Providing help and creating hope in Maine
Portland, ME – The Maine Association of Nonprofits presented its annual Maine Philanthropy Awards during its fourth annual leadership conference at Colby College on Tuesday, April 11, 2012. Long-time Catholic Charities of Maine volunteer and L/A resident Laurier “Larry” Lachance was named Philanthropist of the Year for Central Maine.
Lachance’s commitment to service has been a lifelong passion. He has been an active volunteer for 34 years and as a current volunteer for Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) program, he has devoted countless hours to elderly clients with disabilities.
His tenure with SEARCH began in 1979 when he began paying weekly visits to his first client, “Roko,” a Lithuanian immigrant and former concentration camp inmate. He continued to visit Roko once a week for 17 years until Roko’s death in 1995. Lachance has since assisted numerous elders with daily assistance while also providing the emotional and moral support they needed.
“Larry exemplifies the true spirit of Catholic Charities, he gives of himself with all his heart and soul and wants to see the elders in his community thrive,” said Stephen P. Letourneau, CEO. “We are proud to count him among our ranks and thrilled to have him receive this honor,” he added.
Lachance’s stewardship of the SEARCH program over the past decades has enabled it to flourish into what it has become today. Through his leadership SEARCH has expanded its offerings to include a Meals Together program that allows elderly seniors in the community to enjoy the company of others while dining at a local restaurant. He was also instrumental in implementing a heating oil assistance fund meeting a critical need during Maine’s harsh winters.
In addition to his work for SEARCH, Lachance volunteers on the Parish Council at Holy Family Catholic Church and also served many years on the Lewiston School Committee. He currently he works for United Ambulance Service’s Wheelchair Transportation Division as a driver.
Contact: Kathy Mockler, Catholic Charities Maine, 781-8550 / kmockler@ccmaine.org
For over 45 years, Catholic Charities has provided high-quality, community-based, social services to people of all faiths, beliefs, and economic backgrounds. As one of the largest human service agencies in the state, we are committed to helping children and adults overcome adversity and achieve self-sufficiency. To learn more, please visit www.ccmaine.org or call 1-800-781-8550.
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