ELLSWORTH

Over the course of the past year Ellsworth Area Communities for Children has continued to focus on bringing people together to support children and youth in their community. The highlights of the year included the funding and start up of a voluntary early home visiting program for Hancock County families having their first babies.

Parents Are Teachers Too is another program that has come to fruition after more than 18 months work by a collaborative that was supported and facilitated by the Ellsworth Communities for Children.

Information about early brain development and the importance of the first years of life was shared on 24 occasions for 302 individuals from groups including adult education classes, parent groups, child care providers, high school students, legislators, a school board and volunteer drivers for a community action program.

Jack Turcotte, Superintendent of the Ellsworth Schools said, "I, for one, believe we forget the importance of those early years. Everyone should hear the message not only once, but often."

In relation to positive youth development, the Ellsworth Area Communities for Children received $4000 in Keeping Kids on Track funds from United Way of Eastern Maine. Led by committee chair, high school sophomore Caitlin Henderson, the committee awarded six mini-grants. The grants were for proposals ranging from a positive male role model program to after school activities and the completion of a ball field.

This C4C is near completion of an asset survey project. A checklist of statements reflecting the five promises made to children and youth was generated by a committee of community youth and adults. (sample question for a healthy start: "I liked school when I started kindergarten;" sample question for safe places: "My friends parent(s) like to have me around").

The survey was completed by 350 middle and high school students in the Ellsworth schools. Surveys are being analyzed and the data organized by an Ellsworth High School psychology class of 30 juniors and seniors.

The Ellsworth Area C4C continued to support the growth and development of the Ellsworth Area Community Center through fund raising and community awareness activities. The center provides after school and weekend programs for youth and a place for community programs and activities.