13 MAY. 2024 · Stella Mars speaks with Michelle Surdoval, Executive Director of York Community Services Association (YCSA). YCSA administers a number of resources for residents of York, Maine, including community meals, housing information, General Assistance, fuel fund, food pantry, and more.  YCSA is largely funded through their thrift store at 855 US Route 1 in York, Maine. They hold annual fundraisers to supplement the income from the thrift store in order to offer a wide array of programs. Learn more at YCSAME.org.

6 MAY. 2024 · Stella Mars speaks with FEMA Communications Specialist, Deanna Frazier about assistance available to Mainers adversely affected by the back-to-back storms January 9-13, 2024. Learn which homewonwers and renters may apply for assistance, how to apply, and what pitfalls to avoid in the application process. Deanna also shares tips about how to avoid scams. The deadline to apply for assistance due to this disaster is May 20, 2024. 

29 ABR. 2024 · Stella Mars speaks with Kevin Bogart, Deputy Director of The Locker Project of Maine. Kevin explains the no-profit's mission to get food to food insecure children and families in the Greater Portland area through partnerships with grocery stores and farms.  The Locker Project strives to get food to children through low barrier, stigma-free and environmentally responsible means. Learn more at MaineLockerProject.org.  

22 ABR. 2024 · This week, Stella Mars speaks with Cullen Ryan, Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine.  According to Ryan, society bears the financial burden for people who are chronically unhoused. He shares that the chronically homeless are up to 29 times more likely to be in the hospital and up to 57 times more likely to be in jail when unhoused than when housed. Community Housing of Maine offers afforadable and supportive housing to the most vulnerable. They work with partners who provide supportive services to unhoused people and people with special needs. When people have housing; people thrive, businesses thrive, and communities thrive. Learn more at CHOMHousing.org

15 ABR. 2024 · April is Autism Acceptance Month. In this episode of Community Connections, Stella Mars speaks with Cathy Dionne, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Maine. They discuss the rationale behind the change from autism awareness to autism acceptance and Cathy shares insight into the many programs and offerings of the Autism Society of Maine (all of which are available free of charge). The Autism Society of Maine is an affiliate of the Autism Society. Their mission is "to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals on the Autism spectrum to become participating members of their communities." Learn more at https://www.asmonline.org/

5 ABR. 2024 · Patrisha McLean founded Finding Our Voices after she herself was a victim of domestic abuse. She shares that the organization is about women survivors providing sister support to break the silence about domestic abuse. She discusses various types of abuse, numbers of people affected by abuse, and the many things that Finding Our Voices is doing to shine a light on this dark subject. Learn more at FindingOurVoices.net.

2 ABR. 2024 · Stella Mars welcomes Megan Arsenault, Deputy Director of the York County Emergency Management Agency in Maine and Sam Michaud, Facilities Manager of Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston and Chair of Maine VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).  In this episode, we discuss Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response.

2 ABR. 2024 · Stella Mars welcomes guests Jeff Mears, Principal of the Young School in Saco and Ben Wilson, Principal of Auburn Middle School. In this episode, we discuss the changing needs of students and what schools are doing to meet those needs.

2 ABR. 2024 · Stella Mars welcomes Lauren Smith Kennedy, Director of Development and Communication at the Saco River Wildlife Center. Lauren gives an overview of this wildlife rehabilitation center and talks about their upcoming "Baby Shower" event which will took place on 4/13/24 in Westbrook. Learn more at https://sacoriverwildlifecenter.org/