Crosby, 72, is an Air Force veteran and Maine native who hails from a long line of military service. Three of his uncles served in World War II; his grandfather served in World War I. It’s not surprising, then, that he has always felt the need to help others. In 1969, Hurricane Camille devastated the
Melissa LeBrun has spent most of her adult life helping others. She began fostering children in her 20s, four of whom she adopted. During the Great Recession, she launched a soup kitchen with her mother in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. She is a former medical social worker with a master’s degree in human services
When school is in session at Central School in South Berwick, Maine, you are likely to find Bill Glass and his Golden Retriever, Layla, visiting the classrooms. Bill reads to the students (grades pre-K to 3) while Layla offers up her belly or ears for a good petting. In technical terms, they provide therapeutic emotional support. In plain
With thousands of people on Avesta Housing’s wait list for affordable dwellings, the head of the Portland-based nonprofit has a lot on her plate for 2023 and well beyond. “We are working diligently to provide more homes for people in need,” says Rebecca Hatfield, president and CEO. “Avesta has 700-plus units in various stages of
Charlene knows what it’s like to need a helping hand. She raised six children by herself when her husband died at a young age. As a nurse’s aide for York County Health Services, she oftentimes cared for lower-income older adults in their homes. “I even washed their feet,” she said, proudly. At 90, Charlene is
Pictured above, left to right: NBT Bank Maine Regional President Kimberly Twitchell, Avesta HomeOwnership Center Director Nicole DiGeronimo, Avesta Housing President & CEO Rebecca Hatfield, Avesta Housing Vice President of Advancement Sara Olson, and NBT Bank Vice President and Senior Banking Relationship Manager Mark Schaub NBT Bank has donated $5,000 to Avesta Housing to help provide affordable
At Avesta, we know there’s a big difference between “four walls and a roof” and having a place to call home. That’s why we’re committed to providing services that transform our properties from being mere rental units to being homes in which community members can thrive. Whether it’s communities for older adults, apartments for young
Bethany Jensen holds up a photo and asks the class to identify the object shown. “A ball,” responds one of the students. “Yes! Very good!” Bethany says. “But what kind of ball?” Mutterings from the class. No clear response. Bethany: “It’s a football!” The mutterings turn to expressions of surprise — and of confusion. “It’s
Avesta Housing recently partnered with League of Women Voters (LWV) of Maine to help Avesta residents register to vote in the upcoming midterm election. From mid-September to Oct. 18, volunteers from LWV canvassed door-to-door at Avesta properties throughout Maine, distributing nonpartisan election information and instructions on how to register. The majority of residents welcomed the canvassers
The lack of affordable housing has reached crisis levels in Maine and nationwide. Avesta Housing is at the forefront of promoting and providing more safe, quality, affordable housing for all people in need. Read about our organization and our work in the annual edition of the Mainebiz Giving Guide by clicking here.
