March 15, 2020
Dear friends, neighbors, and community partners,
We have been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) and sorting through the recommendations associated with minimizing the risk of spreading the virus. With that in mind, as of March 16, 2020, out of concern for the health and well-being of Partners for Peace staff, volunteers, and the survivors and community members we serve, all Partners for Peace in-person services have been paused at least until the end of March or until further notice. Our 24-hour helpline will remain open and available to anyone affected by abuse or violence, including community partners, at 1-800-863-9909.
What exactly does this mean?
Partners for Peace’s Bangor and Dover-Foxcroft Resource Centers are closed to the public until further notice. All Outreach Office Hours have been canceled, including drop-in hours in Greenville, Milo, Millinocket, Dexter, and UMaine. All Partners for Peace support and education groups are on pause. In-person advocacy services are not available at this time including court accompaniment, shelter/housing advocacy, hospital advocacy, child protective support, etc. Support over the phone for these services is available through the helpline. All Partners for Peace events, trainings, and presentations have been postponed until further notice, including the Annual Meeting Dinner scheduled for March 19th. We will be limiting staff travel and conducting as much Partners for Peace business as usual via technology.
We will be frequently re-evaluating and examining this plan as circumstances change and as we learn more about the status of this pandemic. We will continue to use the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and the State of Maine. We will communicate any change of plans on our Website Home Page and Facebook Page.
We recognize the inconvenience and possible hardship this may cause for survivors and community members trying to access our support. We are aware that the levels of fear and concern vary among members of our community. We are open to the fact that we will all experience the effects of this pandemic in different ways. Please know that our advocates are only a phone call away, 24/7.
If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Facilitative
Director, Amanda Cost, at 207-825-3117 or acost@partnersforpeaceme.org.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Amanda Cost