Providing help and creating hope in Maine
Augusta, ME – Julie Abbot was recognized as Volunteer of the Year at the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism on Monday, April 24th at the State House in Augusta. A resident of Gorham, Abbott has volunteered in Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry program for five years operating the emergency assistance hotline, Relief and Hope.
“Julie is truly a beacon of hope for our callers,” said Michael Smith, Director of Mission at Catholic Charities. “She responds to each and every caller with the utmost respect and compassion and goes above and beyond to try and ensure their needs are met,” he added.
In 2016 alone, Abbott helped more than 550 callers and logged more than 380 hours with Catholic Charities. In addition to answering calls, she created and maintains a database of resources in the community to ensure she has the most up to date information to try and meet folks’ needs.
“Volunteering is just a way of life for me,” noted Abbott; “while this Award is certainly an honor and a wonderful surprise, the true reward is knowing that I’ve been able to help others in their time of need.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Julie Abbott of Gorham (center) accepts the Volunteer of the Year at the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism. Abbott is flanked by John Portela, the Chair of the ME Commission for Community Service (left) and First Lady of Maine, Ann LePage (right) and emcee Irv Marsters (far right).
About Catholic Charities Maine
Since 1966 Catholic Charities Maine has been focusing some of Maine’s most complex issues — mental health, substance abuse, quality care for children and seniors, food insecurity and helping refugees rebuild their lives. While inspired by scripture and the Church’s social teaching, the state-wide social service Agency serves individuals and families regardless of faith and helped to empower and strengthen more than 55,000 people in Maine last year alone through its 20+ programs and services. For more information, visit www.ccmaine.org
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