The Maine Sea Coast Mission, founded in 1905 in Bar Harbor, touches the lives of thousands of people living on islands and in coastal communities in Downeast Maine.

The Mission addresses long term problems in Maine through innovative program initiatives. Its scholarship program focuses on students who show promise, but have limited resources and might not otherwise go to college. Island Health Services utilizes the latest technology to provide health care to the residents of islands. In the EdGE program, almost 500 children in grades four through twelve in 17 communities are provided with after-school and summer programs designed to improve academic performance, build character, and instill self-confidence.

The Mission also continues to provide a spiritual presence on the islands. The minister on board the Sunbeam V provides counseling, spiritual support, and Sunday church services to the residents of Great Cranberry, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Monhegan, and Matinicus islands. The Mission supports churches on Islesboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Swan’s islands which enable them to remain open year round and to provide a variety of services to island residents. The Mission works towards finding common ground between fishermen in Maine’s coastal and island communities and federal, state, and nonprofit groups seeking to protect fishing stocks.

In addition, Mission programs respond to basic needs through its broad range of services including emergency financial assistance, food pantries, clothing assistance, a senior-companion program, and home repairs and weatherization. Finally, the Mission continues a tradition of providing over 18,000 Christmas presents to particularly individuals who would otherwise have a bleak Christmas.

The Maine Sea Coast Mission remains committed to meeting the immediate and long term needs of residents of island and coastal communities of Downeast Maine. It strives to make the slogan, “Maine: The Way Life Should Be,” a reality.

Watch the Maine Sea Coast Misison video. http://www.seacoastmission.org/maine_sea_coast_mission_2.html