SACO
Women’s support nonprofit awarded grant
The Esther Residence has been named a recipient of a “Better Neighbor Fund” $5,000 grant from Town & Country Federal Credit Union. The grants are awarded annually to local charitable organizations working to improve the community.
Now in its 16th year, the Esther Residence is a transitional program for women who are leaving incarceration and/or treatment programs. It provides a safe, nurturing community based on safety, respect, and dignity and intends to serve as a bridge that promotes healthy connections to family and the larger community.
According to Esther Residence director Sister Joanne Roy, the grant will help fund parent coaching for residents during their stay and possibly after they leave “to help them continue their relationship with their children and have some activities that help mother and child bond together in new and enjoyable settings.”
Earlier this year, the residence was the recipient of the Matthew 25 Award, given annually by Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry program to ministries directly serving vulnerable people in need.
Founded in 2006, the residence has been operated and guided by the Good Shepherd Sisters with help from its dedicated volunteers.
For more details, go to estherresidence.org.