BELFAST — Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP), as the local designated Prevention Council in Waldo County, is seeking public participation in identifying community-based, physical spaces for families to safely access support in times of need.

This effort is among the first steps in Maine Children’s Trust and Maine Prevention Councils’ plan to build supportive communities throughout Maine where families can utilize services and supports that help them thrive without fear of having to navigate complex eligibility requirements and feel comfortable and safe seeking assistance. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has provided funding to support the development and implementation of the Child and Safety and Family Well-Being Plan, which is part of a statewide effort to prevent child abuse and neglect by keeping families strong.

Strategies to strengthen families as outlined in the plan include:

1. Develop, implement, and update the Plan in partnership with families, partners, and communities;
2. Promote supportive communities where children, youth, and families feel comfortable seeking help;
3. Improve the economic security of parents and caregivers to provide safety and stability for their children;
4. Provide services and resources to help parents and caregivers ensure the safety, health, and nurturing care of their children; and
5. Improve coordination of supports and services for children, youth, and families.

WCAP’s Prevention Council will host two opportunities in Waldo County to hear from local community partners, parents, caregivers, and youth to identify existing community-based spaces for families in all areas of the state, and, as part of that conversation, to assess opportunities to enhance or expand these spaces at the local level.

“It is important to connect with the people who live and work locally to gather this information because we know that residents of Waldo County are the experts on what is needed and are the greatest resource for advancing child and family support” said WCAP’s Director of Community Services and Prevention Council Director Ryan Jackson. “This work will ultimately help us increase community collaboration and align efforts with a strong local network of service providers. We know our greatest source of knowledge and information about the needs in our communities is right here with the people of Waldo County.”

WCAP Prevention Council Zoom sessions will take place on July 17 and August 8.

For more information about WCAP’s Prevention Council activities, or to register for one of the Zoom sessions, please contact Director of Community Services and Prevention Council Director Ryan Jackson at 207-505-2980 or by email at rjackson@waldocap.org.

Waldo Community Action Partners is a charitable, educational, 501(c)(3) private non-profit organization located in Belfast, Maine. It is designed to utilize and mobilize public and private resources to assist low-income Waldo County residents in the alleviation of poverty and address its underlying causes. For additional information, please visit www.waldocap.org.