Rebekah Paredes, executive director at New Hope Midcoast, will step down from the position this week after seven years at the helm. 

“Rebekah has led the organization with compassion and vision,” said Sarah Post, chair of the New Hope Midcoast Board of Directors. “We wish her the best in her new position, although we will certainly miss her steady leadership. During her tenure, Rebekah worked with the board to create a community-inclusive strategic plan which established priorities that will continue to guide the organization as we move forward.”

“It has been the honor of my career to work alongside such a dedicated and mission-driven staff and board,” said Paredes, who is relocating to North Carolina, where she will head a children’s advocacy center. “Together, we navigated intense moments of change and growth, including the early days of the pandemic, when we rapidly transitioned from in-person to virtual services while maintaining our 24/7 helpline and essential support. I have no doubt that the organization will continue to thrive and innovate in service of survivors of domestic abuse and families throughout the Midcoast.”

Post announced that Hannah Harter-Ives, residential services director, and Erin Young, finance and administrative services director, have been named Acting Co-Executive Directors, effective Dec. 11. The organization will launch a national search for the next full-time executive director over the next few weeks, with a goal to fill the position within six months.

“We’ve developed an interim plan that will be led by a skilled team,” said Post, “and we’re heading into the search process with the organization in very capable hands.” 

New Hope Midcoast has a long-standing leadership team that, together with the board of directors, is dedicated to its mission to support survivors of abuse. Following a name change and rebranding in 2021, the organization expanded its services for survivors of domestic abuse, strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement, and experienced steady financial growth. The organization will maintain all current services, including residential and legal support; a 24/7 helpline; and a community education and prevention program.

New Hope Midcoast is one of Maine’s regional Domestic Violence Resource Centers and a member of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. The nonprofit organization supports people impacted by domestic abuse, dating violence and stalking through housing and legal advocacy, education and prevention programs, and a 24/7 helpline. New Hope empowers clients by providing options and treating everyone with care and respect. The organization serves Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties.