2021 Goals
As we approach our 50th year, Shalom House continues to be a leader in providing a wide array of support services and affordable housing options for people living with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Shalom House has built a reputation among social service providers in Maine for providing a flexible continuum of care that meets people at their level of need, stops the ravaging effects of mental illness on their lives, and helps them to maintain their highest level of independence.
Shalom House is committed to helping people move away from dependence on the mental health system and institutional settings toward community-based services and natural supports. Our overreaching goal is to help people with mental illness break through the barriers that make it difficult to recover from their illnesses. We accomplish this by:
- Providing the tools and supports necessary for our clients to meet their needs so that they may focus on their recovery.
- Providing affordable, stable housing and high quality, flexible mental health services in Cumberland and York counties.
- Improving the quality of life for our clients by easing the burden of mental illness and supporting their highest level of independence.
- Amplifying the voices of people living with mental illness in the state of Maine so that policy makers’ choices are based on information rather than stereotypes.
Giving Opportunities
Shalom House welcomes financial contributions from individuals and organizations who wish to support our mission of providing Home, Health, and Hope to those living with severe and persistent mental illness. Contributions can be designated to our various programs such as the Art Program, the Basic Needs Fund and the Annual Appeal– or made without a designation.
- Annual Appeal — Our Fall direct mail and online appeal supports the Shalom Art Program, the Basic Needs Fund and provides general operating support for our other programs. By contributing to the Annual Appeal donors play a major role in providing those who are suffering with the tools and opportunities to enhance their lives and regain their independence.
- Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts — Businesses can participate in charity campaigns directed to Shalom House as well as offering to match employee contributions to Shalom House.
- Art Cards — Give your correspondence some style with our wonderful note card sets. Cards feature selected works from various Shalom House artists. All proceeds from the sale of cards benefit the Art Program’s operational expenses. This includes our instructor, supplies, art shows, and community outreach. Available at www.shalomhouseinc.org/ art-program, all purchases directly benefit the Art Program.
- Artwork for Sale — Many pieces of art displayed at Shalom and on our website are for sale. Ten percent of each sale goes to the operating needs and supplies, with the remainder going directly to the artist.
- In Kind Donations — Our Annual Winter Coat Drive provides coats, hats, gloves and socks for our clients and residents. You can shop AmazonSmile and our Amazon Charity Lists using Shalom House’s unique URL: smile.amazon.com/ch/ 23-7119236 to make a purchase and send it directly to Shalom.
Volunteer Opportunities
A wonderful way for businesses and other to volunteer their time is to become a board member. Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of business leaders and community members who bring their field of expertise to the table. Our Board of Directors is a hard-working, “hands-on”, active board. Each board member is asked to contribute 2-3 hours per month to board work by attending one monthly board meeting and sit on one of the board’s committees. Committee meetings are generally held once a month as well. We ask that all potential board members have experience with any charitable cause in the past and understand non-profit perspectives. Contact the Development Department at (207) 874-1080×102 if interested.
