Whether you are a parenting Mainer trying to support your family, underemployed or facing financial concerns, day-to-day living can be challenging with limited resources. But there are many resources at your disposal.
Financial Assistance
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Build HOPE Project
Build HOPE helps parents meet their financial needs while pursuing educational goals. Unexpected and anticipated expenses can derail the educational process, and this fund helps with flexible financial assistance. You are eligible for Build HOPE if you participate in HOPE, PaS, receive TANF, and attend an approved training or program at least half-time.
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CA$H Maine
CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability.
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CEI
CEI works with Maine residents in supporting financial wellness. All of CEI’s financial wellness offerings are provided free of charge. They offer support in credit building, debt reduction, student loan counseling, and more. CEI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a HUD-certified housing counseling agency.
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Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)
CCAP helps eligible families to pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in a job training program. CCAP is also available for eligible families where the adult(s) are retired and are the legal guardian of a child.
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General Assistance
The Department of Health and Human Services helps individuals and families to meet their basic needs. This may include help paying for household supplies, food, housing, fuel & utilities, medical, dental, prescriptions, and more.
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HOPE/PaS Programs
Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) and Parents as Scholars (PaS) are two statewide workforce development programs offered by the DHHS. These programs help parents and specified relatives pursue training and education beyond high school to achieve their career plans. A core component of both programs is Pathway Navigator services provided by JMG.
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MoneyWise at UMA
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) MoneyWise program can help you develop the skills you need for managing your money while you earn your degree. These workshops are FREE to all UMA students.
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New Ventures Maine
New Ventures Maine helps people all over the state of Maine venture in new directions by offering tuition-free programs for financial education and more. Their mission is to help Maine people succeed in the changing economy and achieve economic security for themselves and their families.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The SNAP program provides a monthly benefit to help low-income households purchase nutritious food. If you receive SNAP, you may also be eligible to participate in Maine SNAP-Ed or the Food Supplement Employment and Training Program.
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides cash assistance to families while they work towards becoming self-sufficient. TANF has an Alternative Aid Assistance that assists parents who need short-term help to find or maintain employment. TANF also offers Emergency Assistance which provides voucher payments for children and their families who are threatened by destitution or homelessness.