Southport Island Association gives resources council $9,000

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 8:00am

Southport Island Association President Gardiner Rapelye dropped into the Congregational Church in Boothbay Harbor April 18 with a $9,000 check from the SIA to Boothbay Region Community Resources Council (BRCRC). Rapelye presented the check to BRCRC President Sue Burge.

The donation will benefit three of BRCRC ‘s six programs: $5,000 for Food for Thought, $2,000 for Set for Success, and $2,000 for the Addiction Outreach Program.

Before handing the check to Burge, Rapelye explained the board had decided to donate to the three programs at its annual giving meeting.

“One of my passions is Food for Thought, so I pushed hard for it,” he said, adding he was also touched when he heard about the back-to-school program Set for Success. The SIA board also felt it was important to support Addiction Outreach.

“We are totally grateful for this generosity. We're just blown away by the continuing support of people who are so generous to our cause,” said Burge.

Every Friday, Food for Thought provides a grocery bag filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to homes housing chronically hungry children. The program is confidential, and volunteers who deliver the food around the peninsula are trustworthy and discreet. Those needing help can apply through the BRCRC's Community Navigator or through a school guidance counselor.

For Set for Success Day, an annual event held in August, the Boothbay Region YMCA Field House is transformed into an all-inclusive school supply fair. Backpacks, school supplies, clothing, eye and teeth exams and free haircuts offered by local salons help prepare each child in the community with the accouterments needed for the first day of school and the year ahead.

Addiction Outreach is BRCRC's most recent addition. Community Navigator, the hub of BRCRC where calls for assistance are channeled, was overwhelmed by those phoning to seek help for issues surrounding addiction. Addiction Outreach is staffed by a trained social worker who collaborates with municipal officials and the community to provide information, support and referrals for those seeking treatment or advice regarding addiction. The program’s goal is long-term recovery.