United Way of Eastern Maine’s ‘Agency of Distinction’ awarded to Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance

    Each year, the United Way of Eastern Maine recognizes an agency that goes above and beyond, with the award of Agency of Distinction. This year’s recognition was given to Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, an organization operating high quality programs which have great impact on the clients they serve.  Every day, Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance works with individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by domestic abuse.

Photo courtesy of Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance

DISTINGUISHED AGENCY — Members of the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance accepting the United Way of Eastern Maine’s Agency of Distinction Award recently in Bangor were, from left, Catherine Kerr, Debbie Somers, Anne Schoenherger, Amada Cost, Leslie Forstadt and Don Cookson.

    Incorporated in 1973 in Penobscot County, Spruce Run was the first domestic violence organization in Maine and the third in the entire country. With support and guidance from Spruce Run, Womancare incorporated in 1979 to assist abuse victims in Piscataquis County.
    Since those early beginnings, both organizations have changed tens of thousands of lives and have worked to foster communities that aim to prevent and actively respond to domestic violence. During that time both organizations have often collaborated with each other for assistance in dealing with domestic abuse.
    In 2013, faced with the changing landscape of the state resource distribution to domestic violence programs, Spruce Run and Womancare decided to address the issue head on and embarked upon the ultimate collaboration, merging to form the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance serving Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
    The formal partnership allows the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance to provide crisis intervention services such as the 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter; self-sufficiency services such as support and education groups and transitional housing. They are also working to impact the root of the issue through their youth education programs.
    “The people who work for Spruce Run-Womancare are some of the most passionate and compassionate people you will ever meet, truly devoted to ending personal, institutional and community violence. Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance is a community treasure and we are honored to call them a partner,” said Shirar Patterson of the United Way of Eastern Maine in presenting the “Agency of Distinction Award” to the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance on May 28 in Bangor.