Penquis- Helping Today Building Tomorrow

08/31/2026

We were pleased to welcome Senator Susan Collins to Penquis' new Bright Beginnings Child Development Center last week for a tour of the facility and an opportunity to learn more about this important resource for children, families, and our community.

During her visit, Senator Collins met with staff and toured the center to see firsthand how Bright Beginnings is expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and child care.

We are grateful to Senator Collins for taking the time to visit and hear directly about the positive impact Bright Beginnings and Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care programs are having on children and families across our region.

08/27/2026

✨ Attention Brewer families! Pre-K openings are available for the 2026-2027 school year at Brewer Community School Head Start/Pre-K.

Give your child a strong start with a caring learning environment, healthy meals, family engagement opportunities, and a research-based curriculum designed to prepare children for kindergarten.

✅ Children must be 4 years old by October 15, 2026
📍 Located at Brewer Community School

Call (207) 404-5700 or scan the QR code on the flyer to apply today!

08/25/2026

Check your mailbox for important updates regarding your Mainecare coverage!

📣Check your mail!

Our partners at the Office for Family Independence () are sending MaineCare Expansion members—adults who are between 19 and 64 years old and don't meet Social Security disability guidelines or have Medicare—an outreach letter this week about the upcoming changes to MaineCare eligibility happening in 2027.

Members who have opted in to e-noticing should receive the letter in their My Maine Connection accounts this week. Paper letters are also being mailed this week to members not opted into e-noticing.

🔗Find more information about the upcoming changes at MaineCare.gov/work.

08/25/2026

Our Penquis “STARS” (staff thanking, acknowledging, and recognizing staff) Committee came up with the idea of having any Penquis staff be able to win a chance to have lunch with one of our three Chief Officers.

Our President and CEO Kara Hay couldn’t have been happier to have had a delicious lunch at the Atlantic Bakery in Rockland this afternoon with Family Support Coach Trish Pendleton. 💜

08/25/2026

We have openings in our Behavioral Health Home Organization Program!

Behavioral Health Home Organization provides individualized treatment plans for children and adults based on the client’s personal needs. These can include basic, mental and behavioral health, and medical needs as well as housing, education, vocation, finance, socialization, and development of natural peer supports.

Eligibility
For adults: 18 years of age or older, who have a mental health diagnosis and MaineCare
For children: 2 to 21 years of age, who have a DHHS approved mental health or intellectual disability diagnosis and MaineCare

For more information about BHH go to: https://www.penquis.org/.../behavioral-health-disability.../
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Penquis1/BHHReferralRequestForm

08/20/2026

We’re hiring a Facilities Technician in the Bangor area! 🔧
Interested in joining the team? For more information and to apply, click the link below! 👇 We look forward to hearing from you!

https://www.penquis.org/employment/jobs/24

08/19/2026

Penquis CEO Kara Hay visited WABI TV5 this week to share how the Penquis Foster Grandparent Program has been building meaningful connections that benefit both children and older adults. ❤️ Learn how these dedicated volunteers are making a difference in the lives of young people across Maine and why we're looking for more volunteers to join this rewarding program. https://www.wabi.tv/2026/08/17/foster-program-penquis-builds-connections-between-older-adults-children/

For more information on becoming a Foster Grandparent, visit https://www.penquis.org/programs/foster-grandparent-program or contact Maria Staples at 973-3611 or [email protected].

The program first began in 1965 and pairs adults age 55 and older with children and youth who have special, exceptional, or at-risk needs.

08/19/2026

We're proud to see Penquis CEO Kara Hay featured in UMaine Alumni Magazine! In "Leading with her Heart," Kara shares her journey from UMaine student to nonprofit leader and her passion for strengthening Maine communities through service and advocacy. Congratulations, Kara, on this well-deserved recognition! 💙

🔗 Read the story: https://www.umainealumni.com/category-alumni/leading-with-her-heart/

08/17/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of William "Bill" Thompson, a dedicated member of the Penquis Board of Directors and a passionate advocate for our community.

Bill believed deeply in the power of service and the importance of creating opportunities for others. Through his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping people thrive, he helped strengthen Penquis and deepen our impact on individuals, families, and communities across our service area.

More than a board member, Bill was a trusted advisor, thoughtful leader, and friend whose steady presence and generous spirit touched many lives. His contributions will continue to be felt through the work we do and the people we serve.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are grateful for his years of service and the legacy of compassion and community he leaves behind.

To learn more about Bill's life and legacy, please read his obituary:

View William E "Bill" Thompson's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

08/07/2026