Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Sponsored by: ProsperityME
Updated: September 28, 2020 2020 Giving Guide

ProsperityME

2021 Goals

The rapid proliferation of COVID-19 presents a unique challenge to the immigrant community. Many have lost jobs, closed businesses and found themselves ineligible for financial relief due to their immigration status. Others have been deemed “essential workers” and are putting the health of themselves and their families at risk to ensure that hospitals, care facilities and essential services are operational through the crisis.

We know from experience that Maine’s immigrant community is now, and will continue to be, a critical key player in the post-pandemic economic recovery. It will be critical to the long-term economic health of our state that we develop pathways for Maine’s immigrants to fully integrate into the workforce and help rebuild Maine’s economy post COVID-19.

Our goals for 2021 include:

  • Launch a women’s economic empowerment program in partnership with the Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation and fellow ECBO (Ethnic Community Based Organization) In Her Presence.
  • Work with our partners to provide workforce development training programs, including job training classes for recent immigrants and for unemployed or underemployed immigrants.
  • Provide foundational coursework in financial literacy, integrating digital and remote learning into our delivery model to reach immigrants statewide in isolation.
  • Provide one-on-one financial counseling and financial assistance, helping them to access necessary services in unemployment, housing, health and immigration, and to make plans for the future.
  • Develop our scholarship program into a long-term solution for asylum-seekers.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

The Community Block Party is our largest annual fundraiser where we honor immigrant community contributions to the Maine economy. Over 20 local businesses sign on as sponsors every year. The event is a true celebration of community accomplishments, with strong attendance from business leaders and partner nonprofits working on the behalf of immigrants.

2021 event details are TBD. Please contact ED Claude Rwaganje about becoming an event sponsor.

Photo / Courtesy of ProsperityME

Giving Opportunities

We are always amazed by the generosity of our donors. Every one is an ambassador who, through their contribution, is saying “We welcome immigrants and want them to pursue their American dream right here in Maine.”

Whether you want to build the workforce of tomorrow or help close persistent gaps in economic security for immigrant families, we can help you meet your philanthropic goals and build a more sustainable, equitable economy for us all.

ProsperityME conducts an individual annual appeal in November every year. We invite individuals to simplify their giving by joining our monthly giving program, The Prosperity Circle. Gifts are tax deductible. We also accept gifts of stock and in-kind donations.

You can donate though our website or mail. Questions about in-kind or stock gifts should be directed to Byron Bartlett: bbartlett@prosperityme.org

The Maine Immigrants Prosperity Network, or MIPN, is a network of business partners in banking, finance, insurance and investments committed to helping immigrants and low-income people across the state improve their overall economic well-being. Yearly dues and monthly network meetings enable members to contribute directly to creating a more equitable financial future for immigrant families.

Please contact or ED, Claude Rwaganje for more information: crwaganje@prosperityme.org

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Housing Coach: In conjunction with our Supporting Immigrant Tenants program, housing coaches prepare asylum-seekers to rent their first apartment by reviewing the lease, giving advice, and offering friendship.
  • Scholarship Student Mentors: You can help nurture the next generation of talent in your industry by mentoring one of our 2020 scholarship recipients. Scholarship mentors help our student recipients plan for the road ahead, offering guidance and networking opportunities as they advance through their post-secondary education.

Leadership

Claude Rwaganje, Executive Director
Helen Andreoli, Board Chair: Founding Partner and CFO, Great Diamond Partners

Board officers

Tara Jenkins, Board Vice Chair: CEO, Conscious Revolution LLC

Eileen Fongemie, Board Treasurer: Vice President of Finance and Assistant Treasurer, MEMIC

Collette Twigg-Rowse, Board Secretary: Vice President of Commercial Lending , Bath Savings Institution


Board Members

Eric Boucher: Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, Avesta Housing

Bill Brown: Principal, Berry Dunn

Christen Graham: Founder and President, Giving Strong, Inc.

Gregory Hansel: Attorney and Partner, Preti Flaherty LLP

Quincy Hentzel: CEO, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Tim Honey: Retired City Manager, City of Portland

E’nkul Kanakan: Employee Relations Director, Granite Bay Care

Cheryl Lancaster: Executive Vice President, Member Services, Maine Credit Union League

Megan Piper: Founder and Principal, Piper Consulting

Gimbala Sankare: Head of Global Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, WEX

At A Glance

Established: 2008
Employees: 6
Annual revenue: $540,318

Top funding sources

49% Grants and Contracts
30% Public Support
19% Sponsorships and Service Fees
1% Interest Income
1% Miscellaneous

Contact

Street Address:
62 Elm St., Suite 2.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 797-7890

Lewiston Office and Classroom:
37 Park St., 4th Floor,
Lewiston, ME 04240

prosperityme.org
facebook.com/prosperitymaine
twitter.com/prosperitymaine
instagram.com/prosperitymaine

Awards/Accolades

2018 “Four A Cause” Award Winner

Mission Statement

ProsperityME empowers, through education and counseling, members of refugee and immigrant communities to invest in themselves to build financial stability, careers, businesses and wealth. We envision that all of Maine’s refugees and immigrants, their families and communities, reach financial stability and improve their quality of life.

Service locations

Cumberland County — Greater Portland

Androscoggin County — Lewiston/Auburn

York County — Biddeford