Listen to the November edition of Senator King’s podcast here or on Apple Podcasts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the December episode of Senator King’s “Inside Maine” podcast – a special holiday season edition that features a timely discussion about community service, volunteerism, and how Maine people can give back to their communities this holiday season. Senator King was joined by Charley Martin-Berry, the Director of Community Caring Collaborative (CCC); Vassie Fowler, the Executive Director of Seeds of Hope; David Patch, the Commander of American Legion Post 36, Veterans Resource Center and Mid-Coast Veterans Council; and Sarah Duncan, the Executive Director of United Way Aroostook.

During the conversation, Senator King and his guests share how volunteerism has helped Maine communities weather the economic and social challenges that unfolded over the past year. Specifically, his guests highlighted the affordable housing crisis and the need for organizations to cut through red tape and bureaucracy to connect Maine people in need with food banks, shelters, and other nonprofits. Senator King and his guests also discussed the role Congress can play in promoting more community service across the country.

“Maine’s nonprofits and volunteers have always stepped up to support our neighbors and communities in need,” said Senator King. “In the face of daunting obstacles, these leaders have responded with energy, joy, and compassion – bringing light in dark moments. Their work has been critical to Maine people. During this holiday season, I hope everyone will continue to build on this work by finding a local volunteer opportunity near them. Each of us can do something to make someone’s day a little brighter. I’m deeply thankful for everything that my guests this month do for our communities, it was a pleasure to learn more about their organizations and what volunteer opportunities they offer.”

Charley Martin-Berry is the director of the Community Caring Collaborative (CCC). She leads the collaboration of state, local, and tribal partners working to improve outcomes for vulnerable Washington County community members. She previously worked at Family Futures Downeast, and led the CCC Hope Fund and Dream Fund.

Vassie Fowler is the Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. She previously served as the Assistant Director for the organization and is a long time Biddeford resident. She’s previously done work for both Community Partnerships Protecting Children and York County Community Action.

David Patch is a retired US Navy commander. He now serves as the commander of American Legion Post 36, and works with the Veterans’ Resource Center, the Mid-Coast Veterans Council, Honor Flight Maine, and Veterans No Boundaries. He also works with Congress on veterans’ issues. In his free time, he serves as a registered Maine Guide. David served in Vietnam and was also assigned to the Pentagon, where he was in charge of experimental vessels such as hydrofoils and surface-effect ships.

Sarah Duncan is the Executive Director of United Way Aroostook. She was born and raised in Presque Isle and holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and History from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She previously worked at WAGM and Townsquare Media. She is on the board of directors for 211 Maine, the Drug Free Coalition, and is a member of the Going Places Network and multiple other organizations.

In addition to his volunteer work in personal capacities, Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the importance of community service, and the need to promote community service opportunities across the country – especially AmeriCorps. He recently cosponsored the Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act, which would fund 750,000 national service positions over a three-year response and recovery period, to meet the projected need for as many as 300,000 public health workers. Under the bill, the number of AmeriCorps and national service positions could expand from 75,000 to 150,000 the first year and double to 300,000 in years two and three. He also cosponsored the Cultivating Opportunity and Recovery from the Pandemic through Service (CORPS) Act, similar legislation that would expand national service programs significantly to help the country recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

The “Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King” is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King’s work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King’s podcast airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month.

To listen to the December edition of Senator King’s podcast click HERE.