Gorman Foundation contributes to four area organizations

   The John T. Gorman Foundation is awarding $960,650 to 62 nonprofit organizations in every Maine county to provide low-income residents food, clothing, heating assistance, furniture, prescription drugs, transportation, medical care and counseling.
   The grants will benefit Mainers of all ages and will cover basic needs for residents struggling financially and will provide a variety of services for cancer patients and their families. The funding also will provide mental health counseling for some of the state’s most vulnerable groups, including young children, recent immigrants and the homeless.  

   Four local organizations each received grants in the amount of $15,000. These are the Shaw House, which provides general operating support for services, shelter and support for homeless and at-risk youth throughout five counties in Maine. Penquis, to provide funding for transportation assistance for individuals who do not have or cannot afford transportation to cancer treatment or support.
The Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, to help cover general operating support for 24-hour emergency shelter for men and women fleeing domestic violence situations. Pine Tree Hospice, with this grant going toward operating support to assist clients and families experiencing the challenges and needs that accompany end of life and bereavement.
   “The social safety net in our state is fraying due to cuts in federal and state funding,” said Tony Cipollone, president and CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation. “Our hope is that these grants will benefit the thousands of Maine residents who are struggling in a tough economy.”
   These direct service grants were started years ago by the John T. Gorman Foundation’s founder, a grandson of L.L. Bean, to meet individuals’ immediate needs. In recent years, the independent, statewide foundation, which distributes $7.5 million annually, has moved to focus more strategically on four key areas: improving educational achievement for children, promoting successful transitions to adulthood for vulnerable older youth, helping struggling parents to support their families and enabling low-income seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible.