New Hope for Women, Midcoast Maine’s only domestic violence resource center since 1981, is pairing with area banks for a Matching Challenge Campaign. Damariscotta Bank & Trust, First National Bank, Midcoast Federal Credit Union and TD Bank have donated a total of $2,750 to keep local communities safe from the enduring effects of domestic violence. New Hope for Women asks community members to match this amount through contributions made between May 5^th through May 19^th.

With offices in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo Counties, New Hope for Women offers advocacy, prevention and education services to the many individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Helpline support and phone advocacy are at the core of the agency’s support services and remain unchanged throughout the crisis; the helpline continues to operate 24/7 and the newly-implemented chat service is now available from 9-5 weekdays.

“This Matching Challenge Campaign provides a unique opportunity to work together on an issue that has long permeated our communities and threatens to exponentially worsen during these days of the COVID-19 quarantine. Local banks are stepping up, and we hope that community members will double the impact through their own donations,” states Executive Director, Rebekah Paredes.  Paredes notes that COVID-19 mandates and added stress from the pandemic may compound the isolation victims experience and have resulted in higher rates of domestic violence nationwide. Monies raised from the Matching Challenge Campaign will fund services provided during the pandemic including sheltering, staffing the helpline, increased technology and expenses for personal protective equipment.

For more information, email jlemole@newhopeforwomen.org. Donations to the Matching Challenge Campaign may be made online at newhopeforwomen.org or by mailing checks to New Hope for Women, P.O. Box A, Rockland, Maine 04841.