WATERVILLE, Maine — Maine Children’s Home (MCH) announced plans for a new Center for Families during its annual celebration and recognition event on April 9 at the Waterville Elks Lodge No. 905, highlighting how community support is helping expand services for children and families across Maine.
“This celebration recognizes the partnerships and leadership that made our work possible in 2025,” said Interim Executive Director Dan Booth. “Support from across our community — from individual donors to business partnerships — allows us to continue serving children and families throughout Maine. The expansion with our Center for Families will strengthen that capacity.”
The MCH Center for Families will be located at 93 Silver Street in the Lunder Building on the organization’s campus and will bring four family-centered programs under one roof, enhancing coordination and expanding access to services.
The project builds on a nearly completed renovation of the Lunder Building, supported in part by $525,000 in federal funding secured through U.S. Senator Angus King and approved by the Appropriations Committee in 2023. The renovation modernized the 60-year-old facility with trauma-informed spaces for clinical counseling and other services, positioning MCH to meet growing demand for mental health support.
The Center for Families space will increase capacity for mental health services, allowing the organization to serve more clients and hire additional clinicians. A grand opening is planned for September 2026.
The new center reflects the support of the community members and partners recognized at the annual celebration, whose contributions advance MCH’s mission — to build and strengthen families — and make initiatives like the Center for Families possible.
Award Highlights from MCH’s annual celebration:
Marden’s Red Stocking Sales Competition Award
This award recognizes the Marden’s store that achieved the highest sales in support of the Marden’s Red Stocking Fundraiser, which helps provide winter and holiday gifts and essentials to Maine children and families through MCH. This year’s award was presented to the Waterville Marden’s store staff and customers.
MCH Champion Award
The MCH Champion Award was presented to Paul S. Goodof, a member of the board of directors, for his leadership and ongoing support of MCH.
Volunteer Service Awards
MCH also recognized volunteers for their contributions of time and service:
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Patty Brown and Heidi Owen (Rookie of the Year, 87 hours each)
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Nancy Merrill (100-Hour Club, 171 hours)
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Jeanne “Jeannie” Crocker (200-Hour Club, 271.25 hours)
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Cynthia “Cindy” Glynn (300-Hour Club, 308 hours)