A Week in the Life of Mano en Mano- August 2-6, 2021
And just like that, August has begun! This week was sprinkled with ‘firsts’- our first day of School, our first delivery of learning kits, and the first field trip of the summer!
This week the team at Mano en Mano rallied together to provide educational, health, and social support to our growing community- and had some fun along the way! Please read a bit more below to learn about the work that Mano en Mano did from August 2- 6, 2021.
The Blueberry Harvest School has finally begun!
Blueberry Harvest School (BHS)- School is in session! This week was the first week of school for our students and teachers at BHS. This year we are holding BHS at the Milbridge Elementary School, and are excited to report that we have more than 50 students enrolled!
This year's theme is ‘Creative Community,’ and both teachers and students are embracing their creative sides as we celebrate all of the unique cultures, languages and identities of our students. Students have been taking part in activities that have them using their creativity to practice problem solving, science, and art! From pasta tower construction, to slime making, to collage creation, students were busy learning new things and celebrating their unique skills.
We also went on our first field trip of the summer! BHS students and teachers went to Donnell Pond for a day of fun in the sun. Students swam, played football, caught frogs, and even saw a bald eagle flying over the beach. Fun was had by all, and everyone was sad to end the day and hike through the forest back to the bus. There are two more weeks of BHS so stay tuned for more!
Camp Services- The Camp Services team was busy supporting students who cannot attend BHS, and getting families just arriving to the area signed up for services. Families with children ages 0-20 received educational resources with activity kits that included books with discussion questions, games, and other enrichment activities. Throughout the summer, the Camp Services team will be visiting our students and leading them in both educational and recreational activities.
Access and Advocacy- Our Access and Advocacy team was hard at work to provide support in accessing food, clothes, and information about resources to individuals and families arriving in the Downeast. Last week, our team distributed 287 food boxes to people in the Downeast area. Our team went the distance, delivering boxes throughout Hancock and Washington Counties directly to the individuals we serve. This work is key to making sure that our services reach individuals and families that may lack transportation, and have limited resources to access both food and information.
We also held another Welcome and Resource Fair in partnership with the Maine Seacoast Mission in Cherryfield. Representatives from Pine Tree Legal, Maine Mobile Health Program, and Preble Street were in attendance. Mano en Mano staff worked to provide each attendee with clothes, toiletries, fresh eggs and veggies and non-perishable food items. All attendees are provided with Mano en Manos contact information in the case that they require additional support or information during their time in Maine.
COVID-19 Social Support- Mano en Mano has been working to support both families and individuals that have received a positive COVID test with a safe and comfortable place to quarantine at our quarantine shelter in Bangor. Staff at the shelter have also been working to collect donations or warm clothes, toiletry items, and shoes for workers arriving to Maine.
The Mano en Mano team worked to distribute information about COVID testing and vaccines throughout Franklin and Washington Counties.
The first week of August was a busy one, and we are excited to see what the rest of the month holds!
Stay tuned for more information about our programs and please reach out to Emma with any questions (emma.mcdowell@manomaine.org)
