PORTLAND – The boards of trustees for the People’s Regional Opportunity Program (PROP) of Cumberland County and Youth Alternatives Ingraham (YI) voted at their respective meetings this week to approve the merger of the two agencies and the integration of all programs and services, according to a press release from the two groups.

“For more than 40 years, PROP and YI have been an integral part of supporting individuals and families in Cumberland County,” the press release said. “As a merged and integrated agency, the organization will be more proactive and efficient in developing community solutions that are effective, collaborative and have measurable impact. Because the missions and programming of PROP and YI are aligned and complementary, a merger between the two organizations will encourage a more efficient use of scarce funding for service delivery by eliminating duplication in administrative costs. The new combined agency will continue to provide support in accessing healthcare, housing, child care and early education, and nutrition. It will also improve services to people living with persistent and chronic mental illness by creating an integrated, seamless system of care where people coming to the agency for help may access services through multiple channels yet only need tell their story once. The merger brings together two very strong service and advocacy organizations with longstanding experience in our community working for and with people who are economically challenged, families in need of reunification, and people living with mental illness and substance use disorders.”

According to the release, the new merged organization is expected to remain a Community Action Agency. Community Action Agencies were created as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s national War on Poverty and have been addressing the causes and effects of poverty for 45 years.

The expected date of completion of the full merger and integration of operations, programs, and services is Oct. 1. Michael J. Tarpinian, president of YI, has been designated the chief executive officer of the new merged organization. A comprehensive process for determining a new name for the merged organization is underway and is expected to be announced in September.