ProsperityME has been awarded the Avesta Housing Mike Yandell Award for its work in the field of affordable housing.

“We are very honored to receive the Mike Yandell Award for our work supporting immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in securing affordable housing as they begin their new lives in Maine,” said ProsperityME Executive Director Claude Rwaganje, who is also a member of the Westbrook City Council. “This award will inspire us to continue this important work.”

Founded in 2008, ProsperityME is a nonprofit that assists New Mainers via free financial counseling, career and business development, housing assistance and college scholarships.

Named for the late Mike Yandell, a former Avesta Housing board chairperson who is remembered for his commitment to improving the community, the award is presented annually to an individual or organization that helps provide safe, quality affordable housing to people in Maine or New Hampshire.