes a community...

Several years ago, the staff of Community Care created "The Care Fund" in order to meet unmet needs of the individuals served by the agency. Community Care's clients have a great number of needs that are not funded, and therefore the Care Fund is a vital resource to the individuals and families we serve.

If becoming a foster parent or social service provider is not for you, please consider the many other ways you can contribute to the health and well being of children and families in our Maine communities.

If you are in business, you might offer free or low-cost services for individuals and families associated with the foster care system such as haircuts, dental care, cleaning services, restaurant meals, motel lodging, counseling, camp, sporting events, lessons, auto repair, memberships to fitness clubs or children's museums.

You might volunteer your time and talents through life skills tutoring, school/homework tutoring, family or child mentoring or office work at a regional Community Care site.

Your or your organization might donate money or goods such as field trips, lessons, camps, holidays, birthdays, graduations, car seats, furniture, clothes, books, food, automobiles or independent living apartments.

You might support Community Care or other social service agencies and the court system through recruitment of foster/adoptive parents, hosting events, providing facilities, becoming a guardian ad litem (court-appointed advocate for children) or by becoming a Respite Care Provider.

Community Care is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Private contributions are needed now more than ever to support our mission. Your annual gift to the Care Fund will help meet the needs that are not currently fully funded. To learn more about giving opportunities contact the Executive Director at 1-888-236-2273 or (207) 945-4240. Contributions to the Care Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Below is a list of commonly asked questions about the Care Fund (Click on the question to expand the answer).

What kind of "needs" is the Care Fund used for?

Some of the uses to date of Care Fund money include:

Clothing for children who do not receive clothing allowances from the state
Fees for a parent to attend a parenting class
School supplies for children
A small auto repair so a mom can continue to transport her children to appointments
Medication prescribed for a child by our physician that is not covered by Mainecare
Fee for child to attend school activity
Holiday gifts for children residing in our group homes
Basic supplies for youth who are aging out of system and moving into an apartment or into a dorm
Assisting an Adult client purchase a bus pass so that they may keep medical appointments

Is it used to help out the agency in any way?

It is not. The care fund is strictly for client needs.

Is it used for staff functions, team building, etc?

It is not. It is strictly for the unmet needs for Community Care clients. Community Care also hosts a "Community Fund" where money from fundraising for team activities is placed. This is a separate fund for Community Care teams and programs, flowers for staff and foster parent births, funerals, etc. Money raised for the Care Fund does not go into this fund.

Who decides how Care Fund money is used?

A committee made up of staff from various Community Care positions, programs, and geographical areas considers and votes on all request. The executive director sits on this committee and has final say if the committee cannot come to a decision.

Who contributes to the Care Fund?

Staff, Board Members, and the community at large.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

Yes it is. Contributors are given a statement noting the contribution for their records.

How do I make a contribution?

It's easy! If you are a member of the community or a Community Care board member or foster parent, simply write a check or money order to Community Care and note that it is for the Care Fund.
If you are a Community Care employee, there are two ways that you can contribute:

Check or money order made out to Community Care (Please Note for Care Fund)
Payroll Deduction–You determine how much you would like to have taken out of your pay before it is deposited in your account. It is noted on your pay stub. This will continue until you ask that it be stopped. For example, if you choose to contribute $10.00/pay period for a year, you will have contributed $260.00 for that year; If you contribute $3.00/pay period for six months, you would have contributed $39.00 for that period. If you choose payroll deduction, ask Kim Meherg or Bill Robinson for the form.

Show you care... Help us help Maine Children. Give to the Care Fund today.

The Care Fund
Community Care
PO Box 936
Bangor, ME 04402-0936