Knox County Homeless Coalition is one of eight organizations that received donations in the fourth quarter of 2023. 

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $21,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to organizations serving Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Along with the Homeless Coalition, the other Q4 2023 awardees are: Maine Maritime Academy, Maine Seacoast Mission, and Tedford Housing in Maine; PathWays of the River Valley and YMCA Camp Coniston in New Hampshire; and Neighbors Helping Neighbors and White River Land Collaborative in Vermont.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees participating in Casual for a Cause dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. At the conclusion of each quarter, employees vote on which nonprofits will receive their contributions. The employee-driven program has distributed more than $292,000 in donations since it began in 2018.

“Casual for a Cause is a great opportunity for our employees to be philanthropists together,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “By combining their individual contributions, our employees are able to make significant donations to nonprofit organizations that are, in turn, making a difference in our communities. This is truly a testament to our belief that good things happen when we work together.”

Recipients of Q4 2023 Donations

Maine

Knox County Homeless Coalition serves individuals, families, and youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln counties, providing innovative care from shelter to sustainability. The Casual for a Cause donation will support the coalition’s Landing Place Youth Center, which provides a safe place for local middle- and high-school age students to spend time with friends, access free services, and much more. Learn more about Knox County Homeless Coalition at homehelphope.org.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for this donation through their Casual for A Cause program,” said Rebecca Gildred, Chief Development Officer at Knox County Homeless Coalition, in the bank’s press release. “We appreciate their commitment to youth and workforce development in Maine and how well that aligns with our services for young people at our transitional living program and drop in center in Rockland.”

Maine Maritime Academy is a public, co-educational college with a population of approximately 950 students in courses of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation. The academy combines rigorous courses and experiential programs to equip students to launch successful careers upon graduation. The Casual for a Cause donation will support scholarships to aid those students with the greatest need. Learn more about Maine Maritime Academy at mainemaritime.edu.

“We are grateful for the support shown by the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for Maine Maritime Academy,” said Jerald Paul, President of Maine Maritime Academy. “It gives us incredible pride knowing that they share our vision and understand the importance of the purpose driven education we offer our students, and it means even more coming from fellow neighbors in the wonderful state of Maine.”

Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health. The Mission boosts the inherent strengths of these communities through programs and services such as providing food, fixing up homes, supporting students, distributing scholarships, and offering healthcare. Learn more about Maine Seacoast Mission at seacoastmission.org.

“We are so grateful for our relationship with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and their employees' support of our Journey program,” said John Zavodny, President of Maine Seacoast Mission. “Whether it's support for an existing program or talking through new ways to help in our communities, we know we can count on our partners at BHBT.”

Tedford Housing is a nonprofit organization based in Brunswick, Maine, with a central belief that everyone deserves to have a safe and affordable home. The organization provides emergency homeless shelter, supportive housing for previously homeless families and individuals as well as homeless prevention services. Learn more about Tedford Housing at tedfordhousing.org.

“Everyone at Tedford Housing is grateful for the support of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, and its employees,” said Andrew Lardie, Executive Director of Tedford Housing. “This funding will support our homelessness prevention program and emergency shelters so that more of our neighbors can achieve stable housing.”

New Hampshire

PathWays of the River Valley expands opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities for those in Sullivan County and Lower Grafton counties. PathWays works with children, adults, and their families to provide ongoing, individualized support. The organization also works with local agencies, programs, and businesses to provide individuals with meaningful work, recreation, and community life.  Learn more about PathWays of the River Valley at pathwaysnh.org.

“Pathways would like to thank the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for your generous donation,” said Mark Mills, Chief Executive Officer at PathWays of the River Valley. “These funds will be used to support our mission to work in partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families to create their own desired future in their own community.”

YMCA Camp Coniston is a nonprofit service organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Casual for a Cause donation will help build a stronger future by providing camp scholarships, also known as camperships, to children in the Central/Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. Learn more about YMCA Camp Coniston at coniston.org.

“Thanks to the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees for believing in the work we do with children from the Central/Upper Valley region of New Hampshire,” said John Tilley, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Camp Coniston. “Gifts like these ensure all kids have access to a summer camp experience regardless of financial means.”

Vermont

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a nonprofit, community-based organization committed to the wellbeing of its neighbors. The organization provides emergency assistance to those in need and is sustained by donations, fundraising and the support of other community based organizations. 

“We are honored that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees chose us for their generous Casual for a Cause donation,” said Lisa Olmstead, President of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. “These funds will be used to help our neighbors who may need a temporary hand-up from unforeseen events.”

White River Land Collaborative is a farmer-led, community-driven initiative to increase land access and farm viability. The collaborative of farmers and community members is transforming a 200-acre former organic dairy farm into a community hub that supports multiple land stewards and local business owners. The initiative is also creating and supporting ecosystems that build healthy soils and sequester carbon. Learn more about White River Land Collaborative at whiteriverlandcollaborative.com.  

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's support of the White River Land Collaborative,” said Shelby Kalm, Project Coordinator at the White River Land Collaborative. “Their support will be used to advance our mission of creating a more viable and equitable model of land access, fostering regenerative stewardship, and building a resilient agricultural economy in our community. Together, we are building a future where the land thrives, farmers flourish, and the community connects.”

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.9 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.