Maureen Kendzierski, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Major Projects:

Four of our five Maine Service Fellows in the 25-26 cohort have begun their work in their communities, with the fifth scheduled to begin work in Van Buren on July 1^st.  These four members attended two days of training, spending a day in Augusta learning facilitation skills and a day in Wells developing trust building skills to improve their efficacy in developing relationships with community members at their sites.

The NGA Policy Academy convened a meeting on June 25^th and hosted leadership from service programs and workforce partners from across the state, along with representatives from MDOL, MDOE, GEO, and VM to explore possible partnerships between service programs and apprenticeship intermediaries and sponsors. This 2 hour conversation resulted in the identification of several possible partnerships with Maine Conservation Corps, Ending Hunger Corps, and Main Street Skowhegan with apprenticeship partners AGC of Maine, EducateMaine, and Educate Maine.  We wi

Reviewed and revised the logos and brand book for the Maine Service Fellows, using the imagery of the 1912 Maine state flag (pine tree and star) to intensify the association with the state of Maine while maintaining a pleasing and balanced visual.

Attended the hearing and work session for LD876, “An Act To Support Rural Resilience and Emergency Response Through The Maine Service Fellows”. Provided background information and program data to Commissioner Jenifer Tilton-Flood. If passed as written, the bill would provide funding for an additional 20 Maine Service Fellows per year through 2029.

Attended the Summit on Maine’s Economy and Climate Change at the Augusta Civic Center and participated in informative sessions, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities.

Created materials to be used in social media campaigns and web presence for Maine Service Fellows.

Issues to be aware of:

Housing is a significant barrier for Maine Service Fellows sites and members when considering participation. There is a need to develop a plan to address this issue through raising awareness, connecting with housing partner opportunities, and fundraising do develop additional stipends that would support housing for members.

Major focus of effort in new month/Ongoing:

Collaborating with National Governor’s Association, MDOL, and other partners to develop Service to Career Pathways.

Identify training opportunities for Maine Service Fellows and Site Supervisors.

Continue holding virtual meetings and collaboration between Maine Service Fellows and Maine Service Fellows Site Supervisors 2025-2026 cohort.

Connect with Maine Volunteer Foundation.

Conduct Maine Service Fellows site visits

Close out service for MSF in Norway.

Continue to collaborate with Resilient Maine

Commission board meeting on the 20^th.

Continue to develop knowledge and begin strategic planning for the next year of MSF site and Service Fellow recruitment.